By Richard L. Gaw, Staff Writer

To the representatives of the 41 local organizations who were the recipients of more than $40,000 contributions from the Kennett Run Charities, Inc. at the Market at Liberty Place on Oct. 20, the event served as far more than merely a place to pick up a check.

It was an opportunity to say a gracious and last 'Thank You' to two of the people who have been most responsible for turning the annual Kennett Run into an event that is now written on the yearly calendars of thousands throughout Chester County.

After serving seven years as president and four years as race day director, respectively, Matt Genereux and Nadiene Ringler-Froelich are both stepping down from their Kennett Run posts. In their place, Christopher Dancy is now the Kennett Run's new president, and JJ Simon will take over as its new race director.

"It's a great moment and I'm glad to hand it off," said Ringler-Froelich, who will join Genereux in competing in next year's Kennett Run 10K race. "I'm ready for someone else to infuse their own ideas into upcoming races. I believe Matt and I made some big changes, most of all coming up with the 'Small Town, Big Race' re-branding, but it's time for somebody else to put their stamp on this event."

During remarks to the award recipients, Genereux praised the work of his fellow board members as well as the hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to the race.

"It's unique to be in an organzation where many have sat on the board for 15 to 25 years, all of whom are willing not only to listen but most of all willing to help, so what together we have all built has become simply unbelievable," Genereux said. "You can simply pick up the phone to any of them, and it's just done with no follow-up."

"You describe this event to other organizations in other municipalities, and you tell them that we regularly deal with PennDOT and the State Police and four different miunicipalities, and they look at us like we're nuts. But at every meeting, everyone is all so supportive, whether it is the Parks and Recreation Department, or the Police Department or the fire company, if you say that it's about the Kennett Run, everyone nods their heads, and you have the confidence that it's going to be done right."

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail [email protected].