For more information:
Madison Area YMCA
Marketing & Communications Department
973.822-9622 ext. 2241

The Mind Matters 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk to Benefit the Y’s Community Mental Health Initiative and  Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA

(Madison, NJ) April 26, 2016 - The Madison Area YMCA Community Mental Health Initiative and Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA presents a 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. This is the 20^th year that Pfizer has served as the lead corporate sponsor of the race. Realogy Holdings Corp. joins the race for the second year as a supporting corporate sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

The 5K starts at 6:30 p.m. Check-in will take place from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at the scenic Giralda Farms in Madison. The 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk starts at 6:35 p.m.

Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA, a no–fee youth counseling program, is an important extension of youth development services for children, teens and their families throughout the Madison Area YMCA’s service area. The Madison Area YMCA’s Community Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) raises awareness and lowers the stigmas associated with mental illness. CMHI focuses on reducing barriers to mental health care by providing community members with knowledge and skills to increase help-offering behaviors.

The race entrance fee is $27.00 per person during early registration going on now through Sunday, May 15. After May 15, the entrance fee is $32.00 per person. USATF members receive a $3 discount pre-entry. Strollers are not permitted in the 5K run.

The 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk is $8.00 per person during the early registration period and $10.00 after Sunday, May 15. Children under 10 are free for the 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk only.

The first 250 5K registrants will receive short-sleeved technical shirts. While supplies last, all pre-entered 5K runners and 1-mile fun runners/walkers will receive a t-shirt and a complimentary gift bag. Family Fun runners will receive a t-shirt. Refreshments will be available after the race. Race results will be available at http://compuscore.com.

Checks should be made payable to the Madison Area YMCA and mailed to: Madison Area YMCA, 111 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 07940. For more information about the 5K, Family Fun Run/Walk and sponsorship opportunities, contact Madison Area YMCA Associate Fitness Director Jennifer Casanova at (973) 822-9622 x2281. Register online at https://compuscore.rsupartner.com/Race/NJ/Madison/TheMindMatters5k.

Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA responds to the needs of the community at a time when mental health is rapidly becoming a leading issue across our nation. Services are provided in the schools and at the program’s offices by licensed clinical social workers. More than 61.5 million Americans experience the effects of mental illness each year with approximately 20 percent of 13- to 18-year olds receiving a severe mental health disorder diagnosis. The program is made possible through the collaboration of community leaders and the municipalities and school districts of the Chathams, Florham Park and Madison.

The YMCA’s Community Mental Health Initiative sheds light on mental health, takes charge of the battle against mental illness stigma and dispels any misconceptions.

The Madison Area YMCA is a cause-driven charitable organization dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Generous donations make it possible for everyone in the community to be enriched by the Y, regardless of ability to pay, to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body at any age.

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