By Steffen Klenk
This President’s Day weekend, thousands will take to the Promenade in Sea Isle City for an annual tradition that is over 17 years in the making. The Run and Walk for Autism will bring the community together in support of children and young adults throughout the South Jersey region. Since its inception, the family friendly event has raised over $1 million for local school districts, support groups, and families.
“Any day you can do something for children with disabilities is a good day.” Mike Monichetti, owner of Mike’s Seafood . The longtime Sea Isle resident, began the event in 2009. He and his wife, Jeannie, have two children on the autism spectrum and have dedicated their lives to helping other families find the necessary resources in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. “I believe I definitely got the calling to do something, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Additionally, this year’s event will benefit Shore Medical Center and their ongoing initiatives to support the growing autism population. Thanks to the support of the Monichetti family, the Somers Point hospital is slated to open a new outpatient sensory lab this spring, which will aim to provide services like blood draws and EKGs in a sensory-friendly environment. The room will be equipped with activity panels, a white noise machine, sensory projectors, a vibroacoustic lounger, and smart TV, all designed to ensure a calming experience for individuals on the spectrum.
The hospital launched its sensory-friendly Pediatric Care Center in 2021, ensuring individuals with unique abilities have the resources needed to make their stay less scary. With an aging autism population, there is also more being done to ensure adults on the spectrum have the care they need. “We identified that we needed to expand this program and develop an adult sensory treatment care area (to) serve our population 18 years of age and greater”, says Sherri Richmond, Director of Emergency Service at Shore Medical Center.
The new program, set to be unveiled this summer, is unique to the region and will consist of a dedicated pre-registration hub, along with sensory-friendly modalities such as weighted blankets and soft lighting. Shore’s clinical staff will also have extensive training to meet the needs of each patient and ensure comfort from the moment they arrive until discharge.
Last year, the hospital received a $20,000 grant from the Eagles lAutism Foundation to fund the new adult sensory care treatment area. Brian Cahill, director of marketing, says the community realizes how important the initiative is. “This is a true community effort, from the people who are funding the project to the people who are providing the care.”
Since its inception, the Run and Walk for Autism has drawn tens of thousands of supporters. Last year’s event included a surprise appearance from Jason Kelce, former center for the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl champion, drawing much attention and millions of views from all corners of the world. “A lot of different social media sites and media outlets picked it up.” Monichetti says registration for this year’s event is up 40% ahead of last year, surpassing expectations. “It might be the Kelce effect.”
Organizers for the Run and Walk are anticipating record turnouts, with over 5,000 people expected to be present.
Attendees will also enjoy a plethora of activities throughout the event. Families are invited to gather inside the heated tents at Excursion Park, adjacent to the Promenade, prior to and after the Run and Walk for a continental buffet, live music, and awards presentation. There will be a plethora of kid-friendly activities, including magicians, costume characters, and face painting. Parents and caregivers can also visit the various resource tables and learn about available services in the area.
As for Monichetti, he is grateful to have the backing of Sea Isle City, including the police department, public works, and area businesses. “I am very blessed to have the support that I have; it really makes it easy to put an event on like this.”
The Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism will be held at 42nd St. & the Promenade in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 12 p.m. Participants can pre-register through Feb. 14 at www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com or sign up in-person.
