Levittown Man to Run 100 Miles Saturday for Wantagh Charity

A longtime friend of the John Theissen Children's Foundation has taken matters into his own hands to raise $10,000 for the Wantagh organization.

Levittown resident Tom Glenn, 34, is gearing up for a 100-mile run from Wantagh to Montauk to benefit the foundation's back-to-school program.

The John Theissen Children's Foundation was started nearly 19 years ago after founder, Theissen, overcame a long battle with cancer. Theissen's charity has since made it their mission to help sick and underprivileged children and their families in times of need.

"The work he does is tremendous," Glenn said of Theissen. "He brings smiles to countless kids' faces. I get to witness it time and time again, and the kids almost forget the negative parts of their lives. He never ceases to amaze me."

Glenn, a graduate of MacArthur High School in Levittown, was inspired by his friend and fellow running partner's dedication to children. He collaborated with Theissen to map out a route from Wantagh to Montauk that he will run this Saturday with Theissen driving along as his support vehicle.

"John did a run similar to this in 1999, and I always thought it'd be cool to follow in his footsteps and help out," the two-time Ironman triathlete explained. "It's been 12 years and I think it's time to do something similar."

As of Thursday, Glenn told Patch the duo has raised just about $2,500, and is confident they can reach their $10,000 goal.

"The money is geared toward the back to school program," he said. "About $150 can supply one child with supplies and clothes, so with $10,000 we can supply for a couple hundred children."

The run will kick off at the John Theissen Children's Foundation on 1881 Wantagh Avenue at 11 a.m., but a pre-run party will commence at 9:30 a.m. with live music and complementary breakfast.