Last Sunday – on August 21 – 58 Team JAF runners crossed the finish line of the 44th Annual New Balance Falmouth Road Race, donning Joe Andruzzi Foundation singlets for the 7-mile, scenic Cape Cod race.
It’s hard to believe this was our fifth consecutive year fielding a team for the event – it feels like it was just yesterday that we ran our first FRR. Each year just keeps getting better and better.
In fact, we’re excited to announce that Team JAF’s 2016 Falmouth Road Race runners collectively raised more than $92,000 (and counting!) throughout this year’s campaign – allowing us to assist 130+ new cancer patients in need of financial relief! Also, it means that our Falmouth Road Race teams have crossed the $400,000 mark in all-time fundraising throughout our five races.
I
n spite of warm temperatures reaching close to 80 degrees by start time, Team JAF runners took to the Woods Hole course with vigor and determination – and, of course, an (Up)Beat attitude.
To our incredible runners: please know that there is nothing more selfless in life than sacrificing time, money, and sweat for a greater purpose, and we want you to know just how much we appreciate it. Our 2016 Falmouth Road Race team is filled with humble, modest personalities, but please do take a moment to reflect, and take pride in, all that you’ve done for those in need. Your hard work will provide much-needed relief for our patients and their families throughout the year, and for that we will forever be grateful.
Please help us send a huge congratulations to our top five finishers, who pushed themselves to the limit in support of JAF’s mission: 1) Brittany Chlebek, 2) Jack Wheeler, 3) Matthew Morgan, 4) Samantha Lyons and 5) Martin Bowes. In addition, we want to recognize our top five fundraisers who went above and beyond the minimum donation: 1) Michael Garofalo, 2) Joe and Erin DeStefano, 3) Peter Hourihan, 4) Matthew Morgan, and 5) Casey Ford/Tava Sternberg. It was truly an inspiring effort by all of our runners. The Foundation and our patient families thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
The fun didn’t end at the finish line, though! Once again, our team gathered at the Kelley family’s beautiful back yard for a celebratory post-race barbeque, where Team JAF, their families and their friends could kick-off their shoes and salute the hard work the put into this year’s race. Thank you to the amazing Kelley family for once again hosting us, and for being incredible supporters of our mission!
We also want to thank our amazing partners and supporters that made our 2016 Falmouth campaign possible: FRR’s Numbers for Nonprofits Program for granting us bibs for the race; New Balance, for our awesome singlets and hats; our Team JAF cheer groups who lined the race course, giving our runners an extra boost; and everyone who contributed to putting the post-race party together, including Patty Kelley, The Sausage Guy, BODYARMOR, Carvossa Disposal, Busy Bee Jumpers & Tents, and United Site Services! We can’t thank you all enough!
Still want to make a contribution to Team JAF or an individual runner? Our fundraising pages will be up until September 29, and donations can be made at: http://bit.ly/2aJnNU4
Couldn’t make it to Falmouth for the race? Check out photos from the day on our Facebook page here.
And, once more – thank you to our amazing runners: we could not be more thrilled to have you as ambassadors of our foundation, and all that you do to further our mission. The sacrifice and commitment you have made for those in need is inspiring, and perfectly mirrors our mission.
See you next year!
– Jen and Joe Andruzzi
