By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Mike Monichetti watched in fascination as a convoy of three black SUVs rolled into Sea Isle City just before his Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run-Walk for Autism fundraiser was about to get underway on Feb. 16.
Emerging from one of the SUVs under State Police guard was a tall, thin man who was adorned in one of the cranberry-colored T-shirts worn by the runners who took part in the 5-kilometer race for the fundraiser.
“I put out my hand to shake his hand, but he hugged me instead. Then he told me, ‘Thank you for all you do,”’ Monichetti recalled. “It was nice for the governor of New Jersey to recognize all that we do.”
The surprise visit by Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy, was one of the highlights of what turned out to be a record-breaking event in terms of the amount of money that was raised and the number of runners who participated.
Now in its 12th year, the run-walk traditionally attracts thousands of participants and is a major fundraiser benefiting autism support groups, special services schools and families of special needs children.
Monichetti, who organizes the run-walk with his wife, Jeannie, said the fundraiser brought in a record-high of $178,000 in donations this year, although some of the money will go to pay off bills connected to the event.
“I am very appreciative of all the businesses and individuals who donated to the run-walk and the support from all of the great volunteers and participants,” Monichetti said.
He also extended his thanks to Mayor Leonard Desiderio, the Sea Isle police, fire and emergency medical services departments and the Public Works Department for helping him to stage the event.
“This event could never happen without them. They’re the best,” said Monichetti, the owner of Mike’s Seafood & Dock Restaurant on Park Road.
Helped by an exceptionally mild winter day, the fundraiser attracted a record 960 runners and about 2,200 walkers for a one-mile stroll on Sea Isle’s Promenade. Monichetti contrasted those numbers with the turnout in the first year of the event.
“It’s hard to believe how far this event has come in 12 years. I was thinking back to year one, when I was hoping to get 100 to 200 people and raise a couple thousand dollars,” he said.
Over the years, the run-walk has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for autism-related causes. In 2019, about $148,000 was raised. The previous record was $168,000 in donations in 2015, Monichetti said.
Monichetti has established a broad network of supporters over the years, including private donors, city officials, the business community, corporations, schools, churches, civic organizations, autism groups and many others. Each year, he is touched by their generosity.
Mike and Jeannie Monichetti have four children, including two who have autism, Kara, 19, and Michael Jr., 17.
Having autistic children and knowing the challenges that parents with autistic children face on a daily basis served as their inspiration for starting the fundraiser.
Monichetti said he was impressed that Gov. Murphy and his wife not only participated in the event, but that they were also aware of Mike and Jeannie’s involvement in autism-related charities.
“I was ready to introduce Jeannie to the governor’s wife, Tammy. But Tammy goes to my wife, ‘I know who you are from your picture. I’ve been researching you for two months. You have two children with autism,’’’ Monichetti recounted of their conversation.
The governor and his wife both participated in the 5-kilometer race.
“Mike and Jeannie, considering what they do, it is an honor for us to be here to do our part, however small, to show support for autism awareness,” Murphy said in an interview at the run-walk
Only a week later, Murphy announced a tumor was found on his left kidney. He underwent successful surgery in early March to remove the tumor, which was diagnosed as cancerous.
In an interview Tuesday, Monichetti expressed relief that the autism run-walk was held before the coronavirus pandemic was declared. Gatherings or events having 50 people or more are no longer allowed in New Jersey to help contain the spread of the virus.
“We were very fortunate to have had the run-walk, but in the same breath we’re sad, because it affects so many people and their lives,” Monichetti said of the coronavirus crisis.
He noted that some money from the fundraiser will be held in reserve to continue helping autism-related causes next year in the event the 2021 run-walk is canceled or postponed because of the possibility of an extended outbreak of coronavirus.
Traditionally after the run-walk, a party featuring food, live music, door prizes and family-friendly entertainment takes place inside heated tents at LaCosta Lounge at the corner of JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue. Proceeds from those events benefit autism-related causes.
However, developers have announced plans to demolish the LaCosta later this year to clear the site for construction of a new complex featuring an upscale hotel, restaurant and outdoor bar.
Monichetti said that if a suitable place can’t be found in Sea Isle to replace the LaCosta site as a staging and entertainment area for the autism run-walk, he will have to consider a new location for the event in 2021, possibly Ocean City.
