The Alternative Press

CHATHAM, NJ - Early Saturday morning, Oct. 20, hundreds of Chatham residents participated in the third annual St. Patrick’s Church 5k run.

The proceeds benefit the Father Edward Hinds Memorial Fund, which go to the needs of the St. Patrick community, including parish ministries, community outreach initiatives, support of service projects and capital improvemenst. Three years ago, Hinds was brutally murdered by the church custodian inside the rectory.

One of the event co-chairs, Kevin Sullivan, said the fundraiser was really about giving back to the community. He said Hinds always had the desire to help others and they are just continuing in his footsteps. Sullivan said even before his tragic death, they were already planning the race and the first one was held on the one year anniversary of his passing.

“It was really part of his outreach to the community to try to be more encompassing,” Sullivan said.

The police, firemen, sponsors and vendors play a major role in the event, as well. The streets are blocked off, food is sold and provided and there are games and music for kids. It isn’t just people from the church or school that come -- many Chatham residents attend and support the cause, he said. Even with numerous other activities taking place on Saturday, there was still a great turnout.

Sullivan couldn’t take all of the credit for the event and said he wanted to thank Jim Connelly, Karen Whitmer and Karen Heflin for their hard work and support. They feel passionate about the church and the cause, he said.

“Everybody kind of pitches in,” he said.

Prior to the 5k race, there was a short one mile run in which many families participated. Kristen Johnson and her two children, who are 3 and 4, gutted it out and finished it. It was their first time doing it and although it was difficult for the kids, they hope to return next year, she told TheAlternativePress.com.

“It was a good run for the kids,” Johnson said.