Paces for Prevention raises $10,000

Center for Prevention and Counseling the beneficiary of day of races, By Laurie Gordon Newton - Daniel O’Keefe was the champion at the Sept. 13 Paces for Prevention 5-K race. The 44-year-old Sussex resident turned in a 19:53 to take the win. Dwayne Knott of Reading, Pa., was second, with Kittatinny High School freshman Nicholas Kaufman of Fredon, third. On the women’s side, Debbie Jennings of Newton was the victor, running 22:36. Denise Auter of Stillwater was second and Alyn Fuchs of Byram was third. Held through the roads and trails of Swartswood State Park, the 5-K kicked off three running events to raise funds for the Center for Prevention and Counseling. Based in Newton, the Center provides vital resources for those overcoming addiction to drugs and alcohol as well as to their families. “I look forward to this race each year,” said Dean Giering of Newton. Because Giering works nights, he often finds himself running through the darkness once he returns home. “It was a bit warm out, but given the weather we’ve had, I’ll take it.” Giering is actually thrilled to be running at all in the wake of a recent Lyme Disease scare. “It was a little hot but a good run,” said 9-year-old Rich Sarni of Stillwater. In one of his debut 5-kilometer races, Sarni turned in a 26:33 and placed 5th in the 13-and-under age group. A Tiny Trot, for children 5 and younger, followed the marquee event. Spurred on by their parents and an adoring crowd, each tot received a lollypop and medal at the finish line. Next came the mile fun run which took runners on a loop out through Swartswood State Park’s campground and back. The Center for Prevention and Counseling’s executive director, 61-year-old Barbara Adolphe, not only ran 30:56 for the 5-kilometer event, but then jumped in the mile race as well. At the awards ceremony, she graciously thanked all of the volunteers and declared the event a “great success.” It raised over $10,000 for the Center. Tran and Ruth Whitley, of Tran Whitley Entertainment, volunteered their time to DJ and host the event. Known for his prowess at the piano, Tran Whitley performs at dinner parties and dances. The Fredon duo also do their DJ tandem for events. “We wouldn’t miss it,” Ruth Whitley said of the Paces race. “It’s a fantastic event and a super cause it benefits.”