All in Support of United Way of Long Island’s Veterans Programs
For the 30th time, Freeport resident Alma Rocha has crossed the finish line in the TCS NYC Marathon – and for the third time as a member of United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United. At the same time, she raised over $2,100 in support of the not-for-profit’s veterans programs.
United Way of Long Island was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, which took place on Sunday, November 7, 2021.
Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island said this was the sixth year the not-for profit has been invited to join the race under Team Mission United. “United Way of Long Island is pleased to once again be named an official charity partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. We were so proud to cheer on Alma and all of the members of Team Mission United on their journey to the iconic finish line as they raised important funds to benefit Long Island veterans.”
United Way’s Team Mission United is a dedicated group of athletes who run for the over 95,000 veterans and military families on Long Island. Mission United is a critical initiative of United Way of Long Island that focuses on supporting veterans’ services. This includes the areas of employment readiness & training, emergency financial assistance, case management and housing development.
Alma, Team Mission United Runner
Freeport resident Alma Rocha, an experienced long-distance runner, joins twelve other runners on Team Mission United. At age 26, Alma immigrated to New York City from Mexico City. It was then that she ran her first New York City Marathon and has run every year since. Running provides a way to clear her mind and create solutions as an elementary school Principal.
“Our school district is delighted to see Alma run in the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. Alma is passionate about giving back to the veterans who served our country, and we are proud to support her,” said Dr. Kishore Kuncham, Superintendent of Freeport Public Schools and United Way of Long Island Board Member.
This November’s marathon was particularly significant because it was her 30th NYC Marathon – and she couldn’t be more excited to make a difference. Alma explains, “The first time I ran the Long Island Half Marathon was the first time I saw veterans running with just one limb. In Mexico, [where I grew up] war was something far from me. So when I ran the half marathon, the impact that had on me was significant – that takes my heart. I thought, if they have the courage to do this, why can’t I?”
This year, Alma is answering her own question by running to raise funds to support those who selflessly served. She ran "not for recognition but to contribute."
The 2021 Team Mission United runners collectively have raised over $31,000 for United Way of Long Island’s veterans programs. Leading sponsors include: AARP, BottomLine Technologies, Hiram Cohen & Sons Insurance, National Grid, New York Community Bank Foundation and Royal Star Associates. To help Alma and her teammates continue their fundraising efforts visit: www.unitedwayli.org/teammissionunited