New Armonk 5K This Saturday to Support First Responders

Michele Berliner and Christy Saltstein know better than anyone how crucial rapid response time is during a medical emergency.

Early on the evening of Oct. 29, 2012, when Superstorm Sandy was pummeling the area, their husbands, Andrew Berliner and Doug Saltstein, were struck by a falling utility pole near their Windmill Farm homes and critically injured.

But thanks to the Armonk Fire Department, the North Castle Police Department and the town’s highway department, both men were rushed to Northern Westchester Hospital as first responders dodged falling trees and wires while navigating a route around closed or impassable roads. Their service quite possibly saved their lives.

While their husbands recuperated, Berliner and Saltstein discussed what they could do to thank the volunteer firefighters, police and others who had risked their own safety to help their husbands.

“We said we had to do something,” Berliner recalled. “We have to figure out how we’re going to say thank you. We (had) to find these people. We didn’t even know who anybody was.”

First, they catered a dinner at the firehouse, but it didn’t feel like that was enough.

Last year, they established Stayin’ Alive, Inc., a nonprofit to provide financial support to North Castle’s first responders. Through holding fundraisers and  collecting donations, money raised will go directly to the local departments to help buy equipment or other items that aren’t funded through operating budgets.

This Saturday, May 31, the organization will hold its inaugural Stayin’ Alive 5K Fun Run, a 3.1-mile event that begins and ends near the Windmill Farm clubhouse. The Fun Run for children is .6 miles.

Runners throughout the area are invited to register and help support the cause.

“When we started this relationship with them they were so grateful and obviously thrilled not only with the outcome but grateful that we’re giving back,” Saltstein said. “They are volunteers, they work their regular jobs and then they volunteer. It’s important we give back to them.”

Although this is the first 5K that Stayin’ Alive is hosting. it isn’t the first time since the organization’s launch that it has partnered with local first responders. Last summer Berliner and Saltstein were part of the Armonk Fire Department’s demonstration at Business Park Drive outside The GYM to raise awareness and recruit new members.

Then the nonprofit organized teams for the Westchester Running Festival last fall. That event raised nearly $20,000 and was donated to the Armonk Fire Department, which purchased new EMS jumpsuits.

“The whole point is to say thank you,” Berliner added. “They saved our husbands’ lives and we’re going back to say thank you.”

Their idea for the 5K came naturally enough. Both women are running enthusiasts, having competed in various events throughout the county and beyond. In fact, Berliner has participated in the New York City Marathon.

It’s also fitting because Armonk, which also hosts a race in September, is a community with healthy and active residents, Berliner said.

Lucy Labriola, the Armonk Fire Department’s chief at the time of the incident, said the volunteers are overwhelmed by the two couples’ heartfelt efforts.

“We just can’t thank these people enough for how much you’ve given back to us,” she said. “It’s amazing what you guys have done. You think what we’ve done for you is amazing? It’s quite the opposite for us and we’re very humbled by it.”

At the May 14 North Castle Town Board meeting, Supervisor Michael Schiliro also lauded the volunteers and the police and highway workers.

“This is the kind of community we live in,” Schiliro said.”It’s a great community and we thank you all for the example, especially the example you set for us, the adults and the kids in our community.”

The Stayin’ Alive 5K Fun Run will kick off at 8 a.m. on May 31 rain or shine. Registration for each runner is $25 in advance or $35 on race day. The Fun Run carries a $10 fee for each participant. To register in advance, go to bit.ly/alive5k or visit the Stayin’ Alive 5K Fun Run Facebook page. To donate, make checks payable to Stayin’ Alive, Inc., and send to P.O. Box 104, Armonk, N.Y. 10504-0104.

To contact Michele Berliner or Christy Saltstein for more information, email stayinalivecharity@gmail.com.