October 11, 2007 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Run caps 20 years with final dinner dance
by JENNIFER KATZ

As the Run for the Hill of It prepares to cross the finish line after 20 years, organizers announced Wednesday that the Montgomery County Advocacy Project will take over the USATF-sanctioned and certified 5K run and 1-mile fun walk beginning next year.

Beth Breault and Mark McMahon have co-chaired the run for the last several years and were in charge of reviewing proposals from agencies vying for the run.

“What we liked about MCAP is that their entire mission is about children,” Breault said.

MCAP is a nonprofit organization based in Norristown that provides free legal representation to children who are the victims of abuse and neglect. Mary Pugh, administrative director of MCAP, oversees 140 volunteer lawyers who provide pro bono help to these abused children.

“MCAP is the voice of the children who otherwise would not have a voice,” Pugh said.

Pugh was familiar with the Run for the Hill of It as a participant for many years and seized the opportunity to bring the fundraiser under MCAP’s wing.

“The run is an opportunity to raise community awareness of what we do and a way to allow people to get involved,” she said. “The outlying community doesn’t know what a resource we are for children.”

Pugh said MCAP does not intend to move the run or change it in any significant way.

“Why mess with it,” Pugh said. “It’s perfect the way it is.”

The announcement comes just weeks before the Friends of Erik, original founders of the run, is preparing to host its last dinner dance on Oct. 27 to complete this year’s fundraising efforts on behalf of the Snyder family.

Tracey Snyder, a 14-year-old from Pitman, N.J. and her family were chosen as this year’s beneficiary. Snyder was born with four different heart ailments, known as William’s syndrome, and had to have open-heart surgery at a very young age. She also suffers from developmental delays and severe scoliosis.

In July the run raised $45,000 for Snyder and her family. Breault said she would like to see the dinner dance garner another $10,000.

Phil Martelli, mens’ basketball coach at St. Joseph University, will again MC the evening event featuring the return of local band Six Pack and the perennial silent auction.

Friends of Erik board member Barbara Mattleman said the dinner dance was more than a fundraiser.

“This event will be really special for Tracey and her family,” Mattleman said. “We send a limousine to pick up the family. It’s really a chance for them and all of us to celebrate their special child.”

Tickets to the 20th Annual and Final Friends of Erik Run For the Hill of It dance and auction cost $65 in advance and $75 at the door. For more information, visit www.runforthehillofit.org.