What began in 2021 as a simple 10K race between two bridges honoring former Navy SEALs David M. Collins and Stephen Toboz, Jr., has evolved into a multi-event fundraiser that donated $20,000 this year alone.

“This was the biggest year that we’ve had,” committee member Barb Strouse said. “We surpassed our goal of fundraising this year, so we were just so happy.”

The event committee traces its roots back to a Penn State football tailgate, where original members Randy Baldwin, Tom and Barbie Collins, Barb Strouse and Tony Ruggiers first discussed creating a race from the Collins Bridge in Mill Hall to the Toboz Bridge near the Lock Haven VFW. Both Collins and Toboz, close family and friends of the committee, graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1987 and later became Navy SEALs.

The committee has since evolved, adding Lisa Ruggiers, Robert Strouse and Steve and Leslie Krouse, who all have a personal connection to Collins and Toboz.

PHOTO PROVIDED This year’s Quilt of Valor presented to Army Sgt. 1st Class Lance Budinger.

The race has since expanded from the original 10K into a 5K/10K run/walk/bike event alongside a golf tournament added in 2025. With the addition of the tournament, organizers officially shortened the name from “Bridge to Bridge Race” to “Collins/Toboz Bridge to Bridge.”

According to organizers, all proceeds raised are directed toward organizations supporting veterans and first responders in Clinton County.

This year’s donations included $6,000 toward a service dog for a veteran or first responder in Clinton County, $6,000 to Horses of Hope, $5,000 toward a patio project at the Lock Haven VFW honoring fellow Navy SEAL James Webner, $2,000 to Quilts of Valor and $1,000 to the Harger Utility charity shoot.

“We want people to know that 100 percent of our proceeds are allocated to associations of veterans and first responders of Clinton County,” Strouse said. “We wanted to keep it local since Dave, Steve and all of us are from here.”

One of the biggest boosts to fundraising this year came from a raffle featuring a hand-carved eagle sculpture donated by Zane Renzo, another 1987 Lock Haven graduate. The raffle alone raised more than $3,200, according to Strouse.

PHOTO PROVIDED Military flags are shown to honor those that have served and continue to serve their country.

Over the last five years, the group has also donated to the Clinton County Veterans Park, Lock Haven VFW, Camp Cadet, local fire departments and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department.

Organizers credited numerous volunteers and sponsors for the event’s continued growth, including Harger Utility Charities; Susquehanna Trailways; Nestlerode Contracting; The West Company; M&R Contracting; Schlesinger Communications; Beth Riccardo; the Sheriff’s Department; Puff and Snuff; Pizza King; Jim and Sheila Russo; Emert & Associates; Lazer Wash/Clinton Country Club; Shore Com; Secret Angel; Vet Force; Morten Andersen Family Foundation; First Quality; The Old Corner; Leo’s Italian Eatery; Bryertech; One Main Financial; VFW; and Stella A’s.

Looking ahead, committee members say they hope to continue growing the event and its impact. “We are all in agreement that we want to continue to raise more money each year to be able to make a stronger impact to those who sacrifice for us daily,” Strouse said.

PHOTO PROVIDED Stephen Toboz, Jr. is seen participating in the race.

PHOTO PROVIDED The carved eagle sculpture made by Zane Renzo was on display at the event as a raffle item.