THIS CEMETERY IS DESIGNATED A LEVEL II ARBORETUM

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.