Montour Trail-Letter

Volume 13, Issue 4

July/August, 2002

Rain- What's a little rain?...or even a lot of it...when you're determined to have a successful Montour Trail fundraiser? Burgh's Pizza and Wing Pub of Bridgeville took it all "in stride" on April 21 with the happening of the "Second Annual 10K Run and One-Mile Walk for family, friends & fun."

There is no doubt- the weather was terrible- but the runners and walkers had their Sunday in the Park that day, and The Montour Trail will be close to $12,000 better-off as a result of their efforts. While we are awaiting the final figures on a few bills and do not have net donation numbers available just yet, the finances are interesting: almost $12,000 in sponsorships, an additional $5,000 in "in-kind" contributions (food, beverages, services) and a new feature that speaks to the fun of the event. Burgh's posted a 3'x6' panel on their wall and customers bought $800 worth of nametags on it. None of this would happen if it were not for the dedication of Burgh owners Dan, Frank and Tom Daily and the rapport they have with their customers and suppliers. Let's not forget their parents Frank and Jean either, who are always on hand and working hard. It is a family affair!

In addition, 10th graders from Canon-McMillan helped capture the spirit of the day by staffing the water stations as a part of their school's community service program.

The "day" condenses to a three-hour event, but is preceded by months of dedicated volunteer work- enlisting sponsors, grooming and upgrading the trail with a brand-new bed, arranging timing service, water stations, lighting the curved 600' National Tunnel, a disc jockey back at Cecil Park to keep you pumped and many, many other quality features we tend to take for granted but surely would miss if organizers left them out.

The race itself was excellent: Dan Lester won for the men in 32:15" and Sabin Kane for the women in 41:28". 300 runners registered and there were 95 walkers for the 1-Mile leg. Burgh sponsors were hoping for more last-minute registrations, but the rain and 46 degree day held them in check. (Commemorative running shorts are available at specially discounted prices!)

We cannot emphasize the importance of these fund-raisers too much. The
Montour Trail Council (MTC) will be advertising for bids in June to refurbish the McDonald Trestle and complete the trail to the Route 980 & 50 intersection. This project's construction costs alone will be $1,700,000 and the MTC will be undertaking still others. Much of this money comes to us from Federal grants, to be sure, but many other expenses must be met that restricted grant dollars will not pay for. Therein comes the need for organized events and personal contributions. As our Trail map puts it so well: "Be a They"- volunteer and help us get the job done!

Your Trail Board says "many thanks" to all who made this such an outstanding fun day. Be sure to set your calendar for April 20, 2003, for the 3rd Annual "Burgh's Pizza & Wing Pub 10K Run and One-Mile Walk for Family, Friends and Fun."