The Inside Press had the opportunity to sit down with local residents Michele Berliner of Stayin’ Alive and Michelle Love of Run for Love. This fall the two organizations will partner together for the first time at the Stayin’ Alive 5K- Run for Love race on Sunday, October 4 in Wampus Brook Park.
Briefly explain the origin of your organizations?
Stayin’ Alive was founded in 2013 by Michele Berliner and Christy Saltstein after their husbands were critically injured during Hurricane Sandy. Their survival was made possible by the skill, dedication, and life-saving efforts of First Responders from North Castle and neighboring communities.
In gratitude, Michele and Christy created Stayin’ Alive to support the First Responders of Northern Westchester by funding potentially life-saving equipment not covered by department budgets. Since its inception, Stayin’ Alive has awarded 133 grants totaling more than $625,000, made possible through the generosity of supporters at our annual 5K Fun Run and throughout the year.
In July 2020, Christy passed away unexpectedly. Fittingly, the same type of rescue equipment supported through Stayin’ Alive helped preserve her organs for donation, allowing her to save and improve the lives of others. Christy’s legacy continues to inspire our mission and our commitment to supporting those who protect our communities every day.
Today, Stayin’ Alive remains dedicated to providing critical funding for life-saving equipment, ensuring that our First Responders have the resources they need to protect and serve the Northern Westchester community.
Run for Love evolved from a tradition of races in downtown Armonk. In 2013, Sean Ryan established Jamie’s 5K in memory of Byram Hills High School and UVM athlete Jamie Love. The run joined forces with the Chamber’s Cider Donut Festival, which honors Schultz’s Cider Mill. A few years later, the Byram Hills Pre-school Association (BHPA) carnival expanded the community celebration. Now we are thrilled to add the good works and energy of Stayin’ Alive.
Honoring the past, giving back and evolving are hallmarks of the day and our community.
What inspired the decision to join forces? What shared values connect the organizations?
We have known each other personally and professionally for many years and share a deep commitment to our community. In fact, Michelle Love and Michele Berliner first connected when Michelle became one of Michele’s physical therapy patients after a snowboarding injury.
The Loves have supported and volunteered for the Stayin’ Alive Run. When we realized that the Cider Donut Festival was going to be in October because of the way the holidays fall this year, we started talking…those coffee talks evolved into a partnership opportunity.
Over the years, we realized that our two events shared many of the same values–bringing people together, honoring loved ones, promoting health and wellness, and making a positive impact in the community. While each event had its own unique history and purpose, joining forces felt like a natural next step. By combining our efforts, we can create an even stronger event, expand our reach, and increase our impact while continuing to honor the missions that made both races so meaningful.
What do you hope this combined event accomplishes?
This partnership brings together two organizations born from love, resilience, and community. By combining these events, we hope to celebrate both missions while creating an even greater impact together.
Beyond raising funds, we want this event to bring people together–to honor those who serve, remember those we have lost, and inspire others through the power of community and LOVE. Our hope is that participants leave feeling connected to something bigger than themselves and proud to support first responders and the communities they protect. Together, we can honor meaningful legacies, turn remembrance into action, and transform LOVE into lasting impact.
What can attendees expect this year? How will it be different from the past?
Attendees can expect the same community spirit and sense of purpose that have defined both events for years. There’s always a lot of high-fiving, cheering for friends and neighbors, pushing oneself on the course, and feeling a little extra inspiration. This will be a new venue in Downtown Armonk for past Stayin’ Alive racers. In addition to Jamie’s 5k, there will be a mile race and the donut dash for our youngest runners. Run for Love racers will notice parts of Stayin’ Alive’s event incorporated including tributes to First Responders. All participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the day’s events including the Cider Donut Festival and BPHA Carnival.
By bringing Stayin’ Alive and Run for Love together, we’re creating one event that truly represents the best of both organizations.
What lasting impression would you like this event to leave on the Armonk community?
We want people to know that extraordinary things happen when people come together with a shared purpose. Both Stayin’ Alive and Run for Love were born from difficult circumstances, but each was built on love, resilience, and a commitment to helping others.
We love joining with the Chamber and the BHPA and our whole community to bring a great day. So many local businesses, towns people, sports teams, and community organizations come together to give back and celebrate.
We hope this event reminds people that every individual has the power to make a difference–whether by supporting first responders, honoring a loved one, volunteering, or simply showing up for their community. If people walk away feeling more connected to one another and inspired to turn compassion into action, then we will have achieved something truly meaningful.
How can one register, donate, and find more info?
Register at:
runsignup.com/Race/NY/Armonk/StayinAlive5k
Cider Donut Festival Info:
armonkchamberofcommerce.com/cider-and-donut-festival-jamies-5k-run-for-love
Donations can made while registering or at:
stayinalive.org
