What began asan ambitious endurance challengeturned into a sweeping show of community support as fitness coach Steve Panzik completed a 25-hour, 100-mile run to benefit Port Washington schools, raising more than $30,000 forThe Ed. Foundation.
Panzik, founder of Power 10 Fitness, ran four miles every hour for 25 consecutive hours, traveling through every school in the district and drawing crowds of students, parents and community members along the way.
“It’s been awesome. I did not expect that,” Panzik said of the turnout. “The kids out cheering, holding signs, running, it’s been a really nice experience.”
The run, held in recognition of the foundation’s 25th anniversary, originally aimed to raise $25,000. Organizers increased the goal to $30,000 after early momentum, and ultimately surpassed it.
The Ed. Foundation is an independent nonprofit that funds programs and opportunities not covered by the school district’s budget, supporting initiatives across Port Washington’s schools.
North Hempstead Council Member Mariann Dalimonte praised both the effort and its impact.
“The Ed. Foundation is an amazing organization,” Dalimonte said. “They raise money for all the things the school district cannot pay for. Because of the foundation, so many other things happen in this school district.”
The run began at Manorhaven Elementary School, where students gathered outside to cheer and run alongside Panzik. He continued through multiple schools, including Sousa, Guggenheim, Daly and Salem elementary schools, before finishing at Paul D. Schreiber High School.
At each stop, students held signs, ran portions of the route and energized the event.
“The support from the community and the school district has been absolutely amazing,” said Lauren Edwards, president of the Ed. Foundation, who helped organize the event with Robin McDermott. “There was so much energy all day.”
Source: LI Press
