2008‘Maroondah Steps Up’ Run/Walk Sets a Great Pace!
The second event saw over 600 runners and walkers turn out to tackle the route (8k & 4k circuits) in support of Maroondah Hospital on Sunday, 26th October at Ringwood Lake. Net proceeds of over $9,000 from the day will go to the purchase of much needed medical equipment for the Allied Health department.
Lisa Shaw-Stuart, Program Director of Emergency, Ambulatory & Allied Health for Maroondah Hospital, thrilled to get news of the monies raised, said ‘This was a fantastic event with great support from the community, including our sponsors and participants. Allied Health were key contributors to the organisation of the event and the funds will go towards equipment in areas that include Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Dietetics and will enhance the care and services for patients.
It was a really great day with a festival atmosphere complete with balloons for the kids handed out by The Uniform Super Store, the major Sponsor of the Event. Kenworth Trucks, a primary Sponsor, provided one of their trucks to sound the horn and start the runners – most of whom didn’t realise the plan and had an extra ‘jump’ in their start!
On hand to kick off the Awards Presentations was Zoltan Kokai, General Manager of Maroondah Hospital. “The Hospital plays a vital role in the community.” “Today is just another example of the community coming together for the institution of Maroondah Hospital and the invaluable services it provides to some 50,000 patient presentations a year.”
“It has been fantastic to see our staff, the families and friends not only enjoying the early morning run but the fun post event activities all in support of the hospital. ,” said Mr Kokai.
The Sponsors and Supporters of the event really got involved and put on some great activities including complimentary massages hosted by students from the Swinburne TAFE accredited massage programs, fit tests done by Functional Training Perspectives Group, a kids activities area put on by Portrait Place and Mitre 10 MEGA-Lilydale. A BBQ sausage sizzle was made possible by the Scout/Ventures Group (2nd Glen Waverley) and NAB provided the Cafe2U coffee van who were kept very busy making delicious coffees.
Congratulations to the winners on the day with First Place in the 8k going to Iestyn Lewis and Penny Brown and across the line first in the 4k were Justin McKenna and Rachel Fraser – Well Done!! Maroondah City Council hosted the venue and Mayor Cr Tony Dib was on hand to present the Jr Awards that included Dane Fencaros and Lauren Frisken who won the 8k event and Patrick Deenan and Ashley Shield, first in the 4k.
Tammy Adams, who came in 2nd place for the 8k said, ‘I am stoked! Loved getting a prize too! Also, the community atmosphere, seeing people I know, and the well organised event are great positive highlights’.
Special mention to Kai James (11) and Corrie de Groot (80) who gamely tackled the 8k in good time and our youngest in the two events, Olivia Smart aged 7 and eldest Vern Gerlach at 83 both of whom completed the 4k.
The TEAM CHALLENGE kicked off this year with a perpetual trophy awarded on the day to the team with the highest number of participants. Proud winners Team EACH with a team of 42 were thrilled and for the Hospital category – The Famous Fast Track Physio Flyers were clear winners with 20 participants in their team.
The event ‘Holiday Escape’ Raffle was drawn and the lucky winner of a $3,500 trip to Queensland was Chris Fishe, Bed Manager for Maroondah Hospital. Special thanks to Leanne Jarchow, Maroondah Sports Club and EB Games for their support of the Raffle.
This event is a massive undertaking and we are grateful for all the support. In addition to the participants, over 90 volunteers were on hand to set up and break down all the equipment, Marshal, man the Drink Stations and assist with the many important tasks and responsibilities.
Maryanne Kirkpatrick said ‘The morning was beautiful, the event was organised really well, and as a volunteer, I thoroughly enjoyed being part of this community event. I was particularly thrilled to see the age groups (ranging from 1-83) and the smiles on the participant’s faces when they had completed the event, especially those who had done the run for the first time. It was great to talk with them and share in their achievements’.
A huge ‘thank you!’ to all who gave of their time and energy on the day – and special thanks to the committee who have dedicated time over the past year to put the event together: Kimberly Williamson, Fundraising Coordinator MH, Carolyn Rosenbrock - Finance Department MH, Leanne Jarchow-Volunteer,Carol Wood- Switch MH, Anne Pagram - Mgr-Physio Dept, Ange Zerella-NAB, Kathleen Ferguson-MH, Lisa Shaw-Stuart-Mgr-Allied Health, Anita Wilton-Dietetics MH, Tony Garner-Eng MH, Dion Selton-Scouts/Ventures Group, Heather Needham, Educator-Mental Health MH & Stephen Tucker-Mgr-Podiatry EH.
The event would not have been possible without the Sponsors and Supporters, many of whom participated by hosting family friendly activities to enhance the event and donating items or vouchers for the Goodie Bags. Their contributions are much appreciated.
2008 Sponsors
(Gold Sponsor) The Uniform Super Store
(Primary Sponsors) Maroondah City Council, Kenworth Trucks & Leader Community Newspapers
(Bronze Sponsors) Mortgage Choice - Ringwood • NAB • Functional Training Perspectives Group • Club Ringwood •
Mitre 10 MEGA - Lilydale • Bee Brazilian • Maroondah Sports Club
Also, the event organisers are very grateful for the generosity of all the Supporters, Suppliers and Service Providers who heavily discounted or donated in support of the event.
Kimberly Williamson, Event Coordinator summed up, ‘The vision of this event was to bring the community together in support of Maroondah Hospital with a Fun Run/Walk that is good value, professionally put together with quality inclusions like ‘the best’ goodie bags, (this year featuring the sports towels) with items of real value in them. It is an event designed to emphasize staff involvement and the course designed to go past the Hospital is intended to give a real sense of connection with the community as well as with the staff.’
‘The event is evolving now and will look to continue to improve and expand on the existing positive structure that has been created. Mark your diaries for Sunday, 25th October and be sure to register early and avoid any disappointment with missing out on this great community event’.
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