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Runners Raise More Than $200K For Shadyside Boys & Girls Club

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A thousand runners and walkers will pack Walnut Street Saturday for the sixth annual Shadyside Run.

The 5K benefits the Shadyside Boys and Girls Club. The 58-year-old building has has been a haven for generations of youngsters.

Director Dave DiGiorolamo says the first five races have brought more than $200,000 worth of improvements.

"Over the last three years, with funds from the race, all of these computers have been added," he said, gesturing to a room which is also newly air conditioned.

He says the Boys and Girls Club serves more than a thousand members.

"They come here after school, get a snack, help with their homework. They have sports, arts, a technology center, social recreation. Just trying to provide a safe place for kids to be."

Many use the refurbished gym, named for longtime basketball coach George Siford.

"Over the last five years we've made a lot of improvements in here," the director added. "We've had the floor refinished. several times, added new mats, new paint, two new scoreboards."

Those improvements, as well, were made possible by annual 5K run. Dave DiGirolamo says the club is not limited to Shadyside kids.

"We draw from all over the place. We draw from the East End, which is kind of a booming area right now. It's a lifeline. It's a place to be when they're not able to be at home. So if they're here, we know that they're safe, their parents know that they're safe, they're not on the streets."

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