THE Casella Visy City2Lake has been declared a success by committee member Anne Napoli.
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There were more than 1200 runners and walkers and more than 300 cyclists participating in the 2015 event.
“We are still tallying the funds and we anticipate arriving at a final figure in the next couple of weeks,” she said.
“This is the third year we have held the event and it continues to grow and thrive thanks to the enthusiasm of our participants who come from not only our local region, but other cities and towns as diverse as Sydney, Jerilderie, Melbourne, Murrami, Wagga, Wollongong, Willbriggie, Nowra and Lockhart,” Cr Napoli said.
“So far, indications show that we have passed the $50,000 fundraising mark.
“Since this event was started in 2012, we have raised more than $200,000 for St Vincent's Private Community Hospital in Griffith. Most of the fundraising comes from efforts by the participants and donations from individuals, businesses and other organisations,” she said.
This year organisers were pleased to welcome event participant Federal Member for the Riverina Michael McCormack.
Mayor John Dal Broi also participated by driving a golf buggy.
“We saw the competitive participants achieve some amazing times, including personal bests,” Cr Napoli said.
This year's biggest team was Baiada Poultry with 145 members and the Roy Spagnolo & Associates team raised the most funds.
The schools with the highest percentage of student entrants were Yoogali Public School, which won the small school category, followed by St Mary's Primary School.
“City2Lake has become a beloved event in our community and we hear all the time from participants that they are also looking forward to next year's event already and they want to know when they can register,” she said.
“An event like City2Lake offers so many benefits it's family friendly, you can ride, walk or run at your own pace. It offers a scenic route that showcases many beautiful parts of Griffith, including Wyangan Avenue and the north and south lakes of Lake Wyangan. It promotes good health, friendship and community spirit, and it demonstrates how much a community event like this is valued. For those who are passionate about the private community hospital, it's also an extra special event allowing them to fundraise and participate in the history of realising the dream of building the hospital in Griffith to serve the needs of residents in the Western Riverina,” she said.
The organisers would like to extend their sincerest thanks to all the tireless volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make this event the success that it is.
“We are deeply grateful to the local businesses for their sponsorship at different levels from platinum to gold to silver and inkind,” she said.
“We thank the volunteers who help plan and coordinate this day throughout the year and on the day itself from the start of dawn.
“We also thank council employees who help set up the course and amenities at the Lake to ensure participants have a safe and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
“All this collaboration proves how our residents come together to support each other. And of course we thank the participants from young to old, they turn up on the day not only wearing their event bibs but their hearts on their sleeves.
“We are currently writing a letter of thanks to the entire community and it will be published in The Area News soon,” Cr Napoli said.
Results, sponsors and photos are available on the City2Lake Facebook page.