Time to put on your running shoes and support Bampa's House, a Corning comfort care home
A popular race that serves as a major fundraiser for a local comfort care home is coming up, and organizers hope to grow participation this year.
Bampa's House, at 170 E. First St. in Corning, is a two-bedroom residence designed to fill a gap between nursing homes and in-home hospice care for terminally ill residents in Steuben, Chemung and Schuyler counties.
The home was named in memory of Jim Dugan, 68, of Painted Post, a former Corning Lions Club member and president who died of cancer in 2016. "Bampa" was a nickname bestowed on Dugan by his grandchildren.
Bampa's House was founded by members of Dugan's family, and since care recipients aren't charged, the organization relies on a variety of fundraisers to cover costs.
Annual race helps support Bampa's House services
One of the biggest fundraising events is the annual Bampa's House 5K run/walk, scheduled for Sept. 9 at Craig Park in Painted Post.
The race attracted about 160 participants last year, and race captain Pat Wheeler hopes to see a bigger turnout for the seventh annual event.
"Our goal is 200 or over if we can. It's a beautiful walk down a flat trail," Wheeler said. "It's supporting a good cause. We raise about $10,000 per race and the overall expense of the house is close to $300,000 a year."
Wheeler's connection to the namesake of Bampa's House goes back decades. Dugan was a few years ahead of him at Corning East High School and both ran track. Later on they both ended up working at Corning Community College, Wheeler said.
New Bampa's House T-shirt and logo
Participants in this year's run/walk can sport T-shirts bearing a new Bampa's House logo, courtesy of Albany area artist Greg Matusic, a friend of Jim Dugan's daughter Cory Dugan, who is secretary of the Bampa's House board of directors.
"Bampa was a lifelong supporter of running/track and field we think he would have loved the concept of our 5K," Cory Dugan said.
Bampa's House is only able to exist because of support from an "amazing community," she said.
"The Bampa's House team is honored to care for our residents at the end of life and ensuring that residents, family, and friends alike have a positive experience at our home," Cory Dugan said.
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How to get involved
The Bampa's House 5K will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 9 along the 3.1-mile walking trail at Craig Park on Maple Avenue in Painted Post.
The registration fee is $30, and participants can register online. All proceeds will benefit Bampa's House, a nonprofit organization.
For more information about the race and to register, go to bampashouse.org and click on "events" near the top of the page.
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Corning comfort care home to hold fundraising 5K race in September
