Seven QCP team members ran the TCS New York City Marathon on Nov. 6, each with the goal of raising $5,000 to support QCP programs and services. QCP runners included Thomas Murray, who ran the marathon for the third consecutive year, and Jennifer Lawrence, communications director for New York State Industries for the Disabled who ran her third straight New York City Marathon for QCP. Also on the QCP marathon team was Barney Williams, Esq., who ran his fifth New York City Marathon.
What keeps the runners coming back to participate in the marathon on behalf of QCP is the knowledge of how their fundraising benefits the children who are served by the agency. Each year, prior to the race, Team QCP marathon runners visit the Children’s Center and other QCP programs to witness the progress that was made possible by the donations they raised.
“I run for QCP because of my professional involvement in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities – and I love to run!” Jennifer Lawrence said. “As I’ve become more passionate about both, putting them together gives me a greater sense of purpose beyond the bragging rights of a shiny medal.
“We Team QCP runners change lives one mile at a time through donations toward improved services and community inclusion,” she added.
Team QCP also included Brett Swanson with the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Anthony Senanayake of Deloitte, who both made their New York City Marathon debuts. John Wagner and Laura Eisenzopf, members of the Queens Distance Runners Club, also participated in the marathon on behalf of QCP.
A QCP cheering section of 70 volunteers was stationed in Long Island City during the marathon, motivating Team QCP members and other runners throughout the event. There were pompoms courtesy of Queens Tourism Council and other fun cheer items that were made possible by JFA Insurance of Bayside, Total Care Rx, Municipal Credit Union and Ambrosino Construction, whose family members have run the marathon on behalf of QCP in the past.
The team of runners, who met Nov. 4 for a special Runner Appreciation Dinner at Manducati’s in Long Island City, raised more than $26,000 for QCP programs and services. The next Team QCP event is the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on March 19. Anyone interested in participating can contact Wendy Phaff at 718.380.3000 (ext. 325) or wphaff@queenscp.org.
