UTICA, N.Y., January 6, 2026 — America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk is set for March 7, a day when some of the event’s sponsors will celebrate the work that has gone on all year.
Adirondack Bank, NYCM and GPO Federal Credit Union’s support of the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has also supported the health of children of the Mohawk Valley. All three organizations have provided a “Recess Reboot” for local schools, providing them with new equipment for kids to use during the school day.
The American Heart Association recommends that children get 60 minutes of activity daily, yet only 20% do. In addition, replacing physical education and recess equipment is costly.
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By teaming up with the Association, local businesses are helping to address these issues.
“Adirondack Bank is proud to collaborate with the American Heart Association through the ‘Recess Reboot’ initiative,” said Kristen Bourgeois, senior vice president, retail banking, Adirondack Bank, and chair of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2026. “By providing recess and physical education equipment to local schools in need, we’re helping create opportunities for children to stay active, build healthy habits and support heart health in our community. This initiative reflects our mission to strengthen the communities we serve by promoting wellness, education and opportunity. As a leader, parent and youth sports coach, this work is deeply personal to me—I believe every child deserves the chance to move, play and grow in a healthy environment. Together, we’re investing in the well-being of the next generation.”
”At NYCM Insurance, we believe that care starts in our communities, and that means helping the next generation build healthy habits early on,” said Kelly Pylinski, NYCM division manager of brand management. “The Recess Reboot program aligns perfectly with our mission to protect what matters most and promote a culture of wellness that extends beyond insurance. Working with the American Heart Association allows us to invest in programs that make a real difference, giving kids the tools and opportunities to stay active, have fun and develop lifelong heart-healthy habits.”
“Collaborating with the American Heart Association through Recess Reboot allows us to invest directly in the well-being of our local students,” said Courtney Walchusky, vice president of marketing & business development at GPO Federal Credit Union. “By equipping schools with tools that promote physical activity, we’re helping children develop healthy habits and skills that can last a lifetime—something that aligns perfectly with GPO’s commitment to community and wellness.”
Schools that have received recess equipment from Adirondack Bank, NYCM and GPO Federal Credit Union include:
- Albany Elementary School, Utica
- Dolgeville Elementary School, Dolgeville
- East Hill Elementary School, Canajoharie
- Edmeston Central School, Edmeston
- Ellicottville Elementary School, Ellicottville
- Gansevoort Elementary School, Rome
- Herkimer Elementary School, Herkimer
- Jefferson Elementary School, Utica
- Sherburne Earlville Elementary School, Sherburne
- Watson Williams Elementary School, Utica
”I can humbly say that I am grateful for our community partners and their generosity,” said Cheryl Minor, Ed.D., principal, Watson Williams Elementary School in Utica, and member of the board of directors of the Heart Association in the Mohawk Valley. “Having new gym equipment will help enhance the physical fitness of the students. To have the American Heart Association sponsor this initiative is very admirable. On behalf of Watson Williams Elementary School, we are forever thankful.”
About America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk
America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk is set for Saturday, March 7, at Utica University. The Healthy for Good Expo, the WIBX Heart Radiothon and the Treadmill Challenge will take place on Friday, March 6, at the Clark Athletic Center at Utica University. Kristen Bourgeois of Adirondack Bank is the corporate chair; Karen Murphy of Leatherstocking BSA is the logistics chair; Morgan Mielnicki of Sentinel Media is the Radiothon and Treadmill Challenge chair. Sponsors include Adirondack Bank, NYCM, MVHS, GPO Federal Credit Union, Slocum Dickson Medical Group, WKTV, WIBX, Sentinel Media and New York Sash. For information, visit UticaHeartRunWalk.org or contact Marie.Masca@heart.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
