LKB proudly participated in this year’s Marcum Workplace Challenge, Long Island’s largest office picnic and charity event.
It was a humid evening at Jones Beach State Park with the occasional, most welcoming embrace by the crossed bay and ocean breeze. The salt air combined with the undeniable scents of summer; grilled hot dogs, burgers, and BBQ, lingered and greeted all participants. The vibe was cheerful as colleagues, friends, and families meandered through the neighboring tents and gathered with their peers. The Marcum Workplace Challenge is the event of the summer where your company comes together as a team while supporting Long Island charities: Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM), Children’s Medical Fund of New York, Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank, and The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Hand to heart as the Star-Spangled Banner was performed moments before the start of the 3.5-mile race. Promptly at 7:00 p.m., foot to pavement launched the first wave of runners. Whether you were traversing with a companion or in the zone with air pods secured, the tent conversations were left behind and replaced with choppy chatter and breathing patterns from those that were focused on the task at hand. Some from the crowd remained back at the picnic grounds, maybe playing an extra round of cornhole or preparing the tables for dessert, while runners and walkers concentrated on their movements watching the sun settling for the day. Finally, after being fooled by a slight incline in the third mile, the finish line was in sight filled with spectators cheering on those that crossed it. Smiles eroded, maybe from the pleasing endorphins that are released after a good run.
Back at the LKB tent, congratulations were made to all that filtered in from the race picking up where they left off. It is always refreshing to see the partnership formed to make an event like this happen. Thanks, and appreciation go out to everyone who supported another Marcum year. From those behind the scenes to the volunteers that prepped our location, shared a dish or dessert, grilled our meal, and lent a hand to clean up, it is most appreciated.
Like most summer evenings spent at the beach, a calmness in the air takes over. It is a comfortable feeling Long Islanders don’t mistake for anything other than magical. Families dust off their children and little by little, attendees walk away from another successful year. Since inception, The Marcum Workplace Challenge has raised more than $1.1 million for charity beneficiaries. LKB is happy to participate and do our part to support our neighbors.