On April 22, Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) and co-host St. John’s University celebrated the success of its 45th Annual Community and 5K time run, Footsteps for Progress.

Led by Grand Marshall, Joe Sciame, Vice President of Community Relations at St. John’s University, more than fifty runners stepped off from QCP’s 164th Street location and looped twice through the St. John’s campus. More than 300 walkers followed the runners, and all ended back at QCP where a banquet-sized brunch waited.

The top 5K male runners were Bryan Guzman in first place, Forest Hills High School Student, Jeremy Aguilar and Bryan’s dad, Rafael Guzman in third place. St. Mary’s Jenna Curran took First Place in the Women’s division.

NYS Assemblyman David Weprin (District 24) and NYC Council Member Barry Grodenchik (District 23) were also on hand as honorary “5K-er’s”. Assemblyman Weprin has been a staunch advocate of people with developmental disabilities, and has promoted the statewide “BeFair2DirectCare” initiative to bring the hourly wages for direct care workers to a $15 level.

The event raised more than $32,000, and proceeds will go directly to QCP to enhance their programs. Chief corporate sponsors were Aramex, Mutual of America, Ray-Block Xerox, and JFA Insurance.