On Thursday, July 7, 2022, Gary Kenefick, Neuse River Bridge Run Committee Chair, delivered a check to The Filling Station for $8000. Board Members present: Sheri Smith, Board Secretary, Dr. Norma Sermon-Boyd, Treasurer, Clyde Murphy, Jr. Also in attendance, Sheron Bender, Bridge Run Volunteer Coordinator, David Mallard, Jones County Parks and Recreation, Mary Ann LeRay, Executive Director and Marcy Hoffman, Administrative Coordinator
“The Filling Station has been a great addition to our committee as we work to bridge communities to serve those seeking important services”, Gary Kenefick, Bridge Run Committee Chair
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with other non-profit leaders so together we can fill the gaps in our communities”, says Mary Ann LeRay, Executive Director for The Filling Station
Neuse River Bridge Run serves our community by promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and through its financial support of community organizations. Over 100,000 residents of eastern North Carolina are served by the seven beneficiaries: Craven Community College Foundation, DuffyfieldPhoenix Project, The Filling Station, Mediation Center of Eastern NC, Merci Clinic, RCS, Twin Rivers YMCA.
Over 1300 runners registered for the 2022 event which included the SuperFun Kids Run held on April 8th and the Half Marathon, 10K, 5K kicked off at 7 AM on April 9th at Union Point, New Bern, NC as the runners ran over the bridge with the sun coming up over the Neuse River.
Jones County was well represented with the volunteers, registered runners, and sponsorships. Thank you to Sheron Bender who took the lead in organizing the volunteers necessary to support the event. Thank you to the Jones County Sponsorships: Grilling Buddies, Mowing Buddies, Ford of Jones County, Driver Heating and Cooling, AB’s Gravel Driveways, J&J Contracting, Bender/LeRay, Charles and Taffy Jones. Thank you to David Mallard and Summer Koonce, Jones County Parks and Recreation, for promoting and leading a running group from the Jones County Public Schools.
Mark your calendar for next year: April 28 & 29, 2023 for the Neuse River Bridge Run – We invite ALL of Jones County to participate with your time, talent and treasure. More information: bridgerun.org