Christmas in July: Guthrie Cortland Medical Center Gingerbread 5K Run Raises $3K

After a few false starts over the winter due to weather and arctic temperatures, the Cortland community came together on July 12 for the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center Gingerbread 5K Run.  

The event raised $2,983 for the Cortland Memorial Foundation's Behavioral Health Fund and will support ongoing improvements, equipment and resources for Guthrie Cortland Medical Center's Behavioral Health Department. The department provides comprehensive, individualized care for persons with mental illness and support to their families through multiple therapy options and offers inpatient adult and adolescent behavioral healthcare and a partial hospitalization program.

Jarrod Kolodziejczyk, Director of Volunteer and Courtesy Services at the hospital, was pleased with the event turnout, even if it was postponed for over half a year.  

“The holiday spirit remains strong in Cortland County communities, even during the summer,” he said. “We’re so thankful to all of our runners, volunteers and sponsors—especially the Rotary Club of Cortland and the Cortland Breakfast Rotary—who supported this great event and worthwhile cause.”

Last week, Kolodziejczyk, along with Robin Cataldo, Manager of Financial Operations, and Darcie Pendell, Executive Assistant, presented the funds raised from the event to the Cortland Memorial Foundation.  

Kolodziejczyk said he’s already planning the next Gingerbread 5K Run—only five months away in December. Details will be announced as plans are finalized.