A local school took part in a charity walk held September 26 at Hauppauge High School, about three miles from Central Islip.
More than 50 people came out for the event, with the purpose of collectively walking 911 miles around the school's track. They succeeded in walking more than 1,000 laps, or approximately 400 miles, and raised about $500.
Teressa Mercurio and Craig Bottner are seniors at Hauppauge High School, and have learned about the events of 9/11 from personal accounts, lessons, and news stories. The teens decided to partner with John Feal, who is president and founder of the Feal Good Foundation, to help raise money to help those first responders who are fighting illnesses relating to their work on September 11, 2001.
Feal, who also took part, said that while he and other participants were having a good day, there are a lot of first responders who are sick or injured, and could not take part in such an event. Likewise Judi Simmons, widow of FDNY firefighter Martin Simmons, said she appreciates the foundation’s efforts because so many first responders need help.
After this start, organizers could work with a flyer printing company to create a mailer for area residents, making them aware of the foundation and any future fundraisers.
