On a brisk fall morning in late October participants from across Westchester County gathered for the Friends of Kensico Cemetery 5K
Run/Walk in support of the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester and the Friends of Kensico Cemetery. Over 150 participants of all ages enjoyed a day filled with lots of activities. The route for both walkers and runners took them
throughout Kensico Cemetery, a 460-acre cemetery founded in 1889 and recently designated as a
Level II Arboretum through avenues of oaks, maples and ornate, historical cemetery
architecture.
Awards were presented to the top three male and female finishers, while attendees eagerly
entered a raffle featuring 25 prizes donated by individuals and local businesses.
The YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester, a nonfacility YMCA, operates through school-
based and community programs across northern Westchester and Putnam counties, making a
broad and positive impact on children and families.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Matthew Parisi and the Friends of Kensico Cemetery for this wonderful honor and
their support in helping us build a stronger and better community. At the Y, we are committed to
fostering growth and learning for children and teens of all ages….” said Bonnie M. Fogarty,
executive director, YMCA.
Friends of Kensico Cemetery, dedicated to preserving the historical, cultural, and natural heritage
of Kensico Cemetery, works to enhance public understanding and appreciation through a variety
of public programs. Recently, it expanded the mission to include philanthropic initiatives
supporting and collaborating with other charitable organizations.
Matthew G. Parisi, president of Kensico Cemetery and the Friends of Kensico Cemetery,
explained that the YMCA was a natural choice when selecting an organization to support. “Fundraising for the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester was an easy decision for the
Friends. The Y offers outstanding programs for young children and teens, and we are proud to
support their cause. We look forward to hosting more Friends of Kensico Cemetery events that
contribute directly to the improvement of the Westchester County community. We encourage the
public to stay tuned for updates involving future Friends of Kensico Cemetery community
events,” he said.
