February 9, 2022

A Message of Heartfelt Gratitude

Oneonta, NY - It is with heartfelt gratitude and emotion that the Ricky J. Parisian Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Parisian family announce the retirement of the annual Pit Run event. Established in 1994 to honor slain investigator Ricky J. "Pit" Parisian, the Pit Run served as the primary fundraiser to support the establishment and growth of a scholarship endowment for Oneonta High School graduates pursuing higher education. Through the generosity of donors and event sponsors, the fund has grown and will ensure that the mission of the Foundation continues for years to come.

"We are humbled that the Pit Run has allowed our family to take a tragedy and transform it into a celebration of Rick's life in a caring and supportive environment within the community," said Steve Parisian, Ricky's brother and longtime Pit Run organizer and volunteer.

"We know he would have been proud of the number of individuals that have been impacted by the success of this event. We will forever be thankful for all the wonderful, caring people who became part of the Pit Run family. The friends, volunteers, sponsors, runners, and spectators have made our lives richer and for that we will always be grateful," he said.

Sid Parisian, Ricky's younger brother, added: "When I look at 28 Annual Pit Runs and the impacts it has had on the greater Oneonta community, I am positive that Ricky would be amazed at what has been accomplished in honor of him."

The positive and lasting impact of this event may be measured in many ways. Nearly thirty deserving students received scholarship support totaling $295,500 over the years and became part of the Parisian family. More than $356,000 was also awarded in grants supporting worthwhile activities in the local community. Many people positively affected by the generosity and support of the event continue to pay it forward, whether in Oneonta or another community in which they reside.

Directors of the Parisian Foundation are grateful to every Pit Run committee member, past and present, who gave tirelessly during the event's 28-year tenure. The organization is proud that it was a 100 percent volunteer endeavor each year, honoring the life of a man who selflessly loved and served his community. Over the years, the event evolved into a celebration of Oneonta itself.

Equally deserving of recognition are the annual sponsors, many of whom supported the Pit Run from day one. Whether through financial sponsorships, gifts in kind, or service, the Parisian Foundation remains grateful to everyone who contributed.

Lastly, a sincere thank you goes to the longtime volunteers and participants who returned each year to work and run alongside one another. Regardless of the national challenges in the forefront each year, the community came together in camaraderie and unison around a common theme: people supporting people.

The Ricky J. Parisian Memorial Scholarship Foundation is extremely proud of all that this event helped accomplish. The organization looks to the future with gladness, not because it ended, but because it happened. It validated the importance of community and the strength of people helping people.