Cornwall Ontario – The third annual Cornwall Moon River Run takes place tonight (Friday, July 8th, 2016) at Gray’s Creek. The Moon River Run is a unique charity race that takes place along the St. Lawrence River as the sun goes down and night time approaches.

This Moon River Run is open to runners of all athletic abilities, and participants can either take part in the 8k run or the 5K run. After participants finish the race, there will be a pizza party courtesy of Boston Pizza.

The non-for-profit charity Beyond 21 organized the Moon River run to raise funds for it’s programming.

Beyond 21 operates a support program for adults, 21 years of age and older, who have a developmental disability. They serve the city of Cornwall as well as the counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry and Akwesasne. As a registered charity that does not receive any government funding, they are reliant on grants, donations and fundraisers, such as the Moon River Run, to sustain and expand their services.

“As a charity we are always looking for new ways to fund-raise. Key to this are opportunities that are unique, add something to our community, and respect the other events and fundraisers that are happening in our community. And key to Beyond 21 is to come up with ideas that truly have community at heart. Coming up with those ideas is quite the challenge,” said Beyond 21 Program Manager Jane McLaren.

For adults with developmental disabilities, there are few options for involvement in meaningful programs and activities once they reach the age of 21, at which point they must leave the school system. Navigating this major transition, from school to life as an adult in the community, often leaves families feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. In 2011, Beyond 21 was created by families, in partnership with the school boards and community agencies, to fill this gap between school and community. The vision of Beyond 21 is to enable adults with developmental disabilities to live connected, respected, and contributing to the community. Beyond 21 partner with their program participants to identify their dreams and help them learn the skills and build the connections they need to achieve them. The money raised at Food Fest will help achieve those goals.

Registration for the Moon River Run can be done here. Come out and enjoy a great event while supporting a worthy cause!