The foundation formed to honor and continue the legacy of a beloved Salisbury physician raised more than $25,000 during a recent virtually held running event.

The Ignatius DiNardo Foundation held its first Iggy DiNardo Virtual 5K in November. The event organizers were overwhelmed by the support as more than 400 people participated.

The virtual 5K was intended to build awareness of the foundation, promote exercise and to generate donations, which could be put back into the community. The event exceeded its $10,000 goal.

“It was really amazing to see the turnout and the participation on social media, especially with it being a virtual event,” said Greg DiNardo, the late doctor’s son. “We were able to partner with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and the Vulnerable Populations Taskforce to quickly put the money raised to work at a critical time when cases are rising, especially within our vulnerable populations. The pandemic has exposed frailties and inequalities on a global scale.”

DiNardo said $12,000 was immediately donated to focus on the prevention and management of Covid-19. The money was used to pay for more than 1,000 childrens masks, hundreds of pulse oximeters and thermometers, and other necessary supplies to be distributed in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties.

Dr. Ignatius Loyola “Iggy” DiNardo died while en route on a family vacation on Dec. 22, 2019. A partner in the Drs. Huddleston and DiNardo internal medicine practice, he was just 62 years old.

In the past year, the foundation has also assisted several patients in need of financial assistance with medical expenses, such as emergency transportation not covered by insurance, acute rehabilitation, and allowing patients to receive treatment and medications in the comfort of their home.

“It's hard to believe that it's already been a year since our Dad passed, but we know that he is looking down and is proud of what we have created and humbled by the support we have received,” said Greg DiNardo. “Most importantly, I know he's happy to know that we're doing what was most important to him, helping others.”