On August 12, Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle hosted the Ninth Annual “Run the Farm 4 Mile Challenge” at Bethel Hobbs Community Farm. This year the event had 250 runners and 22 sponsors helping to raise nearly $12,000 for the farm. With the money raised, the farm will be building a sensory garden. First-place winner, Hunter Wilson, set a new record with a finishing time of 21 minutes and 16 seconds.
Bethel Hobbs Farm, located at 178 Oxhead Road, is the only remaining farm in Centereach. It has a rich history dating back to 1906 when James Hobb brought his family to North Centereach from Georgia. Today, the farm is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit where 90% of their annual yield is donated to a network of local food pantries and programs.
“Thanks to all the runners, volunteers and spectators, the 9th annual Run the Farm 4 Mile Challenge was another success for Bethel Hobbs Farm,” LaValle said. “The work that they do to provide families with nutritious food is a labor of love and I commend Ann Pellegrino for her spirit and dedication to helping her neighbors.”
“I am amazed by the hard work and dedication that Ann and all the volunteers at Hobbs Farm put in each and every day, and I was proud to take part in these fundraising efforts to support such an incredible organization,” Manzella added. “The community participation from runners, business vendors, and volunteers in this year’s Run the Farm was nothing short of inspiring, and I am excited to see how we can make next year even bigger and better!”