Annual March at Chestnut Ridge Park drew 500 marchers, collected over 12 tons of food for vets

ERIE COUNTY, NY- Organizers of the annual KIA Memorial Road March at Chestnut Ridge Park today joined Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo to update them on the success of this year's March and also to thank Erie County for its enduring support of this critical effort for veterans. The 2017 March was held in August and drew 500 Roadmarchers to the Park, who collected and carried 25,000 pounds of non-perishable food for veterans.

"The KIA Memorial Road March is a great way to support our veterans and we are honored to be a part of this mission," said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. "With Veteran's Day approaching, we want to let the men and women who've served our country know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Events like the Road March make it possible for residents to show their gratitude and literally 'walk the walk' in support of veterans."

March participants register for a 10K walk and are encouraged to donate a minimum of 30 lbs. of non-perishable food, which they can then carry in a rucksack during the March if they choose. Marchers can form teams or go solo for the event, joining hundreds of other participants to help feed local veterans and to remember members of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. The food collected at the August March was distributed to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 77, the Gold Star Mothers and the Buffalo State Milligans food pantries.

KMR Founder Jason Jaskula said, "The Road March continues to grow and we would like to thank Erie County for joining in this effort to support our veterans. It is a beautiful walk in the Park for a great cause and it's one of many events we have all year round. This support means a tremendous amount to our veterans and their families, and we encourage anyone who'd like to March with us to please join us next time."

Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo added, "Our Erie County Parks are a wonderful setting for the KIA Memorial Road March and we are happy to work with the group to support veterans. The March is an invigorating, exciting and community-building experience that brings people together for a great cause and we are looking forward to hosting the event again next August."

For more information:

On the KIA Memorial Road March, visit http://www.kiamemorialmarch.com/

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/