Nearly 200 people hit the boards on Sunday, April 21, to make a difference in the lives of those battling Alzheimer’s and dementia. The Seashore Gardens Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching elder lives, hosted its 14th Annual Seashore Gardens 5K Run & Health Walk and 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The event raised $10,0000 for the Foundation’s Alzheimer’s disease and dementia programs.
“We are truly grateful for the support we’ve received, which enables the Foundation to continue to play a vital role in our community,” said Janice Cambron, secretary of the Seashore Gardens Foundation and committee member of the event. “The funds raised will go toward horticultural therapy classes for the Golden Sunflowers, the garden group for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia at Seashore Gardens Living Center.”
“This family of diseases is particularly challenging not only to the residents but to those who love them,” said Scott Brown of Brown & McCarthy Insurance Agencies. “We run and we walk to ensure that those battling Alzheimer’s and dementia continue to have those programs that make a real difference in their quality of life.”
The Run & Health Walk started and finished at Stockton University’s Atlantic City Campus. Brian Jackson, the chief operation officer for the Stockton Atlantic City campus noted the university’s longstanding relationship with Seashore Gardens. Stockton students from the Gerontology Club, staff and administrators were among those who turned out for the event. Frank Marascio was Master of Ceremonies. Miss Gloucester County Molly Marie Pugliese sang the national anthem. Special thanks to Optima Health and the Galloway Twp. EMS Squad for their support. A long list of sponsors and individual donors contributed to the event.
Runners and walkers of all ages participated from age 2 to those in their 80s. Among the largest teams were the Atlantic/Cape May County subchapter of the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey Inc. They brought about a dozen nurses from different South Jersey hospitals. Nicolas Terramiggi of Oswego, New York, was the overall winner of the 5Kwith a time of 17:41 minutes. Christina Perry of Brigantine was the top female finisher at 22:54. Results were tracked by South Jersey Race Timing.
A committee of volunteers helped to plan the event. They included Eric Share, chair; Brian Jackson; Fran Streeper; Janice Cambron; Antonio Tronco; Jayne Marascio, and Erin Luurtsema.
About the Seashore Gardens Foundation
Seashore Gardens Foundation is a trusted nonprofit leader in promoting and enhancing services and programs for the elderly. Its mission is to enrich the quality of life for the aged in southern New Jersey, guided by the Jewish tradition of caring and charity, and adapting to an ever-changing environment. For more information about the Seashore Gardens Foundation, contact Erin Luurtsema at luurtsemae@seashoregardens.org.
