AMSTERDAM — The fourth annual Thanks4Giving 5kRun/1.5K walk to benefit Dr. Tom Catena’s mission work at Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, Africa, will be held at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, at Shuttleworth Park, 65 Crescent Ave.
Each day the Amsterdam native is faced with the struggle of saving the lives of war refugees of the area in conflict. As the only doctor in a region roughly the size of Austria and one that is coming under attacks by government forces, his mission is a dangerous one.
Catena, the fifth son of Gene and Nancy Catena, attended Brown University where he played football and then Duke University Medical School on a Navy scholarship. After fulfilling his commitment to the Navy, he began working in the missions of Africa. His dedication to those who are the least fortunate is his life’s mission. His story is profiled in the documentary “The Heart of Nuba” currently available on Hulu. It is under consideration for an Oscar nomination.
The entry cost is $15 before race day and $20 on race day. The cost is purposely low so registrants can consider donating more for Catena’s mission efforts using the “Donate Now” button or including it in your registration check. Online registration is available at Finish Right Timing www.finishright.com. The day of registration is 7 to 8:45 a.m., and participants should plan to arrive early.
The course is a slightly hilly course in and around Shuttleworth Park, and a course map is available on the registration website.
The top three males and females will receive a trophy and the top three in 5-year age groups will receive medals.
Race forms are also available online at www.amsterdamrun.com. Make checks to Amsterdam Thanks4giving Run for Charity.
Those who are not interested in running or walking but would like to sponsor the event are also welcome to participate. The person’s name or business name will appear on race shirts, venue signs and literature. Sponsorship levels are Platinum: $5,000, Gold $2,500, Silver $1,500, Bronze $1,000, All-American $500, Ivy League $250, and Home Team $100.
Make checks to African Mission Healthcare Foundation and include on the memo line: For Dr. Tom Catena. Mail to 275 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam N.Y. 12010 or call Robin Sise at (518) 843-7128 or email [email protected]
Sise also may be contacted for more information.
