Love was in the air last weekend as crowds gathered in Sea Isle City for an annual event supporting individuals with autism in our community. The Mike’s Seafood Run Walk for Autism was held last Saturday, Feb. 14, welcoming record crowds to the coastal community. This year’s fundraiser welcomed over 5,000 participants and attendees.
Eagles legend Jason Kelce was among the participants. Kelce made several stops to interact with fans, including Chloe Byrne of Cape May Court House. Byrne, who was volunteering at the event, had a warm interaction with the football star, asking if she could be on his podcast.
“That’s a fair question; that’s a good idea” Kelce responded. “We’re on a break right now, but, yeah, we can probably work that out somehow.”
Byrne responded enthusiastically. “I would love that.”
Kelce is a frequent visitor to Sea Isle City and has supported various autism fundraisers and initiatives. Last year, he hosted the annual Team 62 fundraiser, an event that has raised millions of dollars for the Eagles Autism Foundation.
Mike Monichetti, founder of the annual Run Walk for Autism and longtime owner of Mike’s Seafood, spoke about the impact of Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie. “It makes you feel lucky that you’re recognized by people like that. They can choose any shore community to go to, but they chose Sea Isle as their second home and (the city) is blessed to have them. They’re great ambassadors in autism awareness.”
Monichetti expressed his gratitude to the teams and individuals that made this year’s fundraiser possible. “I tell Jason (Kelce) every year that this is the day I feel like I won the Super Bowl.”
Since its inception in 2009, the Run Walk for Autism has raised more than $1 million for autism support groups, special services school districts, and families of individuals on the spectrum throughout the region. Organizers aim to surpass last year’s record of $196,000. “Eighteen years ago, there was not one mention of autism, and now you can’t go anywhere without seeing something about autism.”
Prior to the start of the race, hundreds filed into the heated tents at Excursion Park for refreshments and beverages, with raffle prizes and activities for the kids. Several local businesses and nonprofits also made appearances, offering resources for parents and young adults living with autism spectrum disorder. Among this year’s attendees included Shore Medical Center, Autism New Jersey, The Arc of Cape May County, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and Sea Isle City Shooting Stars.
