If you were following my Twitter feed yesterday, you probably saw that I was feeling a little bit under the weather. I really don't like taking sick days because I wind up missing out on news and having to play catch-up. That's what we're doing in these next two posts.

In December, I wrote about the Saratoga County Veterans Trust and Agency Fund, which the Board of Supervisors created to help local veterans and their families. Needy veterans can apply to use the funds for anything from medical bills to college textbooks.

The fund currently sits at about $1,500, Saratoga County Veterans' Service Agency Director Andrew Davis said, but he's setting a pretty lofty goal to bump that up to $50,000 by the end of December. There's no taxpayer money in play; the fund relies solely on donations and fundraisers.

After the jump, tentative details on a fundraiser — and how you can donate.



For donations, I'll rely on my December story:

Davis said individuals can donate through the Saratoga County treasurer’s office, attention Saratoga County Veterans Trust and Agency Fund.

 For the fundraiser, new information:

There's a tentative plan to hold a five-mile run on Nov. 10 through Saratoga and Schuylerville. Davis said the course will link the monuments in those communities — an appropriate course for the day before Veterans Day.

It is a five-mile run, not a 5K, because runners have said "there's too many 5Ks," according to Davis. The Veterans' Service Agency is looking to get the course certified by the United States Track and Field Association, which should help in marketing and attracting runners.

They'd like to draw between 300 and 500 runners in the inaugural event, Davis with the ultimate goal of turning it into an annual happening that grows in size.

I'd imagine this is entirely possible — look at how wildly popular the First Night 5K has gotten over the years. A couple hundred runners on a Saturday in November should be no problem, knock on wood. The day will also feature a mile fun run for kids, another draw.

Some sponsors have been lined up that should help offset the cost of throwing the event, which would allow runner registration fees to go directly to the trust fund. Additional sponsorship requests will go out in a couple of weeks, Davis said.

If you're interested in sponsoring the event, or for more information on how to donate, contact Davis at 884-4115.


Until next time,

MC