The Dyker Heights Athletic Association and St. Bernadette parish hosted the 11th annual children’s runners’ two mile marathon on Saturday June 2th. The event raised over $ 16,000.00. Over 220 kids pledged money to run in our Run 4 Kids III Marathon. The kids were asked to obtain pledges to run and the funds raised benefited Julia Bruzzese, St. Judes Children’s Hospital and the Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation. Samantha Sullivan and Emma Berardelli sang the National Anthem and God Bless America. Councilman Justin Brennan , Assemblyman Peter Abbate, Senator Marty Golden were all present to show our kids how important this event was and how wonderful a cause they served. Each gave brief speeches thanking the children for their wonderful community service. They praised our runners for the sacrifice that they were making to help others in need. Joe Girgenti (our former President) also gave a very touching speech about how the Knights organization constantly promotes community service for our sports association. Joe Girgenti went on to define what a community is and how it relates to this event. He explained that the St. Bernadette School, St. Bernadette church, our community children, the Olivia Boccuzzi foundation and the Knights all came together in a common location for a common cause with a common theme. The race was from 82nd street and 13th avenue down 12th avenue to 71th street and back to 82nd street. The kids ran according to the grades. Trophies were awarded to the winners in each group.