On June 18, 2011, we held the Fourth Annual Exercise Your Spirit 5K Run. The event took place in Saddle River County Park in Saddle Brook, NJ. Due to your generosity and prayers, we raised $34,207.88! Over the last 4 years, the 5K Run has contributed over $122,000 to the New Building Fund. We are very humbled by the level of support shown to us every year during this event. It's worth noting that around $20,000 was contributed the day of. It is only through God\'s grace and your commitment that this event has succeeded the way it has. A few people deserve special mentions. This year's fastest female was Sarah Georgy from East Brunswick (completing the race in 30:13.0). Runner-ups were Andreia Nunes (32.31.1) and Nermin Soliman (35:33.2). The fastest male and race winner was Moheb Thomas also from East Brunswick, who completed in the astounding time of 20:43.4. Runner-ups were last year's champ, Peter Tadros (20:44.7), and Mike Soliman (21:54.1). Fun fact: Every year, our race winner has come from a different church (Bergen, Cedar Grove, Woodbury and East Brunswick)! A very special shout-out to David Bebawy, who was this year's highest fundraiser for the THIRD time! David raised $4,541.66. Sarah, Moheb, and David each received a B&N Nook for their outstanding accomplishments. The event was blessed with the attendance of our reverend fathers, Fr. David Bebawy, Fr. Makarius Sawirus, Fr. Anthony Basily and Fr. Thomas Nashed. We ask you continue to pray for our congregation and the construction of a new church. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you next year!

The Third Annual "Exercise Your Spirit" 5K Run was held on June 19th, 2010 at Saddle Brook County Park in Saddle Brook, NJ.  The event was blessed this year by the presence of His Grace Bishop Suriel and our reverend fathers, Fr. David Bebawy, Fr. Anthony Basily, and Fr. Thomas Nashed.  His Grace Bishop Suriel joined 87 other runners as they completed a 5K to raise money towards the building of a new church.

Awards and gifts were distributed at the awards ceremony.  The fastest male and female each received a Nintendo Wii and a medal in recognition of their great achievement.  This year's winners are:

1. Peter Tadros - Fastest Male & Winner (Time 20:34.6)

The Second Annual "Exercise Your Spirit" 5K Run was held on June 6th, 2009 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, NJ.  

In addition to the many returning participants from 2008, runners from all over the tri-state area joined us to support their sister church.  We hosted 110 runners and 220 people attended the BBQ.  Our beloved fathers, Fr. David Bebawy and Fr. Anthony Basily, distributed awards to the fastest male and female runners.

Fastest Male Runner - Mena Francis, finishing in 22:30

Fastest Female Runner - Maryann Sous

Also this year, we witnessed the Lord’s hand working as the funds raised nearly doubled over night. The 5K Run raised $44,759.05!  Five times the income of 2008's event!  With this in mind, we especially recognize and thank the great efforts of the top three fundraisers:

On Saturday, June 14, 2008, St. George & St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church of Jersey City, NJ  hosted the first "Exercise Your Spirit" 5K Run! It was held at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, New Jersey. It was a beautiful sunny day with the temperature at 88 degrees.

The event was blessed with the attendance of our reverend fathers, Fr. David Bebawy and Fr. Anthony Basily.  Through everyone's efforts, we raised over $8,000 in pledges and donations towards building our new church. 57 runners participated and around 150 people attended the BBQ. Each winner received an iPod Shuffle for their outstanding accomplishments.

The Winners

First Place Male - Ashraf Hanna. Go Uncle Ashraf!

First Place Female - Diana Misdary

Highest Fundraiser - David Bebawy