The "Cancer Center for Kids" at Winthrop University Hospital is thrilled to once again kick off its spring events calendar with its Third Annual 5K Family Fun Walk/Run. As in past years, the event will be held at Jonathan L. Ielpi Firefighters Park (Jon's Park) on Sunday, May 2.

This walk/run is truly geared for families, kids and adults of all ages. Far more than a run or stroll around Jon's Park, the event provides a full morning of events, activities, food, raffle prizes and entertainment for all participants.

Jon's Park was specifically chosen because of its ideal location in the heart of Great Neck, as well as its convenient and accessible facilities. Participants have the option of walking or running the 4/10 of a mile loop up to eight times, or three miles. Parents can walk the loop with their young children, while tots can be strolled around the loop in their comfy strollers. Should the toddlers or younger children get restless or tired, they can play in the park, delight in our food and beverages and participate in the festivities. Serious runners will have their own dedicated lane, while the more casual participants can share a more social jog/run with their friends and family.

The walk/run is only a part of the morning's exciting events. There will be a variety of snacks and beverages. Registrants will get to wake up to Starbucks coffee and later enjoy scrumptious steak sandwiches prepared by Morton's Steakhouse. Clowns, face painting, magicians, various craft tables, dancers, karate demos, massage chairs and many more surprises will be available to all participants. The Chinese Auction, a tremendous hit the past two years, is always a wonderful and exciting ending to the event. There's a plethora of raffle prizes and gift baskets, thanks to all the generous donations from Great Neck Merchants.

The event is coordinated with the Great Neck Village Crafts Fair. When the Fun Walk/Run is over, race goers can continue the festivities with family and friends over at the Crafts Fair! There will be a free shuttle bus.

What better way to spend a "Spring Sun-day" than by participating in a fundraising event (which will benefit the Cancer Center children and their families), enjoy our morning festivities, and then mosey over to the Old Village Crafts Fair!

Registration for the walk/run will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until the start of the event at 9:30. Participants are strongly encouraged to pre-register before the day of the event, using the brochures widely available throughout town or by registering on line at www.creatinghope.com. The early registration fee is $25 for adults and $15 for kids, children five and under are free; $30 / $20 if you register the day of the event. Special commemorative T-shirts will be given to the first 400 registrants.

If you are unable to participate in the Walk/Run on Sunday, May 2 but would nonetheless like to support the Cancer Center for Kids, you can make your contribution using the brochure or the web site. For more information, call Maxine Andrade at Winthrop Hospital (663-9409) or Lore Kent, Project Coordinator (466-6477). Hoping to see you there -- spring showers or sunshine!