Brandon Rebert took a quick, long lead in the 2022 GLOW Arc Friends and Family 5K in Elba. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
Come down to Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba to walk, run, skip, or jump to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Arc GLOW is hosting its 19th annual Friends & Family 5K and Fun Walk on September 16. It's an event that gives people of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to participate. It also welcomes and embraces the participation of the people Arc GLOW serves, aligning with its mission to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and community.
Taste of Country, the signature event within the Friends and Family 5K, features a wonderful display of fruits and vegetables donated by area farmers. Runners, walkers, sponsors, and volunteers each have the opportunity to take some home with them.
Arc GLOW expects over 300 runners and walkers this year. The event’s post-party features live music by The Buffalo Road Show with Jim and Babe Catino, kid’s activities, food, beverages, and an award ceremony.
Submitted photo of Mary Anne Graney
The Friends and Family 5K began as a memorial to Mary Anne Graney, a parent, educator, advocate, and friend to Arc GLOW who died in 2004. Her dedication to people with IDD and their families enriches countless lives. The Bluebonnet sponsorship is in honor of Graney’s Texas roots.
The Graney family is pleased funds raised in this event help support education through the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship program. Scholarships are presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education, or related fields. The money also goes toward helping fund various programs and services Arc GLOW offers for individuals with IDD.
Submitted photo of Terri Carr Krieger
In 2017, the Friends and Family 5K combined forces with the former 5K held in memory of Arc staff member Terri Carr Krieger. Krieger was a longtime employee who lost her battle with cancer in 1997. The Blue Spruce sponsor level is in Krieger’s honor.
Finally, for many years the Livingston-Wyoming 5K was held in memory of Dr. Ramon M. Rocha. He passionately believed in the possibilities of life and has been an endless source of inspiration for people of all ages and abilities. A beloved family man and enthusiastic volunteer, the Blue Knight sponsorship connects Dr. Rocha to SUNY Geneseo where he was a respected professor.
Submitted photo of Dr. Ramon M. Rocha
The Friends & Family 5K will take place September 16 where check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. and the race beings at 10 a.m. Race t-shirts will be guaranteed for all participants who register by September 7 and until quantities last for walk-ins. It will be held at the Arc Day Habilitation Center, located at 4603 Barrville Road in Elba.
For anyone who wishes to sponsor the 5K, contact Sandy Konfederath at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1715 or skonfederath@arcglow.org by Aug. 21. Walkers and runners wishing to register can do so online at ArcGLOW.org or by contacting Konfederath.
Walkers in the GLOW ARC Friends and Family 5k in 2022. Photo by Howard Owens.
On your mark, get set, GO! Plans are underway for Genesee ARC’s Annual Friends & Family 5K.The 6th annual event is scheduled for September 25 in Elba.The 5K raises money for disability services and helps fund the Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship. Mrs. Graney was a dedicated parent, a long-time supporter of Genesee ARC, and a strong advocate for persons with developmental disabilities.
The Friends & Family event is made up of a 5K certified course, 5K Walk and a Fun Walk, with the route beginning near and ending at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center, 4603 Barrville Road, Elba. Pre-registration for participants in the 5K is $15.00 by September 12 or $20.00 on the day of the 5K. Fun Walkers pay $10.00 before September 12and $15.00 on September 25.
The “out and back” course will begin on Barrville Road, head west, then turn, heading east on Bridge then north on Luddington to the end, then back to the ARC Day Habilitation Center. Affected roads will be closed while runners are on the course. ARC is working with Town of Elba, Highway officials and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department to ensure a safe, fun time for everyone.
Prizes will be presented to the overall male and female runners, with medals awarded to the male and female first and second place runners in the following age categories: 8–12, 13–18, 19–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+. Medals will be awarded to the top three 5K Walkers (regardless of gender). The first 150 registered runners and walkers will receive a Friends & Family 5K t-shirt. PCR Timing returns this year as the official race timer.
After the Run/Walk, participants will be treated to a post race party, with music provided by The Buffalo Road Show. Kid-friendly activities include a bounce house, face painting and Magician, Adam Michael. Again this year, to go along with the country theme, event organizers are planning to showcase the produce from Elba area farmers in a “Taste of Elba.”
Title sponsor of the Friends & Family 5K is the Buffalo Law Firm of Webster Szanyi LLP.Organizers are also welcoming MVP Health Care as the Health & Wellness sponsor.Promotional support is being provided by Media Sponsor, WBTA, and the T-shirt sponsor is Genesee Valley Penny Saver.T.F. Brown’s and Clor’s Meat Market have volunteered to help by providing food for the post race party.
For a registration form or information on the Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K, call Sandy Konfederath at ARC at (585) 343-1123 ext. 226, or email sandyk@rochester.rr.com. You may also pick up a form at 64 Walnut Street, Batavia and several area locations including WBTA, the Elba Town Hall and post office.
