Village Administrators Dueling for Charity

This fall, the Village Administrators for Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow will be putting their bodies to the ultimate test for charity.

Mike Blau, of Tarrytown, and Anthony Giaccio, of Sleepy Hollow, have known each other for years as members of the Municipal Administrators Association, and as friends, they have both decided to participate in sporting events to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Since both are donating to the same charity, some co-workers have turned what they are doing into a “friendly competition” to see which Village, and which Administrator, can raise the most money.

On September 10, Blau will be swimming across the Hudson River for The Hudson River Swim For Life and on September 25, Giaccio will be running, swimming, and biking in a the Jarden Westchester Triathlon.

Both events are not only physical challenges, but are mental challenges as well. With the support of each other, Blau and Giaccio will help make a difference in the world while keeping in shape.

“I have considered participating in the swim across the Hudson (in previous years) but have never made the commitment. However, last year a friend contracted Lymphoma and this was the impetus I needed to commit to the swim," Blau said about his decision to participate this year.

The 2011 event marks the 20th anniversary of the Hudson River Swim For Life event, which is organized by Dennis Chillemi. This year’s goal is to raise $210,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. More than 325 swimmers will be taking part in the swim.

Giaccio has previous experience in long distance running and triathlons, including the Chicago Marathon, the Westchester Triathlon, and the Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon. Giaccio was introduced to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society when the Village worked with them for the Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon.

Working with Team in Training, Giaccio will be competing in an Olympic distance triathlon that will be starting in Rye and ending at Playland. There is expected to be over 1,500 athletes participating in the Jarden Westchester Triathlon.

“The concept of Team in Training is that everyone works together for a common goal, which appealed to me. I also believe their efforts are paying off as I know many cancer survivors”, said Giaccio of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In a situation like this, there are no losers when all profits go toward cancer research. Blau and Giaccio are not only benefiting themselves, but they are helping to change the lives of others.

But none of these events can happen without the help of volunteers, and donors. 

“The Hudson River Swim is expected to have more than 200 volunteers helping out with water safety, kayaks, parking, registration, and hosting other necessary duties”, said Chillemi.

Contact www.hudsonriverswim.org if you are interested in helping out.

Volunteers are also needed for the Westchester Triathlon. If interested, contact Jincy Thomas at 914-949-0084 or by email jincy.thomas@lls.org.

You can help goad along the friendly competition between Village Administrators by donating to the links below:

Mike Blau: http://wch.swimforlife.llsevent.org/mike

Anthony Giaccio: http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/wchtri11/agiaccio