Contact:
Chris Finn, President
(516) 398-4590
E-mail: chf22@cornell.edu

Max Seibald, Publicity Chair
mos9@cornell.edu
(516) 456-7399

What: The fifth annual "21 Run", a 5K run and memorial walk, with a children's story trail, food, entertainment and numerous raffles.

Why: To honor the late Mario St. George Boiardi, #21 and a former captain of the Cornell Men's Lacrosse team, and his passion for working with children in the community to ensure that books and reading are part of every child's life. By partnering with the Family Reading Partnership, the 21 Run will raise awareness and money to promote children's literacy in the Ithaca community.

Who: An event open to everyone: competitive runners, children, families, students, and friends who want to remember and further George Boiardi's vision.

When: Sunday, April 19, 2009 Registration begins at 10:00 am, and the run/walk begins at 12:21 pm. Where: Cornell Plantations, on Forest Home Drive, directions on our website below.

Last Year: There were more than 300 people in attendance on the day of the event last year and we were able to donate more than $7,000 to the Family Reading Partnership.

George Boiardi was a selfless contributor to the Ithaca community in his constant effort to involve himself and those around him in promoting reading programs for children in the Ithaca area. George was on the path toward becoming a teacher on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota for the Teach for America Program before he passed away in a lacrosse contest on March 17, 2004. He was an incredible humanitarian, an outstanding leader and a selfless friend to everyone who knew him.

The funds contributed by participants of the "21 Run" and their sponsors will help the Family Reading Partnership create a culture of literacy in which all children have early, frequent, pleasurable experiences with books, together with someone they love, as part of everyday life. The funds help to promote family reading and ensure that all families have access to quality children's books.

On April 19, come show your support by participating in the fourth annual "21 Run" at the Cornell Plantations and provide a local family with the chance to learn to love reading. Help remember George and promote children's literacy by running, pledging for someone else to run, or by sponsoring the "21 Run" directly. Bring your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone else who wants to improve the future of Ithaca's children to this fun-filled event. There will be free entertainment throughout the day for participants of all ages.

Please check out our link at www.familyreading.org/21Run.htm for more information, a detailed brochure, and for a schedule of events during the day. Registration and sponsorship details are all provided at the website along with links to the Family Reading Partnership.