What do you get when seven siblings get together to honor their mother’s memory with six of her grandchildren and about 250 friends and family? You get the Young Singers Mary Murray Scholarship 5K Walk/Run, set for Saturday, Feb. 7 at Okeeheelee Park.
The Young Singers of the Palm Beaches’ annual 5K event benefits the Mary Murray Scholarship Fund, which was created to assist children who have an interest in singing and a desire to train and perform with Young Singers but are unable to financially do so. Murray’s family formed the fund to honor her memory.
“When my mother was taken unexpectedly, it brought such sadness to our family,” explained MelaneeBlankstein, Mary Murray’s daughter and managing director of the Young Singers. “To celebrate her love for music and children, we felt that we could create joy by bringing families together for exercise and fun. In addition, we are able to raise scholarship dollars to support singers who could not afford to pay tuition.”
Mary Murray’s connection to Young Singers began more than 10 years ago, when her grandson, Drew, was a member of the choir. Murray’s attachment grew when her daughter began working for the nonprofit organization eight years ago. Murray’s grandson, Tyler, has been in the choir for eight years as well, and this is his last year performing with the Young Singers, as he will be graduating high school in May.
The excitement for participation in the 5K has become even greater this year knowing that so many of Mary Murray’s family members are coming down to West Palm Beach from out of state to volunteer and participate in the race.
Son Brett Murray was part of the first annual race event last year and was overwhelmed by the loving spirit and support of all involved with the race. “Young Singers is truly a family; a family that my mom would be very proud of,” Brett said.
The 5K event this year welcomes runners and walkers of all ages, and the public is invited to register and attend. Breakfast will be served and an emcee will officiate the day, complete with music, raffles and an awards ceremony.
The Feb. 7 event will take place at Okeeheelee Park. Online registration is now open at www.yspb.org/5K. All registrants receive a complimentary event day t-shirt, and a family registration discount is available. For more information, call at (561) 659-2332 or visit www.yspb.org.
ABOVE: Melanee Blankstein, Brett Murray and Kathy Murray.
