On the bright and beautiful first Sunday in October, more than 300 men and women and over 40 enthusiastic “pee wee” racers came out to Prospect Park to cross the finish line at the 4th Annual Liz Padilla Memorial 5k, organized by the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project to honor the legacy of a remarkable colleague.
The weather was glorious, the turn-out was larger than ever before and the now well-known, fun-filled event resulted in close to $20,000 in essential funding for the VLP’s ongoing pro bono legal service programs. In addition, the funds raised will fully fund the 2010 Liz Padilla Cornell Law School Fellowship, established by the VLP Board in September 2005. This year the very popular Kids Corner attracted many new participants for the race, thanks to the creative and energetic team of Arista volunteers from Stuyvesant High School under the direction of Sophia Abbot, a Stuyvesant student and VLP intern.
BBA President-Elect Andrea Bonina served as Chair of the event, as she has since its inception in 2005. Fern J. Finkel served as Co-Chair. The hard-working Race Committee, which succeeded in increasing both attendance and sponsorships, included BBA Past President Mark Longo; Michelle Stern, BBA Director of Continuing Education; Lisa Harris of Santoriella, DiTomaso P.C.; VLP CLE Director Kate Evanciew; Jaye Seidlin; Sandra Ferrara; and Sophia Abbot, as well as members of the Padilla family and the entire VLP staff. The 2009 Race was under the direction of Karen Rosenberg of Empire Events Group.
Presenting Sponsor for the 2009 Liz Padilla 5k was TD Bank, reflecting TD’s strong commitment to the well-being of the Brooklyn community. The Awards Tent was sponsored by Lynn Judell and Steve Wolf. Mile Marker Sponsors were Bonina & Bonina P.C.; Cullen & Dykman LLP; Emigrant Bank; and Godosky & Gentile, P.C. The BBA Foundation; the BBA Lawyer Referral Service; Longo & D’Apice, Esqs; and Esquire Bank sponsored the Water and Refreshment Stations.
The many and diverse T-shirt sponsors included:
Gregory Cerchione; Lawrence DiGiovanna; Doyaga & Schaefer; Domenick Napoletano; the Seneca Club of Kings County; Signature Bank; Diamond Reporting; Gotham Government Relations; Inspirica Tours; Park Slope Day Camp; Transportation Alternatives; the Gittens Family and the Padilla Family.
Over 50 participants from On Your Mark, a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive services to adults and children with a wide range of abilities and disabilities, celebrated as they crossed the finish line and received medals to mark their accomplishment. On You Mark has participated in the 5k since its inception.
