Firecracker Distributes $30,000: Six Local Charities Benefit from 10th Annual Event

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga’s annual July 4th “Firecracker 4” road race is brightening the financial outlook for several local non-profit organizations this month as it distributes the 2016 race proceeds. In total, six groups will receive a total of $30,000 in contributions to further the recreational opportunities and pursuit of healthy lifestyles enriched in the history of Saratoga Springs. This community race has raised over $280,000 for health and recreation-related charitable organizations since 2007. For 2016, these community organizations have been selected: - Veterans Business Council of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; facilitating opportunities for Saratoga County veterans - Pitney Meadows Farm; recreational and trail system connecting via the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail to the YMCA, Saratoga Springs community and the Saratoga Spa State Park - Saratoga Camp Abilities Program; an annual Saratoga Springs Lions Club sports camp for blind/visually-impaired youth - Saratoga Regional YMCA West Avenue; this facility to support trails connecting the YMCA, the existing Railroad Run Trail, the Saratoga Spa State Park and the community - Saratoga Springs High School Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor/Outdoor Track /Field and Cross Country; supporting athletes of all abilities - Second Chance Sports; which assists disabled veterans and other individuals to begin playing sports without regard to their physical condition. The race’s “Run Your Colors” team competition promoted donations to the charities chosen by the teams with the greatest number of runners registered for the race. This year those winning teams were: - 1st place: Rock Your Fitness: $1,000 award to Heart 9/11 charity - 2nd place: Saratoga Regional YMCA: $500 award - 3rd place: Pop’s Warriors for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: $250 award The Rock Your Fitness team from Malta was the winner’s of this year’s team competition. “Having the largest group for our Firecracker4 “Run Your Colors” team goes to the heart of what Rock Your Fitness is all about. Our members are hard-working people who challenge themselves and give back to the community at the same time,” says Becky Weyrauch, owner of Rock Your Fitness in Malta. “We are honored to win this three years running.” The Firecracker 4 is managed by FC4, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit committed to healthy lifestyle choices. Information can be found by visiting www.Firecracker4.com, as well as by visiting Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The management and volunteers of FC4 are grateful for the support of sponsors and runners who make this year’s donations possible.