Hundreds of runners participated in the recent Alcoa Employee Food Drive 5K

MASSENA -- About 225 people participated in the Alcoa Employee Food Drive 5K walk/run Oct. 12 at the Barnhart Beach Pavilion at Robert Moses State Park.

The race, an Alcoa Month of Service event, raised $4,000 from employees and community members to benefit the Massena Neighborhood Center, Massena Salvation Army, Society of St. Vincent DePaul and Massena Meals on Wheels. The event was held in honor of lifelong Massena fitness enthusiast and Reynolds Metals retiree Frank Vida.

Matt Deshanetook top honors with the fastest overall time. Second place went to his wife, Allison Deshane. The youngest participant was Owen Nemier, and the most senior participant was Jim George.

An additional special $2,500 Alcoa grant will be awarded to the Massena Salvation Army because more than 70 Alcoa employees participated in the event.

The event, to benefit local food pantries, was a success due to all the runners and contributors, and because of the work and dedication of volunteers, including race co-chair Jane Mogle-Besaw, Alcoa employee volunteer Beth Demo, and race director Tom Seguin, along with many others.