ALBANY, N.Y. (May 4, 2020) — Organizers of the 42^nd Freihofer’s Run for Women today announced that the event will donate more than $15,000 to three regional charities that are playing important roles supporting the Capital Region community during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The all-women road race, which is set to be held virtually between Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 31, will contribute $5,000 each to Albany Medical Center's COVID-19 Response Fund, The Community Foundation For the Greater Capital Region and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s COVID-19 Response Fund, and Girls on the Run Capital Region.

“The Freihofer's Run for Women has been an integral part of the Capital Region for four decades and this year has proven to be the most challenging yet for our participants and the region,” said Kristen Hislop, co-director of the Freihofer's Run for Women. “During this difficult time, we know that many non-profits are struggling to support our communities in the manner to which they are normally accustomed. Our hope is to provide a ray of light for these organizations.

“To offer additional financial assistance to these three charities, we will also be dividing all donations equally that are made by participants during online registration,” said Hislop, noting that registration for the virtual 5K and Junior 3K closes on Tuesday, May 5 at midnight. “Those who have already registered can make a donation by logging into their RunSignUp account.  Others wishing to donate can click on the `Donate Now’ button found on the home page at freihofersrun.com. More than 300 of our 1500 event participants have donated $4318 so far. Donations can be made through midnight on Sunday, May 31.”

Here is background information on each of the event’s charities:

Albany Med COVID-19 Response Fund As the only academic medical center in the region, Albany Med’s leadership, clinical teams and staff are working tirelessly to meet the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Albany Med has invested millions of dollars in response to this crisis, and it is expected that they will continue to respond for some time to come, which will have a significant financial impact on the institution. Gifts to the COVID-19 Response Fund will support comprehensive emergent care for our most vulnerable patients (including ventilators); state-of-the-art equipment to protect front-line health care workers; critical research and evaluation efforts; and, dissemination of important information to keep the community updated about the crisis.

The Community Foundation For the Greater Capital COVID-19 Response Fund

Since its creation in mid-March by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, the Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund has deployed nearly $500,000 in grants to frontline non-profit organizations throughout the region, including The Unity House of Troy, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, and Food Pantries of the Capital District. These nonprofits have seen a significant increase in the need for services due to the pandemic, including food insecurity, help connecting to resources, serving the homeless, and meeting basic needs. The fund continues to respond quickly to the pandemic by providing general operating grants to local 501c3 organizations, thereby providing services to communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak.

Girls on the Run Capital Region

Girls on the Run Capital Region inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum, which creatively integrates running. The program, which has 25 regional sites, serves hundreds of girls grades 3-5 and 6-8. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Girls on the Run Capital Region to cancel its in-person events, hindering its ability to support basic operating costs. The charity is working hard to continue to find new and creative ways to deliver programming to its girls and their families during this difficult time. Monies received through the event will support virtual programming, online coaching, as well as a variety of other engagement opportunities for Capital Region girls and their families.

For more information, visit freihofersrun.com. From the home page, you can also link to the event's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube pages.

Event sponsors include Freihofer’s, Price Chopper Supermarkets, The City of Albany, Julie & Co. Realty LLC, and 99.5 The River.

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