The Long Island Board of REALTORS® Inc. (LIBOR) was proud to be a sponsor of the 5th Annual Hampton Bays Lions Club “Over the Bridge” 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk on September 12, 2015.  The 500 participants of the race were treated to a scenic run or walk along the Atlantic Ocean, Shinnecock Inlet, Shinnecock Bay, on to the breathtaking views over the Ponquogue Bridge. 

LIBOR first became aware of this noteworthy event when REALTOR® Franklin Butz, organizer and creator, was awarded the December 2012 REALTOR® Spirit Award.   Franklin, aside from a being a Realtor® for the past forty years, has also been a dedicated member of the HBLC for over 30 years.  As an avid runner/jogger who participated in the Long Island Half Marathon, Shelter Island 10K and many other running events, he saw how popular these events were becoming.  With this knowledge he proposed and completely organized the fundraising event for the HBLC in 2011. 

The Walk/Run came to be called “Over the Bridge” because the course spans over the extraordinary Ponquogue Bridge. LIBOR is honored to be a part of this worthy event since 2013.  With the proceeds from the race, the Lions Club was able to sponsor six Seeing Eye dogs for those in need in our community.  Three of the dogs were designated for returning wounded Veterans and three for blind persons living in the Hampton Bays area.  These goals were accomplished through the Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation.  Additional funds were contributed to Canine Companions for Returning Veterans, scholarships for deserving students in the Hampton Bays and Westhampton districts, local churches, the Dominican Sisters, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, Little League, Maureen’s Haven, and the St. Rosalie’s food pantry to name a few. The Hampton Bays Lions Club has been supporting charitable works in Hampton Bays and East Quogue since 1948.

LIBOR will also be sponsoring two more exciting East End initiatives this fall, the 5th Annual San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th; and the 40th Anniversary Riverhead Country Fair on Sunday, October 11th.  For more information please visit LIRealtor.com/fall.

These sponsorships were made through the Long Island Board of REALTORS® “We’re More Than REALTORS®…” initiative, which supports numerous programs and charitable community organizations.  The “We’re More Than Realtors® campaign was created by the LIBOR Public Relations Committee.  The campaign raises the public’s awareness about Realtors® and their philanthropic efforts within their communities.

Pictured at the event are (l-r) LIBOR Past President Moses Seuram, with wife Wendy and children (front row) Ethan and Savannah, LIBOR Suffolk County Vice President Ann Marie Pallister, LIBOR Past President Liz English, HBLC Run Chairman and fellow Realtor® Frank Butz, LIBOR Treasurer David Legaz and HBLC President Tony Villareale

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