September 19, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Ho-Ho-Kus Community invited to participate in Richard’s Run by Jennifer Crusco Local runners are invited to participate in Go4theGoal’s Richard’s Run, a 5K benefit race that will be held in Ho-HoKus on Sunday, Sept. 30. Proceeds from this event, which is now in its ninth year, will benefit the pediatric oncology patients at the Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund at Hackensack University Medical Center. Go4theGoal Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable organization, was founded six years ago by Dr. Richard and Beth Stefanacci after their oldest child, Richard, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. The foundation hosts various awareness and fundraising campaigns, including National Dress 4 Pediatric Cancer Day, Lace-Up 4 Pedi- atric Cancer, and Richard’s Run 5K runs. In addition, the organization provides support for children with cancer and their families, and assistance for pediatric oncology units in over 40 hospitals. Since it was founded, Go4The Goal has raised over $500,000 in funding for pediatric cancer research. Richard Stefanacci’s aunt, Ho-Ho-Kus resident Gina Buffa, currently serves on the Go4theGoal Board. Although Richard has passed away, the foundation’s goal remains a priority for Buffa, whose young daughter, Blake, was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. Buffa explained that the run was originally launched by the Ho-Ho-Kus Contemporary Club, and now draws approximately 1,400 participants. “It’s really a great community event,” she said. This year’s Richard’s Run will begin at Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Hall, located at 333 Warren Avenue in Ho-HoKus, at 8:30 a.m. Joggers and walkers of all ages are welcome to participate. The 5K course is USATF certified, so participants may use their times to qualify for participation (continued on page 12) Runners at last year’s 5K benefit race.