GREENPORT, N.Y., May 16, 2023 — Peconic Landing’s 17th Annual John May Mile and 5K race on May 13 was a great success, raising $23,570 for the Greenport Fire Department. Funds were contributed by race participants, Peconic Landing members, team members, and community sponsors.
Since inception in 2005, the annual John May Mile and 5K has raised more than $348,000 to support the local first responders. According to the Greenport Fire Department, these funds go towards the purchase and maintenance of rescue equipment vital to keeping the volunteers safe during response efforts.
This year, over 300 participants attended the event, with over 125 individuals running the 5K, 50 walking the John May Mile, and dozens of volunteers helping the event run smoothly. The event attracted runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with participants ranging in age from seven to 87. Brian McDonnell, 33, of Burlington, VT was the first to complete the 5K race, finishing with an impressive time of 18 minutes, 24.70 seconds. McDonnell is the grandson of the late John M. May, Peconic Landing’s longtime board chairman, after whom the fundraiser was named. Melissa Rockwell, 39, of Orient, NY was the first female to cross the finish line at exactly 21 minutes.
As part of the awards ceremony after the race, Peconic Landing’s President and CEO Robert J. Syron, alongside Peconic Landing’s Chief Operating Officer Gregory Garrett, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, and Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, presented the 2023 Older Americans Champion Award to Charles Cuddy, Peconic Landing’s longtime attorney. The annual award honors local individuals or organizations for their years of service and continued dedication to older Americans, acknowledging the contributions they make to improve the lives of seniors on the East End.
“Charles has been with Peconic Landing since the very beginning, and his commitment to our mission has been invaluable to our organization’s long-term growth and success,” said Robert J. Syron, President and CEO of Peconic Landing. “His legal expertise and commitment to ethical and responsible business practices have helped us to achieve our goals while making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve as well as those in the greater community.”
Sponsors for the event included: Times Review Media Group, McBurnie Tent Rental, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Nexdine Hospitality, Island Portables Inc., Charel Contracting Inc., Graham Company, Haverford Trust Company, HMM CPAs LLP, Mattituck Environmental Services, Merrill, We’ll Floor “U” Inc., Caufield Wealth Management, Jernick Moving & Storage, Lowe’s, PKF O’Connor Davies, Ratsey Construction, REP Electric, Riverhead Building Supply, Southold Hardware, Arshamomaque Dairy Farm Inc., Charles R. Cuddy, Strong’s Marine, Chris North Associates Graphics, Rx Consulting Solutions LLC, Esseks, Hefter & Angel LLP, and Mullen Motors.
Those wishing to make a donation may visit www.peconiclanding.org/jmm. All proceeds benefit the Greenport Fire Department.
