Each year on the first Sunday of October, one of Oneonta's biggest races takes place: The Pit RunThis event, held in memory of Ricky J. Parisian, a New York State Trooper and an Oneonta native and who was killed trying to thwart a robbery in 1994 at the Great American in Oneonta, raises thousands of dollars each year which go back into the community to support our youth.

All proceeds from the Pit Run go to the Ricky J. Parisian Scholarship Foundation which in turn grants an annual scholarship to a graduating senior from Oneonta High School. Financial assistance is then provided each college semester, through the completion of the initial college degree. Additionally, when possible, grants are provided to support opportunities/programs for children in the Oneonta area.

According to The Pit Run Facebook page, following last month's Pit Run, Pit Run committee members Robert Lishansky and Angie Allison Eichler presented a check totaling $55,270 to Ricky J. Parisian Memorial Board Members Amy Burnsworth and Bill Davis. Those proceeds will benefit the annual scholarship and youth programs in the Oneonta area.

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