By MADDY VITALE
For 12 years the Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the worthy cause.
Each year, the major fundraiser benefits autism support groups, special services schools and families of special needs children. Last year, the fundraiser grossed a record-high of $200,000 in donations.
However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the February event, which attracts thousands of participants each year, cannot take place because of social distancing requirements, organizer Mike Monichetti said.
But that doesn’t mean the event can’t go on virtually and that is exactly what is happening. People can donate and watch as the polar bear mascot “travels” around the globe and stops in cities along the way, including Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Monichetti, owner of Mike’s Seafood & Dock Restaurant, who organizes the Run/Walk each year said people have been very supportive of the alternative way to host the fundraiser.
“All of our sponsors contacted us and said they are coming back and raising money for children with disabilities,” he said.
He and his wife, Jeannie, have four children, including two who have autism, Kara, 19, and Michael Jr., 17.
The fundraiser has grown from a few thousand dollars in its first few years, to what it has become today, to help those with autism and their families.
To add some excitement to the 2021 virtual fundraiser, people may go on the fundraising webpage to view the polar bear mascot’s travels “Around the World in 80 Days.”
To donate go to https://givebutter.com/polarbearrunwalk2021?fbclid=IwAR1-n9TNNV_85Jcm3-hQVtyFIn92-E_IybQSEzrZVIaB0fud79bpaJhvZDQ
For every $10 donated toward the fundraiser, the polar bear will travel one mile.
The polar bear mascot “left” Sea Isle on Thanksgiving Day with the goal of making it Around the World or 24,901 miles and back home by Sunday, Feb. 14.
So far, more than $4,270 has been raised.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio noted in a statement Thursday that the Run/Walk is “a huge attraction that brings thousands of people to town.”
And he explained that the Monichetti family announced the cancelation for the safety of all involved due to the pandemic.
“Because they are greatly concerned about public safety and doing the right thing, several weeks ago the event’s organizers, Mike and Jeannie Monichetti, announced that they have cancelled their 2021 Run-Walk,” Desiderio pointed out.
Desiderio continued, “However, in its place, the Monichettis will host a “Polar Bear Around the World in 80 Days” fundraiser, which is already turning out to be a lot of fun.”
Some of the donors left a few words on the fundraising page on what the annual event means to them and how changing it to a virtual event will not deter them from donating to a cause they believe in.
The Olive family said, “Let’s all give to this amazing cause, and accomplish “Around the World in 80 Days.”
The Griffaton family said, “We will miss the festivities this year, but we will continue to donate to this amazing event!”
And Lorraine Matthews summed up the sentiment, “Awesome idea! Always enjoyed participating in this event, and seeing it grow into an amazing fundraiser over the years.”
She continued, “I’ve had to miss the walk past few years while snow birding in South Carolina. But now I can feel part of the event again! Kudos to the whole team for the ingenious idea. Love it.”
Monichetti said he could not take the credit for the idea to host a virtual Run/Walk.
It came about in November during a Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization meeting.
“I made the announcement that we couldn’t have the Run/Walk because over 3,000 people participate each year,” he explained. “It just wasn’t feasible to do it in a safe and responsible way.”
That was when resident and Chamber member, Toni Grdinich, spoke with Monichetti and gave her thoughts of how to continue the event, only differently this year.
Grdinich said that they could create a fundraising page for people to donate to and also watch the polar bear in his travels across the globe.
“I said, ‘I love the idea,’” Monichetti reflected. “Toni has been a big source of inspiration on raising money for children with autism.”
To learn more about Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism visit, www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com
