To the editor:
The Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Scholarship Fund thanks the folks who came out to our 8th Annual Westwood Dads Dash. It was a great day of family, friends, and gratitude.
Special thanks to Gold Sponsor HUMC at Pascack Valley and Bronze Sponsor Lakeland Bank, with us since the beginning.
Thanks to Kings in Hillsdale for water for our finish line; The Iron Horse; Flynn’s Deli; Stop & Shop; Goldberg’s Bagels; Sean at Varsity House for stretching out our runners; Albert and team from The Raw Squeeze; and the Runners House in River Vale for sponsoring packet pick up.
This event takes tons of work but we always have tons of help. Thanks to all the volunteers and those behind the scenes: Whether you’re taking photos, hanging posters, picking up sponsored items, or volunteering on race day, we couldn’t do it without you.
Faithful DJ Bill Phayre and our amazing football dads who have been cooking for this event since year one—you always make this easier.
We thank Boy Scout Troop 350 for our opening ceremonies. It was wonderful to see so many of you here. Marina Robles for singing our national anthem and Alex Saldana for playing The Marines’ Hymn. To Westwood Cycle for supplying the bikers to lead the run.
We thank our mayor and council, our volunteer ambulance corps, and Westwood Volunteer Fire Department for the countless hours they donate to our community; the fire departments of River Vale, Emerson, Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, and Park Ridge, who brought engines to the run. The runners are motivated when you’re on the course.
To the Westwood DPW for setting us up and doing so much to prepare for the run. To our Recreation Department and to Race Director Cheryl Moses.
We thank the Westwood Police Department and the Westwood and Park Ridge police reserves for keeping our runners safe and all the planning that goes into the day.
To the residents along the route, thank you!
We’re overwhelmed by the impact Chris’ life has had on so many and feel blessed that he is always remembered. This makes us proud in every way. Love and gratitude for our military is in the air on race day and we see and feel it. We love to see the families come out to support our event and each other, whether running or cheering. Their expressions as they cross the finish line are priceless.
Today we also give thanks for the freedoms we have because of brave young men and women like Chris, who loved what he was doing. Honoring the sacrifices of our fallen military and their families is the least we can do. We can never forget. Semper Fi.