By Ashley Allgyer

The Industry Partnerships (IPs) of the Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF) hosted the first annual Dress Up & Dash 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 15.

Held in the Eagleview Corporate Center, the event invited runners and walkers from the community for a morning of fun and friendly competition to benefit educational and training programming for youth and adults.

The IPs benefiting from the funds raised include AgConnect, Health Care Connect, Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG), Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties, and the Smart Energy Initiative as well as Hire One and the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n).

During the 2015-16 program year, nearly 1,100 Southeastern Pennsylvania organizations were involved in activities presented by the above partnerships including training employees, youth programming, participation in board meetings, and volunteering at various events.

Youth projects include career exploration showcases as well as annual events such as Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology (GETT), Techies Day, and the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing Video Contest.  This year, the IPs impacted 3,648 students through these career exploration events.

Additionally, over 200 companies, with support from Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, CCEDB and Delaware County Community College, took advantage of training opportunities and were funded to train over 1,100 of their employees.

These partnerships provide funding for adult instruction, training, and guidance to develop, improve and enhance their vocational, professional, employment and business capabilities.

Race Day Recap

More than 130 community members joined the CCEDF in Eagleview Town Center on race day. Festivities at the venue included sponsor exhibit tables, childrens’ activities, and a visit from the Phillie Phanatic. Attendees also had the chance to enter to win five different raffle baskets as well as participate in a 50/50 raffle.

The 5K start/finish line was located in front of the Brickside Grille in the popular Eagleview Town Center. From there, runners/walkers winded through the beautiful neighborhoods and office complexes of the Eagleview Corporate Center.

In addition to the 5K, this event offered the opportunity for children ages 12 and under to compete in a one-mile fun run as well as a Tot Trot for the little ones ages 3-5.

Overall male and female 5K runners, Chris Nocera and Kellie Melleady were awarded with a $100 cash prize each, second place overall male and female runners, Mike Padilla and Audrey Fatone were awarded $50 each.

Medals were awarded to the top male/female winners in eight age groups, ranging from 12 and under to 70 and over. Since the “Dress Up & Dash” welcomed participants to wear Halloween costumes, there was also a Costume Contest with winners awarded in three categories – Funniest, Most Creative, and Best Group.

Mike Grigalonis, Executive Vice President and COO for CCEDF served as the event emcee and expressed on behalf of the organization “We are thrilled with the success of this inaugural event and grateful to the many sponsors, volunteers and runners who participated.”

Proceeds benefited the Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which operates educational and training programming for youth and adults.

The Chester County Economic Development Foundation wishes to thank all of their sponsors:

• Bright Horizons
• USSC Group
• RE/MAX Professional Realty
• Home Advisor
• Frecon Farms
• Growing Roots
• Smedley Orthodontics
• Clover Farms
• Wick’s Ski Sport
• Monkey Fish Toys
• Kimberton Whole Foods
• Gauker Farms
• TABB Management

Special thank you to the Chester County Running Store and Hankin Group as well as the many volunteers who helped to make this event possible.

Proceeds benefited the Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which operates educational and training programming for youth and adults.

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Ashley Allgyer joined the CCEDC in August 2014 as a project coordinator after having previously interned with the organization. She is 2014 Penn State graduate, newlywed to her beloved Chris, and the organizer of CCEDC’s annual Cookie and Candy Club Challenge.