PITTSTON — Twelve grown men decked in tule, leotards and high heels who made their way down the city’s Main Street Saturday were deemed the “$84,000 men,” by organizers of Paint Pittston Pink.
The number reflects the amount raised by participants of the Gentlemen’s Dash, many who said they had been touched by the effects of cancer in their own lives.
Peter Adonizio, a lifelong resident of Greater Pittston, donning pink shoes and a great smile, said he had been practicing in the high heels chosen by his wife Maria.
Adonizio was running in honor of his mother and aunt, both breast cancer survivors.
Times Leader publisher Mike Murray, also donning high heels and pink tule, was participating because cancer has affected the lives of nearly everyone and research is so necessary.
Murray, whose late mother battled cancer, said his open-toed heels had been handed down from a previous dasher.
“I think they may have been worn by one of the winners,” he said smiling.
Murray said the Times Leader Media Group is always willing to support the community, recently donating $1,000 to the PPP effort.
Participation in the race seems to go far beyond simply the time it takes to run 40 yards, even if it is for a good cause.
Jason Ferentino, a past participants who helped welcome participants from the the grandstand, also called previous participants to the front for a round of applause.
“Once you run, you’re part of a brotherhood,” said one participant.
The streets were lined with onlookers when the signal was given and the 12 men galloped down the street at a pretty good pace.
The race ended with a bit of controversy, with a “photo finish” having onlookers and “dash” officials looking at videos to see who would take this year’s title.
Raymond Capozucca was ultimately named the winner, with John Rebovich finishing very close behind in second place.
The two enjoyed good-natured ribbing about who had won, and stopped to provide an opportunity for people to take photos.
Also in the winners circle were those who had raised the most money with Matthew Latona coming in first, having raised $14,300, Ray Capozucca coming in second with over $10,000 and Lindo Sabatini taking third place having raised $9,400.
The Gentlemen’s Dash has become a mainstay of the event’s fundraising, providing an opportunity for local businesses to participate in a well-attended unique event, Paint Pittston Pink organizers said.