Autism Fundraiser Attracts Record Crowd

By MADDY VITALE Mike and Jeannie Monichetti greeted participants in their Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run-Walk for Autism on Sunday in Sea Isle City. “It’s the biggest it has ever been. We had the most people register of all time,” Mike Monichetti said. “It is a record.” Not only was it a record number of participants, but the couple also had two special guests -- Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy, who joined the nearly 900 runners to raise funds and spread awareness about autism. Hundreds of walkers also participated. “I am ecstatic and honored that the governor would come here and support autism awareness in South Jersey,” Monichetti said. “I am truly honored.” The run and walk were held at Sea Isle’s Promenade at the ocean end of John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The event includes a 5-kilometer run and a mile-long family fun walk. Gov. Phil Murphy with wife, Tammy, in red shirts, are joined by Mayor Leonard Desiderio, second from right, and other city officials. Gov. Murphy said he and his wife were happy to come down to South Jersey to help the Monichettis spread awareness about autism. “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. Tammy Murphy added, “We are just doing what we can to promote good causes.” Mike and Jeannie Monichetti have four children, including two who have autism, Kara, 19, and Michael Jr., 17. Their two other children, Luke, who is 15, and 21-year-old Mary Kate, don't have autism. 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. Mike and Jeannie celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day. “It’s special for me and my wife each and every year to raise awareness about autism on our anniversary,” he noted. Runners start the race. 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. Over the years, the run-walk has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for autism-related causes, Monichetti said. Last year alone, about $148,000 was raised. 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. Gov. Phil Murphy with Sea Isle Mayor Leonard Desiderio. Mayor Leonard Desiderio presented Gov. Murphy with a black T-shirt that proclaims Sea Isle as the "Capital of Cape May County,” a joke the mayor, who is also a Cape May County freeholder, shares from time to time. He also handed the governor a key to the city. “You are always welcome in my city,” Desiderio said, smiling. Gov. Murphy smiled back and thanked him. Then he and his wife headed to the start line and ran with the throngs of others there to dedicate time to help autism causes. The runners took their mark and amid a countdown by Mike Monichetti, who thanked them for helping the cause, they were off. Winning runner Kenneth Woodring, of South Hampton, Pa., makes his way across the finish line. Kenneth Woodring, 24, of South Hampton, Pa., came in first with a time of 17 minutes and three seconds. The first female to cross the finish line, Stephanie Vandenberg, 31, of Northfield, did so in 19:34. Others took part in the walk or just came as spectators. Some of the families who attended the event Sunday have come to Sea Isle year after year. Others were new to the event. Karen and Brian Haug, of East Windsor, N.J., who have a vacation home in Sea Isle, came down for the weekend with friends and went to the walk to support autism awareness. “It is a great cause,” Karen said. “We love all of the things we do down here and this is one way we can support something important.” Mike Zeller and his daughter, Noelle, 14, of Havertown, Pa., attend the run-walk for the first time. Mike Zeller, of Havertown, Pa., brought his daughter, Noelle, 14, for the run-walk for the first time. “We like to support good causes,” he said. Noelle added that she is learning how to support charitable causes in school and that she was excited to join in the event. “It is a good cause,” she said. After the run-walk, a party featuring food, live music, door prizes and family-friendly entertainment inside heated tents at LaCosta Lounge at the corner of JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue followed. A cornhole tournament was also planned. Proceeds will benefit autism-related causes. For a complete list of race results visit jbsportstiming.com. Stephanie Vanderberg, of Northfield, is the first woman to cross the finish line. Mike and Jeannie Monichetti have organized the autism fundraiser for 12 years. Brian and Karen Haug, of West Windsor, N.J., attend the Mike's Seafood Polar Bear Run-Walk For Autism each year.