4th Annual Fundraiser

May 18, 2011 - On May 5th, 2011, the Hilton Garden Inn was the setting for Staten Island Running and Community’s (SITRAC) annual fundraiser. This year represented a major addition to the event as SITRAC took over the sponsorship of the Triple Crown Awards, giving the evening its theme, “Rulers of the Road”.

Peter Whitehouse, Vice President of SITRAC served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Mr. Whitehouse started off the evening by introducing the President of SITRAC, Vincent Gattullo. Mr. Gattullo spoke about the goal of the organization coming to fruition with the construction of a world class indoor track and field facility in Ocean Breeze by the New York City Department of Parks. Mr. Gattullo also introduced the guests of honor for the evening including former Congressman Mike McMahon, Assemblyman Mike Cusack, Adena Long from the Department of Parks and Deputy Borough President, Ed Burke.

The program moved into its next phase where it honored three past overall Triple Crown Winners, Kari Proffitt, Frank McConville, and Jeanine Radice. Kari Proffitt was introduced by SITRAC Board member, Arnold Obey. Mr. Obey recounted how he met Ms. Proffitt during his early morning runs and encouraged her to compete in the local road races. The rest, as they say, is history. 

In accepting her award, Ms. Proffitt mentioned the dedication it took to pass up the beer and the food at the Memorial weekend barbecues, because you had a race on Monday, and how your summer really didn’t begin until after the Pepper Martin Run (now the Arielle Newman Run) on the 4th of July.

Frank McConville was introduced by SITRAC Board member, Ed Gorman. Mr. Gorman recounted Mr. McConville’s outstanding career at Monsignor Farrell High School and Georgetown University, where he was an in All American cross country. 

In his remarks, Mr. McConville mentioned the unique sense of community he experienced growing up and competing on Staten Island, something he hasn’t found duplicated anywhere else he’s lived.

Last but not least, Jeanine Radice was introduced by Mr. Whitehouse, who remembered the way Ms. Radice inspired his Tottenville High School team at the New York State Team Cross Country Championships by the smart way she ran and won the individual championship race.

Ms. Radice, who was also an outstanding basketball player at the high school and college level, told the audience none of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement of her family.

Assemblyman Cusack also addressed the gathering thanking SITRAC as well as the local, city and state officials for their efforts in laying the groundwork for the new indoor track and field facility.

Jack Minogue, Treasurer of SITRAC, then presented the 2011 Triple Crown awards for all age groups, including the overall male and female winners Sean Tiernan and Terry Ballou.

The attendees were entertained during the course of the evening by tenor Christopher Macchio who sang selections from his debut CD, “Dolci Momenti”.

In his closing remarks, Bill Welsh, former long time Augustinian Academy and New Dorp High School coach and SITRAC Board member, remarked on how an indoor track facility was long overdue on Staten Island and how it would be a boon to the local high school teams as well as the community in general.

All in all, a pleasant evening was had by everyone and the funds raised by the dinner will be used to support SITRAC’s community activities. Thanks for your continued support!