By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Mike Monichetti recalled that he had modest expectations the first time he sponsored the Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City in 2009.
He was hoping to raise a couple thousand dollars, but instead the event brought in about $11,000 to benefit autism support groups, special services schools and families of special needs children.
Since then, the fundraiser has grown exponentially, drawing thousands of runners, walkers and spectators each year to Sea Isle’s oceanfront Promenade. In 2023, the event raised about $146,000, Monichetti said.
“I never dreamed it would become like this,” he said.
Optimistic for another big turnout in the thousands, Monichetti and his wife, Jeannie, are getting ready for their 16th annual autism fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 17, on Presidents Day weekend. The event is scheduled to get underway at noon and includes a five-kilometer run and one-mile family fun walk.
The Promenade is packed with participants for the autism awareness fundraiser in 2023.
Monichetti, the owner of the iconic Mike’s Seafood & Dock Restaurant in Sea Isle’s historic Fish Alley neighborhood, said he doesn’t believe the fundraiser would have become as successful as it is now without the strong backing of the city.
Appearing at the Jan. 23 meeting of City Council, Monichetti publicly thanked Mayor Leonard Desiderio and other Sea Isle officials for their support over the years.
“I just want you to know that my family appreciates this. I appreciate this,” Monichetti said.
“It doesn’t happen without you. You’re a good man,” Council President J.B. Feeley responded to Monichetti.
Over its history, the run-walk has raised more than $1 million for autism-related causes. 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.
“It’s a great event for the city. I don’t think there’s a better event in Sea Isle,” he said.
Organizers Mike and Jeannie Monichetti are joined by Sea Isle Mayor Leonard Desiderio at the event in 2023.
Monichetti and Jeannie have four children, including two who have autism, Kara and Michael Jr. 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.
“I believe God called me to do this down at the shore,” Monichetti said at the Council meeting. “I believe in God, and I believe he called me. I believe God wanted me to do this.”
The run-walk will serve as the centerpiece of Sea Isle’s Presidents Day celebration, a time when thousands of visitors traditionally head to the shore for a winter getaway weekend of shopping, dining and family-friendly activities.
To promote the event, posters and flyers are being distributed throughout South Jersey. In all, 36,000 flyers will be inserted in community newspapers.
Kevin Capone, a chef at Mike’s Seafood who is directing the run-walk for the second straight year, said the event will also rely on email blasts and a greater online presence to promote it.
As a new way of reaching out to the public and promoting the event, police departments in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties will be challenged to form fundraising teams, Capone said.
Families pushing baby strollers are among the walkers heading down the Promenade for the fundraiser in 2023.
Following the run and walk, an awards ceremony and after-party featuring family-friendly entertainment are planned in large, heated tents in Excursion Park next to the Promenade at John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
One of the tents will include tables teeming with literature and other information on autism to raise awareness of the developmental disability – all with the hope of helping people who may have family members or friends with autism.
“Autism … it affects everybody,” Monichetti said of all the people who, in some way, have been touched by autism.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. have autism. There is no cure for autism and the medical world has not yet discovered what causes it.
Autism is a general term for complex disorders of brain development. Depending on the severity of the disorder, autistic people may have difficulties with social interaction and communication. They may also engage in repetitive behavior, according to the CDC.
The Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism fundraiser traditionally benefits autism support groups, special services schools and families of special needs children. Monichetti stressed that the event has a wide impact.
“Whatever disability you might have, we’re there to help,” he said.
