MEDFORD, N.Y.–For the fourth year in a row, the vice president of a credit union here plans to run more than 184 miles in a single week—the equivalent of seven different marathons–as a way to raise money for veterans.
As CUToday.info has previously reported, Eva Casale, SVP of Information Technology for Suffolk Federal Credit Union, will run a minimum of 26.2 miles each day to raise funds and awareness for local veterans and Fallen Heroes. Casale is running on behalf of Team E.V.A., which stands for Every Veteran Appreciated.
Casale earlier participated in a Q&A with CUToday.info in which she described the experience here.
“I’ve always been able to run long distances, so I decided to use my passion for running to make a difference and to do something significant – to recognize and support our veterans,” Casale said. “Team E.V.A. is meant to pay homage to our local heroes. It’s such an honor for me to organize and run this event and to know that I can bring the surrounding communities together to thank our local heroes and their families for all they have done and sacrificed.”
Visits All Week Long
From April 27-May 3, Casale will lead the Team E.V.A. during what she calls “Every Veteran Appreciated” Week. Each marathon Casale finishes will be focused on honoring local servicemen killed in action and will be linked to communities they called home. At the end of the week Casale will have visited over 106 Points of Honor and will have laid more than 250 flowers in memory of fallen heroes, Suffolk FCU said.
Suffolk Federal is sponsoring Casale as she runs the equivalent of seven marathons over the span of seven days through the streets of Long Island to support services and programs for the national nonprofit Hope for The Warriors.
“Suffolk Federal is honored to support and be the lead sponsor for Eva and her mission of bringing attention to the brave soldiers and their families who sacrificed so much, and continue to do so each and every day,” said Ralph D. Spencer Jr., president & CEO of Suffolk Federal and a United States Air Force Veteran. “As many veterans, including myself, have planted roots here in Long Island, I believe it’s our responsibility to support this crucial cause and invite our community to do so as well by coming out to support our Team E.V.A.”
Expansion into Nassau County
For the second year, Suffolk FCU said Team E.V.A. will be expanding into Nassau County. “We are inspired and excited to have Eva and her team continue their efforts in Nassau County once again. Their dedication, hard work and commitment to making such a significant contribution to our local veterans is admirable and helps to promote and unify a stronger community here on Long Island,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
To show support for our Veterans, Casale said she is encouraging residents and businesses to proudly display American Flags during the seven-day marathon event. Live updates of Casale’s progress will be made available through Suffolk Federal’s and Team Eva’s Facebook page. To follow Eva on her journey, click the link to GLIMPSE where Eva and the Team can be tracked during the marathon each day using the hashtag #WheresEva
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
This year’s Opening Ceremony will take place at the Huntington Elks Lodge #1565. From there the team will begin their marathons in Centerport, Commack, Northport, LI National Cemetery, Eisenhower Park, Shelter Island, Sag Harbor, Calverton, Westhampton, Oyster Bay, Bayville, Glen Cove, Brookhaven, Patchogue, Medford and Long Island’s South Shore. The Closing Ceremony will take place at Copiague Fire Department as Casale and her team complete the final marathon.
Through April 30, Suffolk Federal is accepting donations in support of Casale’s efforts. For a $5 donation, donors can take home an American Flag Pop Socket. For a $10-$20 donation, donors will receive a special Patriotic Bear (while supplies last). For a donation of their choice, a contribution card with the donor’s name will be displayed at the branch where the donation was made, the credit union said.
Casale said she is also inviting the community to join her during her marathon days. For a $50 donation, runners can join her for a 5k to an eight-mile run. For info: www.GoTeamEva.org.