Kids & Family

Pleasantville Keeps Gambino's Memory Alive with Annual Race

The Tina Shaina Gambino Foundation takes part in a number of community efforts in Gambino's memory.

An event that came together a few years back through the efforts of a young Pleasantville resident continues to grow today.

In 2011, Michael Bloom approached Pleasantville's Board of Trustees with the idea of hosting a 5K race the same day as the annual Ragamuffin Parade to benefit the Tina Shaina Gambino Foundation.

Gambino, born in 1987, had been Bloom's babysitter and left a profound impact on him. She passed away in 2004.

"Tina was kind, generous and good-natured; infused with the spirit of giving," according to the Foundation website. "At seventeen, her desire to be considered as an organ donor was sadly and most especially realized by the four people she would never meet, the recipients of her special gifts."

The now annual race raises funds for the Foundation, which in turn, hands out scholarships to graduating Pleasantville High School seniors every year.

According to the Foundation's website, "The REFLECTIONS Scholarship recognizes students who are caring, good citizens within both school and community and achieve academic success commensurate with their personal aptitude. Consideration is given to students who evidence characteristics of Tina."

The scholarships are awarded to seniors in "Recognition of Exhibiting Features Largely Emulating Characteristics of Tina ~ Integrity, Optimism, and Never-ending Smiles," the website says.

View photos from the 2013 walk/race and fun run here
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