Community News Articles
FIDA 2011 season comes to an end
Sunday, 21 August 2011
The VAFA Umpires Association completed its commitment to the Football Integration Development Association for 2011 with five Grand Finals at Central Reserve in Waverley today.
VAFA umpires Mark Gibson, Merv Monty, John Bradford and Tim Sutcliffe officiated in the five grand finals in front of huge crowds in perfect conditions.
Throughout the FIDA season, 23 VAFA umpires have volunteered their time to umpire 72 matches of football at venues throughout Melbourne. FIDA CEO Peter Ryan and FIDA President Poppie Hatzi are thankful for the contribution made by VAFAUA members toward the success of the competition.
FIDA Grand Final Umpires John, Bradford, Merv Monty, Mark Gibson and Tim Sutcliffe
Blood Run #2 for 2011
Monday, 6 June 2011
Ryan Robertson, VAFAUA Captain Blood
Last Tuesday 31st May a group of
nineteen umpires and friends contributed to a successful Blood Run #2
for Season 2011.
Notable inclusions were Pat Gallus and Tayla Daly, who made donations for the first time and also the return of lapsed donors Adrian Keane and our Social Secretary Jason ‘Evo’ Evans.
Evo also enthusiastically piloted the Blood Bus
to transport our group of donors from Elsternwick Park. Special
thanks to Evo!
The next Blood Run will be held in August.
Check website for details.
Ryan Robertson
VAFA Umpires Association Captain Blood
Super Blood Run II
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Brendan Corcoran, VAFAUA Captain Blood
Twenty donors including umpires, friends , family members and workmates visited the Australian Red Cross. Blood Service on Tuesday November 30, 2010.
Returning for their second blood donations were field umpires Matt Prior, Nathan Morton, 2010 Premier Grand Final field umpire Grant Wardrop and boundary umpire Robert Hamilton. Also attending was rookie donor Damian Anthony, following in the footsteps of his sister Alex.
Photos have been posted on the VAFAUA Facebook page. Click here to view photos.
Incoming VAFAUA. President Luke Holmes also attended and pledged the ongoing support of the Executive to the Blood Run.
Brendan Corcoran
VAFA Umpires Association Captain Blood
The Blood Bank commitment continues...
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Brendan Corcoran, VAFAUA Captain Blood
Rain hail or shine , like the postman , on Tuesday August 24th the VAFAUA Blood Run went ahead. Eight Umpires and one friend attended the last in season Blood Run for 2010 celebrating "The Power of Humanity" which keeps the Blood Run alive.
Inclusions for this Blood Run were Rookie donors Field Umpire Alexandra Anthony and Boundary Umpire Julian Maccioni. Congratulations for making yourselves available to join the group.
The next Run will be Super Blood Run 2 to be held in Mid November. Watch the website for details.
Brendan Corcoran
VAFA Umpires Association Captain Blood
First-time donors give blood
Monday, 21 June 2010
Brendan Corcoran, VAFAUA Captain Blood
A group of ten umpires attended the second VAFAUA Blood Run for the season on Tuesday 8 June.
Notable inclusions for this session were first-time blood donors field umpires Matthew Prior, Nathan Morton, Jarryd Barry and boundary umpire Robert Hamilton.
And a welcome return to the group after a 10 year absence from donating was field umpire John Cahir.
Many bags of sweets were consumed on the inbound trip to keep out the cold and the trip back was very informative. Everyone is now an expert at poker thanks to the stories from A.D. and the many exploits of Jarryd's trips to the Casino and online.
The next Blood Run will take place in August.
Brendan Corcoran
VAFA Umpires Association Captain Blood
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Umpires Run for the Kids 2010 Sunday, 14 March 2010
The VAFAUA again participated in the Run for the Kids to support the Royal Children's Hospital and raise valuable funds for the Good Friday Appeal.
For the third consecutive year, the Umpires Association team joined thousands of Melbournians to run the 14 km course through the Domain Tunnel and over the Bolte Bridge.
The VAFAUA's participation in the Run for the Kids continues the VAFA Umpires Association commitment to supporting community organisations and programs that increase the confidence of participants, support social connections and produce health improvements. |
VAFAUA Run for the Kids team members David Anselmi, Russell Davidson, Tim Sutcliffe and Jeremy Sutcliffe at the completion of the run. |
Super Blood Run complete
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Brendan Corcoran, VAFAUA Captain Blood
Dedicated members of the VAFA Umpires Association once again put their best foot forward by participating in the Super Blood Run in this The Year of the Blood Donor.
On the evening of Tuesday 27 October, nineteen umpires and family members visited the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Most of them travelled by the bus generously sponsored by the VAFA Umpires Association Executive.
Another first for this year was Field Umpire Ryan Robertson who, on being informed that he was two weeks short of being eligible to donate whole blood but wanting to join the group, gave plasma for the first time. Well done Robbo.
A small group of umpires dined afterwards at Mergellinas Restaurant in Elsternwick where many a story tall and otherwise was told by that Master Storyteller A.D.
Thank you to the members of the VAFAUA who gave up their time throughout 2009
to continue our commitment to the Blood Bank and make the year
so successful.
And thank you also to the Webmaster Tim Sutcliffe and Vice Captain Blood Jayde Daly for their enthusiasm.
Brendan Corcoran
VAFA Umpires Association Captain Blood
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Vital blood donations given Tuesday, 18 August 2009
The last in-season Blood Run for 2009 was conducted on Tuesday July 28 with nine umpires and friends donating in the name of the VAFA Umpires Association at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service Headquarters in Southbank. Many thanks go to Field Umpire Daniel Lawlor for his attendance to donate plasma for the first time.
In total, 47 blood donations were made throughout the year by the VAFAUA which included seven first time donors.
A Blood Super-run is planned for Tuesday 27 October with a group booking of 20 already having been made. The visit to the Blood Bank will be followed by a dinner for all umpires in attendance. Details of this Super-run will be advised on www.vafaua.asn.au and all eligible umpires are asked to make themselves available on this date.
Any umpires who donate individually in the interim are requested to advise Brendan Corcoran or Tim Sutcliffe so that the years tally can be amended accordingly.
The VAFAUA's Captain Blood Brendan Corcoran wishes to thank all the members of the VAFAUA who supported this vital community service throughout 2009. |
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Community Cup raises over $120,000
Friday, 26 June 2009
reclink.org
The Community Cup was back in town in 2009. In a rare AFL free weekend in Melbourne, the VAFA headquarters at Elsternwick Park hosted the event which was absent in 2008.
Over 6,000 people turned up to support the Cup and Reclink and a great day was had by all. In a typically cool Melbourne day the on ground highlights were many and despite several interesting pitch invaders, the Espy Rockdogs maintained their focus to eventually hold out the Megahertz by a point.
Off field, the Scared, Weird Little Guys kicked things off with the national anthem while the main stage featured some classic performances from Kram, Jordie Lane, The Spazzy's, Doll Squad and The Cosmic Psychos.
The day could not have happened without the considerable efforts of many people, especially all of the volunteers – more than 210 on match day alone. There are many who put in significant efforts to make the comeback event a success for all parties.
With over $120,000 raised to support the ongoing work of Reclink, to all those people who contributed their time, money and goodwill – Reclink says a big Thank You – and see you next to do it all again.
Community Cup umpires included VAFAUA members Jayde Daly (middle) and Alexandria Anthony (third from right).
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Blood donated. Lives saved. Monday, 15 June 2009
The first in season visit to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service for 2009 led by Brendan Corcoran took place on Tuesday June 3 with 12 umpires donating.
Notable inclusions for this visit were the ever reliable Brian "Woody" Woodhead, first year boundary umpire Jonathon Tucker and first time donors boundary umpires Nathan Orenstein and Rob Mayston.
Brendan Corcoran also acknowledged the achievements of long term field umpire Peter Griffiths. Brendan said "Plasma is a component of blood which can be donated 12 times a year. Peter has been a life long plasma donor and recently chalked up his 250th plasma donation. This was recognised at a ceremony held by the Blood Service at Etihad Stadium. Peter has also held the position of Captain Blood for the Umpires Association in the past.
Umpires interested in donating blood throughout the year should contact Tim Sutcliffe or Brendan Corcoran at training or email community@vafaua.asn.au. |
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Contribution to FIDA recognized Monday, 4 May 2009
The General Manager of the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA), Peter Ryan, visited Elsternwick Park last week to thank VAFAUA members for their contribution to the Association.
FIDA provides a regular, competitive fixture of Australian Rules football for players with an intellectual disability. In 2009 almost four hundred players are involved in the program with teams from Ballarat, Albury/Woodonga and all over Melbourne.
The VAFA Umpires Association plays a valuable role in the running of FIDA with members volunteering their time and umpiring skills to officiate in the FIDA fixtures throughout the season.
Peter Ryan thanked VAFAUA members for their umpiring contribution and for helping to make the football experience an enjoyable one for all the participants.
VAFAUA members interested in assisting with FIDA should contact Mark Gibson at training or email community@vafaua.asn.au. |
Mark Gibson (VAFAUA) with Peter Ryan (FIDA) |
Over $700 raised for Royal Children's Hospital
Sunday, 5 April 2009
A team of 33 VAFAUA members and friends contributed over $700 towards the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal by participating in the Run for the Kids 2009.
The 14 kilometre fun run taking in the Domain Tunnel and Bolte Bridge provided the perfect opportunity to test fitness levels after completing practice match appointments the previous day. The 2009 event was a great success with members of the VAFA Umpires Association team eagerly waiting for next year’s event.
The VAFAUA's participation in the Run for the Kids continues the VAFA Umpires Association commitment to supporting community organisations and programs that increase the confidence of participants, support social connections and produce health improvements.
Some members of the VAFA Umpires Association Run for the Kids 2009 team:
Joel Thompson, Patrick Gallus, Matthew Pryor, Nathan Orenstein, Michael Hooper, David Anselmi, Hayley Scarr, Tim Sutcliffe, Grant Wardrop, Richard Yann and Tom Windlow
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Blood donations save lives Friday, 13 March 2009
VAFAUA members visited the Southbank Blood Bank last Wednesday night to support the Red Cross and make valuable life saving blood donations. The VAFAUA has a long history of supporting the Red Cross Blood Bank and this support will continue throughout the year.
The bus used on the night to transport umpires to the Blood Bank was proudly provided by the Manningham YMCA.
More group bookings will be organised throughout 2009. Umpires interested in attending these sessions can contact Brendan Corcoran or Tim Sutcliffe at training or email their details to community@vafaua.asn.au. |
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2008 Blood Challenge - Mission accomplished Wednesday, 26 November 2008
The VAFA Umpires Association continued its strong support of the Blood Bank throughout 2008.
Led by the VAFAUA’s Captain Blood, Brendan Corcoran, many VAFAUA members, family and friends made life saving blood donations throughout the season. Regular donors continued their commitment to the Blood Bank but it was the number of first time donors that most pleased Brendan Corcoran. Brendan made special mention of the many umpires who generously donated to the VAFA Winter Blood Challenge this year for the first time - Anthony Simpson, David Hindle, Joel Morison, Russell Davidson, Jayde Daly, Charles Lear, Darren Dalgleish and Rebecca Brown.
And an initiative by vice captain blood, boundary umpire Jayde Daly saw the first ever group blood run achieved by the VAFAUA in the off season.
A group of 13 umpires, relatives and friends, visited the Blood Bank on Tuesday 28 October. The group included boundary umpires coach, Robert Mutton, donating for the first time and regular plasma donor, Nick Fennessy. The umpires enjoyed a quiet dinner afterwards.
The federal government has declared 2009 the Year of the Blood Donor to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first ever donation of blood for medical purposes. Planning is underway to increase the VAFAUA’s participation in this vital community service.
Any VAFAUA members interested in donating blood or finding out more information can contact Brendan Corcoran by phone on 0438 346 723 or by email at brengun2004@yahoo.com.au.
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FIDA participants enjoy benefits of football
Monday, 26 May 2008
The Football Integration Development Association aims to provide regular and competitive games of Australian Rules football for players throughout Victoria with an intellectual disability.
Currently almost four hundred players are involved in the program. FIDA
receives administrative support from the Victorian Amateur Football
Association while VAFA Umpires Association members donate their time and
skills to umpire some of the Melbourne based matches.
In 2008 teams from Broadmeadows, Bulleen/Templestowe, Kananook, Lara, Mambourin (Werribee), Maribyrnong, Mazenod (Waverley), Moonee Valley, North Ballarat, Ovens & Murray (Albury/Wodonga), Parkside (Alphington), Port Colts and Ringwood make up the main competition with satellite programs conducted in Geelong and Gippsland.
VAFAUA members who umpire the matches are pleased to participate in a community sporting program that increases the confidence of participants, supports social connections and produces health improvements.
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National awareness day for Cystic Fibrosis Friday, 23 May 2008 |
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65 Roses Day, which falls on Friday 23 May 2008, is the national awareness day for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in Australia. It is an event which aims to promote CF to the wider community and increase much needed funding for research and support services of Cystic Fibrosis Victoria.
Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive genetic disorder affecting the exocrine glands which produce body secretions such as sweat, mucus and enzymes. It is the most common life-threatening, genetic disorder amongst Australians.
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CF primarily affects the respiratory system (lungs), digestive system (pancreas and sometimes liver) and reproductive system. About one in every 2500 births in Australia produces a child with CF and there is currently no cure.
The VAFA Umpires Association is promoting awareness of Cystic Fibrosis and raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria during May. On Thursday 29 May before the Association meeting at Elsternwick Park, the VAFA Umpires Association will be holding a fundraising BBQ. Additional donations for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria are also welcome.
Further awareness of Cystic Fibrosis will be encouraged with the Cystic Fibrosis Community Cup between the VAFA and the VCFL at Elsternwick Park on Saturday, 7 June 2008. |
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Improving the quality of life for others
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
The efforts of VAFAUA members continue to make a real difference to the lives of people who need help.
Throughout April, VAFAUA members visited the Southbank Blood Donor Centre to give valuable life saving blood donations. Giving blood is an ideal way for VAFAUA members to be involved in a vital community service.
Many members participating in the program had done it all before while it was a new experience for others. Congratulations to first time donors David Hindle, Russell Davidson, Charlie Lear and Frank Palermo.
The vast majority of donated blood will go to people with major medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stomach and bowel disease, liver and kidney disease, people with haemophilia and to newborn babies and pregnant women.
And as each blood donation can help save three lives, VAFAUA donations this year have potentially made a significant improvement in the quality of life to over 50 people!
The VAFAUA will continue to support the Red Cross Blood Bank with more group visits to the Southbank Donor Centre planned during July and August. Members interested in giving blood should contact Brendan Corcoran or Tim Sutcliffe at training or via email community@vafaua.asn.au.
VAFAUA members at the Southbank Blood Donor Centre during April 2008. From left to right, Brendan Corcoran, Frank Palermo, Tim Sutcliffe, Charlie Lear, Vin Vescovi and Russell Davidson.
Making a positive contribution in the Community
Monday, 19 May 2008
The VAFA Umpires Association
has a long and proud history of making a positive contribution to the
lives of people in the community.
In the past, VAFA Umpires
Association members have reached outside the VAFA to support a number of
worthy community programs that increase the confidence of participants,
support social connections and produce health improvements.
In
2008, we have launched VAFAUA Community Programs
to recognize the great work undertaken in the past and to further
develop our community work in the future. This initiative will see the
VAFAUA continue to support the Sacred Heart Mission, the Royal
Children's Hospital, the Red Cross Blood Bank, Cystic Fibrosis Victoria
and the Football Integration Development Association.
VAFAUA
members are continually involved in events, awareness campaigns and
fundraising efforts to support these
organisations.
So far this
year a VAFAUA team has competed in the Run for the Kids to raise money
for the Royal Children's Hospital, a number of VAFAUA members have given
their time and blood to the Red Cross Blood Bank, and some members have
volunteered their time to umpire games in the Football Integration
Development Association.
VAFAUA members wishing to become involved in these and other community initiatives should contact the Community Programs Coordinator via email community@vafaua.asn.au.
Umpires run for the kids
Sunday, 30 March 2008
The VAFA Umpires Association has a long history of supporting community programs that increase the confidence of participants, support social connections and produce health improvements.
This commitment to making a positive contribution within the community was again on show when VAFAUA members gave up their time and money for the Royal Children’s Hospital by competing in the Run for the Kids 2008.
The 14 kilometre fun run taking in the Domain Tunnel and Bolte Bridge provided the perfect opportunity to test fitness levels after completing practice match appointments the previous day. The 2008 event was a great success with members of the VAFA Umpires Association team eagerly waiting for next year’s event.
By taking part in the Run for the Kids 2008, the VAFA Umpires Association team contributed over $200 to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Some members of the VAFA Umpires Association Run for the Kids 2008 team:
(L to R) Richard Yann, Michael Hooper, Tim Sutcliffe, Tom Windlow, Albie Firley and Ryan Robertson.
Podium finish in blood challenge
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
The VAFA Umpires Association finished strongly in the 2007 Blood Bank Challenge to claim third spot. Despite registering a total of 55 donations for the season, this was not enough to claim a prize.
Aquinas was named the 2007 Blood Bank Challenge winners after storming home in the last few weeks to lead the count with 42.5% of their membership donating. In second place was Therry Penola with 23.1% and in third was the VAFAUA with 22.0%.
Congratulations to the VAFAUA's Captain Blood Brendan Corcoran for leading the umpire's campaign and to all the umpires who donated throughout the season. A special mention to the ten umpires who donated blood for the first time.
In 2008, the VAFA Umpires Association will be making an extra special effort to increase donor numbers and help save lives. All umpires are encouraged to get involved.
Community Cup raises over $75,000
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
VAFAUA members have again played a significant role in the Sacred Heart Mission Community Cup.
Community Cup founder and VAFAUA member Jason Evans has been organising this event for the past fourteen years. During this time the Sacred Heart Mission Community Cup has come to embody the spirit of grass-roots football in Melbourne, bringing the community together in a truly unique celebration.
Other VAFAUA members giving their time on the day were Tony Lilley and Simon Stokes in the goals, and Will Stokes and Josh Tryer on the boundary.
This years event raised over $75,000 for Sacred Heart Mission, which provides vital assistance to people who are homeless or living in poverty. In addition to attending to immediate needs such as food, shelter and clothing, the Mission provides long term support to help people get back on their feet... permanently.
"The Cup is a stunning example of what can happen when the community gets together to support people who are going through rough times' said Sacred Heart Mission CEO, Michael Perusco.
'Bangers & Cash' Challenge this week Monday, 28 May 2007
The VAFAUA, as well as all VAFA clubs, is raising money for Cystic Fibrosis research over the next week by holding a BBQ at training and by gold coin donation from members.
The Umpires Association, under the leadership of boundary umpire Dr. Andrew Rechtman, has been a strong supporter of the Challenge since its inception.
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Members will be asked to make a gold coin (or more!) donation at the BBQ prior to the VAFAUA Annual General meeting next Thursday, 31 May 2007 at Elsternwick Park. Larger donations are tax deductible so see the Doc at training if you would like a receipt.
Cystic Fibrosis is the most common genetic disorder in kids affecting one in every 2500 kids born. It can result in chronic lung infections and lung disease, and at best, sufferers have a life expectancy of 40 years. Many people still die in their teens or early 20's.
All money raised goes to support kids suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. |
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Umpires take up the challenge
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
The VAFA Umpires Association is once again a participating member club of the VAFA’s Blood Challenge.
The first group of umpires headed to the Blood Bank at Southbank by mini bus on Tuesday May 15th. Eight donations were made on the night to help kick start the VAFAUA's quest for the title.
In 2006 the VAFAUA finished fourth in the challenge. Regular donors and six first time donors from the ranks of the group contributed to a fine tally of sixty three blood donations which was commended by the Blood Service. In 2007 the Challenge began on Saturday April 28th and concludes on Saturday September 1st 2007.
Further groups will be organised throughout the year with the next group booking scheduled for Tuesday May 22nd departing Elsternwick Park at 5.30pm sharp.
Any member interested in booking a place is asked to see the VAFAUA's Captain Blood Brendan Corcoran at training or by calling his mobile 0438 346 723 any time. Please keep in mind that under the rules of the competition any family member, friend or workmate can donate in the name of the Association by filling in the entry form available at all major blood donation centres.
All VAFAUA members are encouraged to get involved and help us win the 2007 VAFA Blood Challenge.
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The VAFAUA's quest for the Blood Challenge title was kick started on Tuesday night at the Blood Bank in Southbank.
Back row: Brendan Corcoran, Vin Vescovi, Steve McCarthy, Jeremy Heffernan, Tim Sutcliffe and Sean Scully.
Front row: Anthony Damen, Paul Tuppen and Ryan Robertson.
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The Blood Bank commitment continues... Thursday, 26 August 2010
Eight Umpires including first time donors Alexandra Anthony and Julian Maccioni attended the last in season Blood Run for 2010. [more...]
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Reclink acknowledges VAFAUA support
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Monday, 21 June 2009
A group of ten umpires attended the second VAFAUA Blood Run for the season in June including four first-time donors. [more...]
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Sunday, 14 March 2010
The VAFAUA again participated in the Run for the Kids to support the Royal Children's' Hospital and raise valuable funds for the Good Friday Appeal. [more...]
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Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Dedicated members of the VAFA Umpires Association put their best foot forward by participating in the Super Blood Run in October. [more...]
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Tuesday, 18 August 2009
In total, 47 blood donations were made throughout the year by the VAFAUA which included seven first time donors. [more...]
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Monday, 15 June 2009
Another 12 umpires donated blood during the first in season visit to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service for 2009. [more...]
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Contribution to FIDA recognized Monday, 4 May 2009
The General Manager of FIDA, Peter Ryan, visited Elsternwick Park last week to thank VAFAUA members for their contribution to the Association. [more...]
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Over $700 raised for Royal Children's Hospital Sunday, 5 April 2009
VAFAUA members and friends contributed over $700 towards the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal by participating in the Run for the Kids. [more...]
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