FRIA SELECTED AS AN OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2010 ING NYC MARATHON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Jackson
Lilclif@verizon.net


FRIA SELECTED AS AN OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2010 ING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

District 35 Council Member Letitia James joins FRIA on the steps of City Hall, Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 Noon, for the RUN-Raise fund-raiser to support FRIA’s programs and services for New York Elders and Their Caregivers

ALERT: This press conference was originally scheduled for 11am and moved to 12pm.New York, NY – July 20, 2010 – On Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 Noon, Council Member Letitia James, other elected officials and supporters of FRIA will join FRIA on the steps of City Hall to announce its selection as one of the Official Charities for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon to take place on Sunday, November 7, 2010, as well as inform the public that it will also be accepting donations. This opportunity allows FRIA to provide guaranteed marathon entries to 5 runners who pledge to raise a minimum of $2500 each for FRIA.

The marathon lottery is officially closed for 2010; hence, running for an official ING NYC Marathon Charity is the only way an applicant may run in the marathon. This is not only an opportunity to run in the premier race attracting world-class professional athletes before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers…. but also a great opportunity to support New York’s leading elder-care advocacy organization dedicated to fostering the dignity and independence of seniors in long term care settings. It is befitting that this opportunity present itself in November, which is National Family Caregivers Month.

For over 30 years, FRIA has provided resources, information and advocacy on long term care issues to New York elders, their caregivers, elder-care attorneys and other health care professionals. As an Official Charity Partner, FRIA is building a team of five designated FRIA runners, other already registered marathoners and supporters from New York and afar who will donate and RUNRaise on behalf of FRIA. All funds raised by Team FRIA will be used to support FRIA's programs and services.

FRIA is pleased to be joined by New York City Council Member, Letitia James of Brooklyn’s 35th District; Olanike Alabi, District Leader of the 57th Assembly District; other elected officials and/or their staff.

“I am proud to be a friend of FRIA because this organization supports those shoulders the community stands on….the elderly and their caregivers. Also, now that FRIA is an official charity for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon, 5 more athletes will have the opportunity to run in the world’s premiere marathon, as well as fundraise for New York ’s leading elder-care advocacy organization,” said Council Member James. “Every November I join my neighbors in supporting runners, and this year my level of enthusiasm will be unmatched when FRIA runners pass by my residence, as they race through the 35th Council District on the way to the finish line.”

FRIA’s Board Members, one of whom is 88 year old Ethel Paley, a founding member of FRIA (and former NY1 News, New Yorker of The Week) who still volunteers with FRIA’s Help Line, will attend; along with caregivers who FRIA has assisted and supporters of FRIA over the years. Quintessential New Yorkers and caregivers, Tony Award winning stage/screen actress, Adriane Lenox (“Doubt”) and her husband, Tony Award Nominated Composer & Music Director, Zane Mark (“Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk”) will also be present.