MARC - Major Artery Revitalization Committee

For the seventh consecutive year, on May 5, 2013, the Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) will raise funds for a worthy cause in conjunction with the 34th annual Broad Street Run.

This year MARC will be running to help Kevin Gallagher, a 56-year-old father of three, grandfather to five. Kevin is a lifelong resident of Holmesburg/Tacony, known to his family, his friends, and even his children's friends as "The Go-To Guy".

Kevin was recently diagnosed with colon/rectal cancer. By the time it was realized, the cancer had spread to his liver, lungs, abdomen and shoulders. The doctors say it is inoperable. He is receiving regular chemo-therapy treatments and praying for a miracle. His family needs our help.

To Contribute to the Fund, Donations are Being Accepted By:

Kevin Gallagher Fund
PO Box 8904
Philadelphia, Pa. 19135

Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
12800 Townsend Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Attn: Kevin Gallagher Fund/Cheryl Visconto

*Please make all checks payable to the Kevin Gallagher Fund*

Runners Wishing to Participate:
Please be aware that any runner wishing to participate this year in our fundraising efforts must already be registered for the Broad Street Run. Please contact us with any registration issues.

In return for your participation, runners receive an authentic runner's shirt for the Broad Street Run and access to our post-race tent at the Navy Yard parade grounds. Water, Gatorade, and pretzels will be provided.

Your pledge also includes free admission to a post-race event for runners at Three Monkeys Cafe, 9645 James Street, beginning at 1:00 pm on May 5. Food, bottled beer and other beverages will be provided free of charge.

All we ask is that runners gather for a group photo after the run at the Navy Yard parade grounds. The exact location of the tent will follow in an e-mail.

In addition to the Broad Street Run registration fee, which you have already paid, MARC asks each runner who plans to attend the event at Three Monkeys to pledge $60, the proceeds of which will go directly to the Kevin Gallagher Fund. Of course, a donation in any amount would be greatly appreciated.

To run with MARC and help raise money for the Kevin Gallagher Fund or if you have any other questions, please contact Chris Creelman at 215-852-2068 or John Byrne at 267-252-5858.

The Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) held their 7th annual Fundraiser on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Curran's Irish Inn, 6900 State Road. Along with the prizes, the food and the fun, MARC presented $5,500, raised from their Broad Street Run team, to the Hailey Beck Fund. MARC would like to thank everyone for their support.

The Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC), Verizon, Councilman Bobby Henon, State Representative Michael McGeehan, members of the Tacony Police Athletic League (PAL) and the City of Philadelphia�s Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) kicked off spring by collaborating to beautify Levick Street, a major thoroughfare in Northeast Philadelphia.

On Saturday, April 21, the Levick Street corridor, one block west of State Road, was cleaned and greened. Verizon generously provided the funding for this initiative, which included cleaning, painting, mulching and planting of trees and flower beds. The project is a strong compliment to the recently renovated �Welcome to Philadelphia� mural that greets visitors entering Philadelphia from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge.

On April 14, the Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) participated in another Philly Spring Cleanup.

Volunteers cleaned Torresdale Avenue, near the Tacony Library, and made landscaping improvements to Russo Park at Cottman Avenue and Edmunds Street.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) dedicated the 9/11 memorial at Division 39, located at 7229 Tulip Street.

October 28, 2010 - Due to the time constraints attached to federal stimulus dollars that were awarded to other organizations to complete various projects throughout the City, the Torresdale Avenue Project (TAP) was delayed. Since it is not being funded by stimulus dollars, the Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) had to patiently wait out the process before continuing with the second phase of construction.

"We are happy to report that TAP is back on track," said MARC President John Byrne.

The initial phase increased the lighting on the avenue. With new, shorter lamp posts called "pedestrian poles" in the Tacony business district, more light has been shed on the avenue's sidewalks and storefronts. This design promotes safety and security at night.

The second phase, which tentatively includes street furniture; sidewalk, intersection and crosswalk improvements; will go out to bid in late 2010 or early 2011 with work to begin in the spring. MARC and Urban Engineers have completed the historic review process that is required by the federal funding. MARC must now finalize the scope of the project. Once complete, Urban Engineers can submit the environmental clearance approval and get the preliminary scope approved to finish the plans.