Children running on the playground is not news. A Lutheran minister, running a half-marathon to benefit the repair of the playground at a local school is newsworthy. On Sunday, October 11, Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, and over 10 parents and congregants of Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School, ran in the Westchester Running Festival held in White Plains.

Hartwell ran the 13.1 mile half-marathon as a benefit for the Chapel School playground which is in need of refurbishment. The $30,000 resurfacing is slated to be completed this fall. Speaking about the run, Hartwell said, “I decided I wanted to run out of my comfort zone, literally, and stir up some excitement to support the much needed repairs of the school’s playground surface.” The local clergyman made news several years ago by losing over 100 pounds at the challenge of a donor who pledged $5,000 per pound for every pound the Pastor if he lost over 70 pounds by a certain date.

Principal of the school, Mr. James Dhyne, commented on the chain of events that led to the benefit run, “Pastor Hartwell has been emphasizing our core value of the care of body, mind and spirit over the last several years and thought this running event might be a great way to continue the emphasis on health and also be a catalyst to raise the needed monies for the playground repair.”

In addition to parent and church member runners and fans of all ages who cheered them on at the finish line, Village Lutheran Church Youth Group members staffed the water tables as a community service project and also got an up close view of their pastor as he ran by with a pace speed of  8:48 minutes per mile.

The private, Christian day school have received gifts and pledges for almost $10,000 to date and are still receiving gifts and pledges for the balance. For more information on the Pastor’s benefit, contact the Chapel School at 914-337-3202 or RHartwell@thechapelschool.org on-line at www.THECHAPELSCHOOL.ORG. The Chapel School is located at 172 White Plains Road (across the street from Concordia College New York) and boasts one of the first and longest running preschool programs in New York State.

See more pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/thechapelschool/WestchesterHalfMarathon#.

Photo Credits: Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School and Mr. Warren Mason

 Rev. Dr. Hartwell and Youth Group Members who contributed community service time by staffing the water tables.

Rev. Dr. Hartwell talks to a Chapel School student after the race.

Principal James Dhyne and Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell at the Westchester Running Festival

Rev. Dr. Hartwell along with church and school runners at the Westchester Running Festival.

See Pictures from

Harvest Home 2008

(http://picasaweb.google.com/thechapelschool/HarvestHome2008#)

A Celebration Dinner Honoring

Chuck & Ellen Bryceland

Viji & Janet George

NutriSystem:

Sheri Keiles & Delphine Carroll, Vice Presidents

held on 

Friday, November 21, 2008

Lake Isle Country Club

Eastchester, New York

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