Why does this man run so much? Find out the amazing reason why.

Greg Waxman is running toward a goal: supporting the first responders right here in Malverne. His inaugural Freedom on the Farm 5k raised a whopping $15,000 for six organizations, many of which serve local veterans, police, and firefighters.

“I wanted to do veteran and first responder charities because without them we wouldn't be able to hold events like this.” Waxman said.

The May 6 race saw 200 participants run through Malverne for the cause — and it paid off. The money raised by the 5k allowed Waxman to donate $1,000 each to the Steven McDonald foundation, which honors a late detective from Malverne; Paws of War, which trains service dogs for veterans; and the Malverne Fire Department. 

He also donated $3,000 to Crossroads Farm, who collaborated with Waxman and hosted the start and finish of the race, and another $3,000 to the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which hosts the Sgt. Thomas Winters scholarship. The scholarship was created last year in memory of the Malverne police officer, and was funded by Waxman’s Operation Hero run. This year, Waxman’s donations allowed the scholarship to be doubled to $1,000 for each recipient.

Lastly, Waxman donated $6,000 to the American Legion Post 44. $5,500 will go to matching veterans to service dogs. Waxman said he was inspired by the experience of his grandfather, who fought in Germany during World War II. Many stray dogs stayed close to the army camp, and Waxman’s grandfather rescued one and brought it back to the United States. After seeing what the companionship of a dog can bring to a veteran’s life, Waxman wants to help as many veterans as possible have that experience. The remaining $500 will fund freedom flights, which flies veterans to D.C. to visit memorials built on honor of their service.

Waxman’s checks to all six organizations were presented publicly during the race and the June 7 Village of Malverne meeting because he believes in transparency, he said. He felt it was important that those who participated in the race or donated to its cause see where their money went.

Waxman’s support of local heroes is nothing new. He became known as “Patriot Man” for running through Malverne with the American flag during Covid-19 lockdown. Last year he ran 50 miles with famous wheelchair racer Peter Hawkins in Operation Hero, and together they raised $7,500 for veterans and first responders. Residents were very supportive of this year’s Freedom on the Farm, he said.

“I was going door to door on the route and telling the people about the street closures, and raising money,” Waxman said. “When I run with the flag, people would stop me and give me donations while I run. So the town was really behind me with this.”

This year’s Freedom on the Farm 5k raised double the funds for charity compared to last year’s race — a trend Waxman hopes to continue next year as Freedom on the Farm becomes annual. To Waxman, running is his way of serving those who have sacrificed.

“To me, it’s about your actions,” he said. “To move forward, you have to give back.”