Hillsborough’s Project Graduation 2009 was presented with a $3,900 check last week, representing a portion of the proceeds from the 2009 Resolution Run 5K footrace. The race is held on Jan. 1 each year and starts and ends at the Hillsborough municipal complex.
”The Race Committee is grateful to the 600 runners who braved a cold and blustery day and came out to support some worthy causes on New Year’s Day,” Resolution Run 5K Race Director Gary Verhoorn. “We also want to thank the many local and regional businesses who support us every year and the many volunteers who make this race possible.”
He noted he had earlier warned Project Graduation that due to the recent economic problems the donation might be less than last year. According to Mr. Verhoorn, “We were able to donate the same amount as last year through a combination of attracting more runners, keeping costs down, the loyalty of previous sponsors and the help of several new sponsors.”
“Project Graduation is grateful for the continued support of the Resolution Run 5K,” J.J Doyle, Project Graduation co-chairwoman, said. “Gary and his run have been a major contributor for many years. Without this valuable assistance there might not be a Project Graduation.”
Project Graduation 2009 is an all-night celebration and party immediately following the commencement exercises in June for graduates of Hillsborough High School. Project Graduation 2009 is the 18th annual event and is supported by the Hillsborough Township Youth Commission, parent volunteers, the senior class, faculty and school administration and many other township residents and officials.
More than half of the proceeds of the Resolution Run 5K are contributed to Project Graduation and the remainder is divided among several local pet-friendly groups. This year, three non-profit groups were beneficiaries: Carol’s Cats, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, and Companion Animal Placement of Hillsborough.
Carol’s Cats is a non-profit organization dedicated to cat rescue and adoption programs, rescuing and giving cats up for adoption since 1995. Carol’s Cats specializes in the rescue of feral and abandoned cats.
CAP Rescue of Hillsborough has been heavily involved in local and national rescue operations, including several trips to New Orleans to rescue stranded dogs.
Greyhound Friends of New Jersey is dedicated to the rescue, appreciation and care of the greyhound dog. They rescue as many as they can from possible death after racing and give them appropriate medical care. Greyhounds are placed in safe, loving homes.
Mr. Verhoorn thanked the Hillsborough Township Police Department, the Hillsborough Rescue Squad, the Township Administration, the Municipal Committee, the Board of Education and the Township Youth Services Committee and its Project Graduation Committee.
The Race Director noted that over 40 volunteers were on hand to help with indoor and outdoor activities, such as race number distribution, course marshals, finish line organization and post-race food distribution. Project Graduation supplied students and parents as volunteers and the benefit pet groups also had volunteers. Team Echelon, a local triathlon group, provided volunteers on the race course. The Somerset Runners Group supported the Race Committee throughout the year and also on the day of the race with additional volunteers.
Platinum Sponsors for the 2009 Resolution Run 5K included Harlingen Veterinary Clinic, Hillsborough Massage Therapy LLC, Princeton Orthopaedic Associates and Wheel Life Cycles.
Gold Sponsors consisted of Advanced Eyecare & Vision Gallery, Dr Barbara J. Tarbell, Bagel B.O.P., Joseph Cioce, Esq., I.N.I.T.I.A.L. Impressions, Koerner & Crane, Attorneys, Petrock’s Bar & Grill, Schilke Construction Co., StrengthCondition.com and Zansitis Painting, Inc.
Race Patrons were All For Her Sports, Dubitsky Dental, Reckitt Benckiser, Route 206 Farmers Market, Runners World Magazine, Team Echelon, Town Centre Family Care, Amy Shute, MD, Tranquility Acupuncture, Wegman’s of Bridgewater and the Women’s Club of Hillsborough.
The Bank Honor Roll Sponsors included Affinity Federal Credit Union, Amboy National Bank and Peapack-Gladstone Bank, all with Hillsborough branches. Contributions were also made by William J. Kohlhepp Jr., Esq, Pathmark of Hillsborough, Shop Rite of Hillsborough and Stop & Shop of Hillsborough.
Raceday photos can be viewed at www.uscandids.com and complete 2009 Resolution Run 5K results can be found at www.compuscore.com.
Registration for the 2010 event will begin July 1, through the group’s Web site, www.resolutionrun.org.

