HEROES RUN PRESENTS $7,600 DONATIONS TO FAMILIES News Release: February 3, 2011 Contact: Elizabeth Menhart, Communications Director/Tourism (724-852-5210)
WAYNESBURG, PA — The sponsors and organizers of the 2010 Heroes Run/Walk today presented the families of two Greene County servicemen killed in Iraq with more than $15,000 to benefit memorial scholarship funds established in the men’s honor.
The fourth annual Heroes Run/Walk, held Sept. 18 along the Greene River Trail, raised $15,382.24 for memorial funds established in the names of Army Spc. Gregory Cox of Carmichaels and Marine Lance Cpl. Steven Phillips of Spraggs, both of whom were killed in Humvee accidents in Iraq. Cox, 21, died in September 2004, and Phillips, 27, died in February 2006. More than 400 runners and walkers turned out for the event.
"We are so proud that this event has grown," said Greene County Commissioner Pam Snyder, chair of the Board of Commissioners. “Last year was our biggest and best year yet, and we look forward to continuing to break our fundraising and attendance records."
The proceeds from Heroes Run are divided equally between the Cox and Phillips families. The disbursement to each family from the 2010 race is $7,691.12.
"Heroes Run is a great cause," said Director of Recreation Jake Blaker. "These families lost their sons in Iraq, and we started this event so that their names would never be forgotten."
The commissioners, Blaker, and representatives from the Heroes Run/Walk committee and Wal-Mart, a major sponsor of the 2010 event, presented a check to the Cox family during the commissioners’ regular meeting Thursday.
John and Mary Anne Cox have earmarked the full $7,691.12 for their son’s scholarship fund. The Spc. Gregory A. Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund assists Greene County high school graduates entering the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps or the fields of public safety or public service.
Jim and Paulette Phillips were unable to attend Thursday’s presentation. The Lance Cpl. Steven Phillips Memorial Fund provides support for the computer-aided drafting program at the Greene County Career and Technology Center. The fund will receive $6,152.89, and $1,538.23 will be donated to the Greene County Veterans Council to support van drivers transporting county veterans to the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System clinic in Pittsburgh.
The two memorial funds are handled by the Community Foundation of Greene County.
The fifth annual Heroes Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17, along the Greene River Trail. For more information, call the Department of Recreation at 724-852-5323.
Pictured, from l. to r., are Commissioner Chuck Morris; Crystal Moskyok, Wal-Mart store manager; Marcy Sloneker, Wal-Mart district manager; Mary Anne and John Cox; Commissioner Pam Snyder; Jake Blaker, director of recreation; Pam Blaker, parks and recreation manager; Elizabeth Menhart, communications/tourism director; Commissioner Archie Trader; and Charlotte Popielarcheck, assistant chief clerk.
For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
