Greece Chamber of Commerce Announces
Race on the Ridge 5K
Greece, NY -- The Greece Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Race on the Ridge 5K, presented by Five Star Bank, to be held Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. After 5 years of traffic cones, lane changes and slow moving traffic, the West Ridge Road reconstruction project will finally come to an end this fall. In celebration of its completion, the Chamber is organizing the race which will also benefit two local charities: Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation & the Michael W. Bliss Trust.
This 5K race will begin on the west side of The Mall at Greece Ridge and travel north along Mall property before entering eastbound Ridge Road at Somerworth Road. It will then turn south on Latona Road, veer west on Holmes Road, finally looping north on Long Pond Road, to finish just inside the Mall property, where the awards ceremony will take place. The race is sanctioned and certified by the USA Track & Field Association.
People of all ages are encouraged to participate. The $18 early bird entry fee includes a long-sleeved t-shirt, electronic timing, water stations, post-race refreshments and computerized race results. Pre-registration is encouraged and an entry form is available on the Greece Chamber website: www.GreeceChamber.org. Race day registrations will be accepted at a $22 entry fee.
Cash prizes will be as follows: $200 to the top M/F in the Open Division (ages 39 and under), $100 to the top M/F in Masters Division (ages 40-49) and $50 to the top M/F in Veterans Division (ages 50+). Gift Certificates will be awarded to top M/F in the Youth Division. Other prizes and trophies will be given to the top M/F in all age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+. Professional electronic timing will be provided by Yellow Jacket Racing.
Half of the race proceeds will benefit the Michael W. Bliss Trust. Michael Bliss is a Greece native who was randomly attacked earlier this year in Buffalo and was left a quadriplegic. The Trust has been established to help assist with the mounting medical costs for his family.
“Michael is working very hard on his road to recovery,” said his grandmother Nancy Murray. “He has an amazing attitude and is determined to walk again and regain use of his hands.”
The remaining proceeds will benefit the Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2002 to assist with economic development by providing grants to individuals and businesses. Past grantees include local businesses providing internships as well as scholarships for Greece youth to learn more about entrepreneurship.
“Everyone is excited for the end of West Ridge Road construction and we think this is a great way to celebrate while at the same time giving back to the community,” said Jodie Perry, President/CEO of the Greece Chamber. “The business community has already provided tremendous support for this Race in terms of donations and sponsorships.”
In addition to Five Star Bank, other sponsors include: The Mall at Greece Ridge and Verizon Wireless as Platinum Sponsors; Monroe Ambulance, Greece Marriott Hotels and Services for Seniors as Gold Sponsors; Bryant & Stratton College, Fleet Feet Sports/Yellow Jacket Racing, Ontrac Equipment Corp. and Servpro of NW Monroe County as Silver Sponsors; Blanchard Florist, Carolyn Stiffler Realty, Charisma Jewelers, Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More, Deborah L. Fox DDS, Harris Chesworth O’Brien Johnstone Welch & Leone LLP, Heritage Jewelers, Locker Room Sports, Loria Electrical Services, Lunch Bytes Systems, Mitchell-Nagel & Associates, Ooey Gooey Playschool, Premier Sports Center, Rochester Athletic Clubs and Van Putte Gardens as Bronze Sponsors.
To register for the Race on the Ridge 5K, download the registration form available on the Chamber website at www.GreeceChamber.org. Early bird registration is $18 (prior to November 6); race-day registration will be $22.
Established in 1984, the Greece Chamber of Commerce represents over 765 member businesses making it the largest suburban Chamber of Commerce in Monroe County. For more information about the Greece Chamber, contact Jodie Perry, President, at 585-227-7272 or visit www.greecechamber.org.
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Here is Michael making progress. Keep up the good work. Stay strong and BELIEVE.
The Chips for Bliss Event was a HUGE SUCCESS!
Thank you everyone for making this fundraising event possible.
Billboard In The News
Billboard Promotes Bliss Fundraiser
A billboard promotes an upcoming fundraiser for Michael Bliss. Bliss was a University at Buffalo college student when he was beaten by several men last March. He is now paralyzed from the waist down.
The "Chips for Bliss" event in August will help raise funds for his treatment. "Just seeing his picture up there, see that smile and see the eyes, it's really helped. I think when the public gets a chance to see this they'll come out and participate and help us pay for his the medical expenses that are so deep at this point," said Al Perrotta, fundraiser organizer.
“He's an unbelievably positive person. And in this situation you have to be positive. We pray for him everyday and hopefully God willing this is something we can look in the past and say I was there," said Lou DiMarco, Michael's godfather. Michael left Sunday for an intense physical therapy program in San Diego where he will remain for a few weeks. "Chips for Bliss" is a casino event at the Total Sports Complex Sunday August 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Story: Cristina Domingues Photo: Jeff Hamson Published July 27, 2008 RNews.com
For Ticket & Sponsorhip Information Call:
Al Perrotta (585) 943-7227 or Barb DeMarco (585) 284-2205
Michael's Story
Michael Bliss is a son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend to many who is 21 years old. The extent of Michael's injuries are very serious. Michael is a college student at the University of Buffalo. He suffered a broken neck and is paralyzed from the waist down. His road to recovery is going to be very long and his condition is promising.
Michael is one of the nicest young men you will ever meet, he would never hurt anyone and has always been very kind to others. This young man has never been in trouble with anyone or anything, he didn't deserve this.
All monies raised through events mentioned on this website will be used SOLELY for expenses for Michael's recovery.
Bliss & Gionta
Michael attends the Rochester radio and press dinner. Here is Michael with Brian Gionta of the New Jersey Devils. Special Thanks to Adam Rodger for hooking Michael up with the best seats in the house. We love you Mikey get better soon.
A Message from Michael Bliss
Friday 30 May 2008
I just want to thank everyone again for everything!! I love you all from the bottom of my heart. It means the world to me. I'd like to especially thank my parents and let them know that I love them more than words could ever express. They put every ounce of their energy into my care and I am being shaped physically and mentally by them along this journey. They are truly my role models. Also, Thanks to Uncle Scott and PaPa(Hutch) for helping with trips to Batavia. Love you both very much!! Love to everyone else as well. I want to reasure you all that with this infinite support and faith in God, that I will bounce back from this rough patch. Continue to BELIEVE, and know that I will walk back into the gym at Holy Cross to not only celebrate God's healing powers and my recovery but also the love and support of family and all of you who have helped guide me through this obstacle.
Some of the most encouraging lessons I've learned since 3/22/08.... "Always have faith in God and his abilities". "Love life and ALL those who will allow". "Family is everything" and lastly (2 hours later,lol), "Don't sweat the small things.... forgiveness is a must when all is said and done". I love you all so much!!
BELIEVE
The BELIEVE braceltes are in. Get yours today @ Dirosato's on Elmgrove and Angelo's on Dewey and Britton. Don't forget support your local pizzeria.