More than 60 sponsors and 1,400 runners step up for charities
Piedmont Triad, NC – For nine years, runners have stepped out onto the 9,000-foot runway at Piedmont Triad International Airport to attempt a personal best time on the flat course and to raise money for charities supported by the annual run. This year, no one was disappointed.
On a cool Saturday morning on March 24, 1,400 runners participated in the annual 5K and 10K runs, the mile walk and a kids’ dash. By the time the last competitor crossed the finish line, sponsors supporting the event had contributed $130,000 to address hunger in the Piedmont Triad. Additionally, participants had brought hundreds of non-perishable food items to support the cause.
Airport Authority Chairman Steve Showfety could not have been more pleased.
“The airport initiated this event to introduce the community to the new runway and to find a novel way to connect the airport with the greater Piedmont Triad,’’ he said. “But now, we have raised more than $100,000 for three years in a row to help the hungry among us. The community’s response to this event has been overwhelming and heart-warming.”
Proceeds from the ninth annual PTI 5K/10k Run on the Runway will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, Greensboro Urban Ministry and Open Door Ministries of High Point. These organizations provide food assistance to Piedmont Triad residents.
“Paul and May Gayle Mengert, who were Event Co-Chairs for the run the past three years, were responsible for fundraising,” Showfety said. “They took the responsibility seriously and have taken this event to a new level. We are very grateful to both of them for their leadership.”
“We were able to raise more than $100,000 for three years in a row,” said Paul Mengert, CEO of Association Management Group and a member of the Airport Authority. “We owe a lot of that success to our presenting sponsor, VF Corporation, and our other key sponsors who have really stepped up to address this pressing need.”
In addition to the registration fee, participants in the 5K and 10K were asked to bring two non-perishable food items. Between the donated food items and the money provided by sponsors, the event will give a boost to area food pantries.
“Thanks to this event, Second Harvest Food Bank and our network of partner agencies will be able to provide more than 910,0000 meals to the many who, unfortunately, have far too little to eat,” said Clyde Fitzgerald, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. “We are grateful that the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority has asked us, Greensboro Urban Ministries and Open Door Ministries of High Point, to partner with them on this event.”
VF Corporation was the presenting sponsor for the event. Ilderton Dodge, Honda Aircraft Company, Patheon, Cone Health, HAECO Americas, and HMS Foundation were also key sponsors. In all, more than 60 businesses and organizations helped to sponsor the 2018 PTI 5K/10K Run on the Runway. Media Partners were Fairway Outdoor Advertising, WGHP Fox 8, Rock 92 and WKZL.
“We would like to thank the sponsors, our charity partners and the many volunteers who gave generously of their time to help us put on this event,” Showfety said. “This is a regional airport and this was truly a regional effort that will benefit many, many people.”
A reception to honor the sponsor will be held September 20, 2018 in the PTI Airport main concourse. The event will be open to the public.
For Immediate Release: March 29, 2018
Contact: Stephanie Freeman freemans@gsoair.org 336-665-6544