(Oneida, NY – June 2015) The YMCA of the Greater Tri Valley has announced that it will hold the 2015 Frank DiChristina Memorial Walk on July 18 at the Oneida Family Y. This non-competitive 5K walk is designed to raise much needed monies for the Y’s Annual Heroes Campaign as well as honor the memory of Frank “Coach D” DiChristina and raise awareness for the Y programs and services he so strongly supported.
Prior to his passing in 2013, Frank was a long time employee, friend and mentor at the Oneida Family Y as well as a legendary figure in the Central New York community. During his 41 years at Chittenango High School, Frank always loved to help students achieve their goals, so it was a natural transition for him to work at the YMCA, helping people from all walks of life improve their minds and bodies. In October 2013, the YMCA honored Frank by naming the Oneida Wellness Center after him.
At the Y no one is turned away for their inability to pay. The 2015 Frank DiChristina Memorial Walk raises monies for the Y’s Annual Heroes Campaign that annually awards $190,000 in financial assistance to families in need.
“The Frank DiChristina Memorial Walk is a great opportunity to honor the memory of Frank, who brought much joy to Y, and raise funds for the Annual Heroes Campaign,” said Hank Leo, CEO of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley. “Thanks to the generosity of our communities we are able to directly help those in need and change the lives of local children and their families.”
The non-competitive 5K walk will begin and end at the Oneida Family located at 701 Seneca St. in Oneida. A one (1) mile loop will serve as an alternative for those who are interested in a shorter option. The registration fee is $20 for adults and includes an event t-shirt. Children 12 and under are free. Youth t-shirts are available for $10.00.
To register for this event visit the Oneida Family Y or Rome Family Y or register online at www.ymcatrivalley.org. For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities please connect with Jennifer Cossette, Event and Marketing Coordinator, at (315) 336-3500 x 229 or jcossette@ymcatrivalley.org.