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Advancement directors from the Albany Diocese's four Catholic high schools have joined forces to reenergize an annual 5K run that raises money and awareness for the schools.

The "Diocesan Dash" will take place May 19 at The Crossings park in Colonie. Originally called the "Race for Grace," it used to be run solely by the four schools' principals, but the diocesan Schools Office is pitching in to help secure sponsorships.

The sponsorships will benefit the Beacon of Hope scholarship fund for needy elementary and high school students in the Diocese, while other funds raised from the race will be split evenly between Catholic Central High School in Troy, Saratoga Central Catholic High School, Bishop Maginn High School in Albany and Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady.

But the organizers care more about promoting the schools than amassing donations.

"It's more 'friend-raising' than fundraising," said Virginia Bariteau, advancement director at CCHS. "It's another avenue to showcase [our merits]. Each individual school has [its] sense of tradition, sense of faith, sense of security."

For example, Mrs. Bariteau said, "there's such a big, broad community out there from Catholic High. Whenever you're out in a crowd, there's always someone from Catholic High.

"Our Catholic high schools are in good standing," she continued. "We're still a great opportunity for our young people today."

Christine Baseel, director of development at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, was proud that Catholic schools are "still here.

"The Catholic religion as a whole has gone through a little turmoil," she explained. "It's been questioned. And it's sad that [scandals] can really ruin what Catholic schools stand for."

On the heels of a diocesan-wide branding and marketing effort, the four high schools have amped up their collaborative efforts in recent years. Last fall, they kicked off the school year by celebrating Mass together and holding 5K walks in each of their communities on the same day.

The advancement directors continue to meet regularly and help with an alumni and donor database program.

The Diocesan Dash has been getting positive feedback on Facebook and through email and word-of-mouth, Ms. Baseel said, noting, "Running seems to be such a sensation lately."

ND-BG and CCHS plan to use itheir share of funds raised for scholarships.[[In-content Ad]]

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