MEDFORD, N.Y.–A credit union vice president who ran in seven full marathons over a seven-day period has raised nearly $30,000 for Hope for the Warriors.
Eva Casale, VP of Information Technology with Suffolk FCU, ran more than 194 miles, over the course of seven days, with each day’s marathon focused on honoring local servicemen killed in action and was linked to the communities they called home, the credit union said.
The team supporting Casale delivered 184 flowers at Points of Honor during the seven-day program. The public was also able to participate in the final 3.1 mile leg of her journey at the end of each day.
“This was a heartfelt running tour of over 194 miles which enabled me to utilize my passion for running to bring Long Islanders together to support programs and services for veterans and to acknowledge how much ‘Every Veteran is Appreciated,’” said Casale. “I created Team E.V.A. which stands for Every Veteran Appreciated, to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country.”
Suffolk Federal supported Casale’s mission by serving as lead sponsor, a commitment which further strengthens the Suffolk Federal mission to support Long Island’s residents.
‘An Honor’
“It was an honor to support Eva with her efforts to raise funds and awareness for the brave men and women who have served our country and have given up so much to defend our freedom,” explained Ralph D. Spencer Jr., Suffolk Federal’s president and CEO and a United States Air Force veteran himself. “At Suffolk Federal, we feel that it is our responsibility to show the same dedication and commitment to our veterans and their families that they have shown to serving our country.”
For the first time this year, Team E.V.A. expanded its efforts into Nassau County.
“We were excited to hear that Team E.V.A. was expanding its journey to Nassau County,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Eva and her Team have answered a ‘call to duty.’ Through efforts such as Team E.V.A. and with the support of businesses such as Suffolk Federal, initiatives like this help raise awareness and improve the quality of their lives when our veterans return from service.”
Proceeds from this event went to Hope for the Warriors, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope to service members, their families, and families of the fallen.