NEWBURGH — In spite of the rain, Bishop Dunn Memorial School (BDMS) saw a sweet turnout for its Eighth Annual Cupcake 5K hosted on the Mount Saint Mary College campus on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026.
The event raised $17,500, which will directly support scholarships and help make a BDMS education possible for local families who might not have gotten the opportunity otherwise.
More than 250 participants took part in the Hudson Valley’s sweetest race, including Evan Merkhofer, Mount vice president of academic affairs. The day kicked off with a Mini Cupcake Run for children 10 and under, followed by the main 5K run/walk. And as the name suggests, there were plenty of cupcakes to be enjoyed after the race.
Broad community support
Organizers credited the event’s success to broad community backing, extending special recognition to local businesses, sponsors, and dedicated volunteers. The Mount played a central operational role, with campus security managing participant safety and student nurses staffing first-aid stations throughout the day. Additional support came from across the college community, including student-athletes from the track and swim teams alongside members of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, who volunteered their time and talents.
The joint effort between the Mount and BDMS highlights a long-standing, vital partnership that continues to strengthen both institutions.
“Seeing so many people brave the rain with smiles, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to our students was a wonderful reminder of what makes the BDMS community so special,” said Principal Nancy Benfer, a 2004 graduate of the Mount. “I could not have been more impressed by the number of people who stepped forward to help, particularly under such challenging weather conditions.”
She added, “One of the things I value most about events like the Cupcake 5K is the opportunity to see the vitality of our community firsthand. The pouring rain may have soaked us, but it certainly could not dampen the enthusiasm, generosity, or spirit of more than 250 people who came together in support of our students.”