Long-time volunteer Amy is running her second United Airlines NYC Half to benefit PAWS NY and we’re excited to cheer her on while she (hopefully) beats her previous time! A social worker who lives in Brooklyn with her cat Maya and dog Rosie, Amy is also a fan of karaoke and trivia nights. Learn more about Amy in her Q&A below!

Why did you decide to run this race? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I’ve been a runner since high school but usually just did it on my own. I ran this race in 2018 for PAWS NY and it was the first long race I competed in. I won the marathon lottery that same year and ran in the NYC Marathon. I’ve wanted to try and get back into long races and my love for PAWS motivated me to start again. 

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I’ve been volunteering with PAWS since 2017. I’m a social worker and care very much about the health and well-being of others, especially vulnerable communities. I love animals of all kinds and I love that PAWS recognizes the important connection between people and pets. 

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

Yes, I have a cat (Maya) and a dog (Rosie, a 9-year-old Chiweenie) and would have 40 more pets if I could. I grew up with lots of cats and finally had a dog of my own when I adopted my first dog about 10 years ago. 

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I’ve been running for my own enjoyment since high school and it’s part of my self-care. During my training, I’ve loved running down the running path down the FDR. I had a great loop through Greenpoint when I lived there and I’m constantly searching for routes with limited stop lights. 

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

I hang out with my boyfriend, friends, and pets. I love to travel (or planning to travel these days), reading, karaoke, and a good trivia night. 

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

1. I’ve driven cross-country twice: once by myself, once with my dog.
2. I’m one of 6 kids.
3. I have an incredible memory for movie quotes, song lyrics, and random pop-culture facts. (Editor’s Note: No wonder she likes trivia nights!)

What are your goals for this race? How can PAWS support you?

I’m looking to beat my 2018 time!

Thanks to Amy for fundraising on behalf of PAWS NY for the United Airlines NYC Half! Donate to Amy’s fundraiser, or anyone else on Team PAWS NY, via this link.

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Learn more about Kelley in her Q&A below, and plan to cheer her on during the Half Marathon on March 20!

Why did you decide to run this race? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I have heard the course is amazing and I have wanted to do more destination runs. 

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

Quite simply, I love animals and know how much of an important part they play as a true family member. 

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

Yes, I have a Golden Retriever and I’ve grown up with pets. 

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

Five years, and I like to run anywhere new and outside. 

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

Yoga, weight training, and quality time with friends and family. 

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

I completed my first half marathon during COVID and then went on to train for a full marathon that I completed in June of 2021! I love to bake and use it as a way to show love to my friends and family. 

What are your goals for this race? 

My main goal is to raise the full amount for PAWS NY with the hopes of going above the goal of $1500!

Thanks to Kelley for fundraising on behalf of PAWS NY for the United Airlines NYC Half! Donate to Kelley’s fundraiser, or anyone else on Team PAWS NY, via this link.

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The organization has participated as a Charity Partner for the United Airlines NYC Half each year since 2016.

New York, December 10, 2021—Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY was named an Official Charity Partner for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half. The race, which will take place on Sunday, March 20, 2022, will give runners the opportunity to pass by many of New York City’s most popular sights, including Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza, the United Nations, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, and Central Park.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with the United Airlines NYC Half, which gives PAWS NY the ability to raise funds and awareness to help us support vulnerable New Yorkers as they care for their animal companions,” said Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director of the organization. “We look forward to having a dedicated team of runners take on the United Airlines NYC Half on behalf of our organization—training, preparing, and ultimately completing the 13.1-mile race for a cause that is both meaningful and close to each and every one of them.”

The mission of PAWS NY is to help New York City residents who are most at-risk of losing their pets due to physical and financial obstacles they face, with particular emphasis on low-income seniors and individuals suffering from illness or disability. The organization’s programs and volunteers provide support to help keep pets in their homes with the people who love them and out of the shelter system. PAWS NY will participate in the United Airlines NYC Half Charity Partner Program, along with 15 runners who will participate in the Half Marathon on Sunday, March 20, 2022. These runners will commit to raising critical funds on behalf of the organization, allowing PAWS NY to continue to help clients overcome the physical and financial limitations they face caring for their animal companions.

At the 2019 United Airlines NYC Half, over 3,000 runners raised more than $5 million for charity. That number includes a mix of runners who gained entry through one of more than 150 Official Charity Partners, and runners who used their own entry and raised funds for either an Official Charity Partner or another charity of their choice.

“We are proud to welcome PAWS NY as an official charity partner of the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half,” said Christine Burke, senior vice president of strategic partnerships and runner products for New York Road Runners. “Our charity partners are an integral part of the United Airlines NYC Half and provide thousands of runners dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in need an opportunity to add meaning to their miles.”

About PAWS NY

The mission of PAWS NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners.  To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

Contact:
Kimberly Green
(o): 212-203-4760, x304
(e): Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org

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