SEA ISLE CITY — What started as a way to raise awareness about autism and funding for research and treatment has turned into a “hallmark event” in Sea Isle City.
The 17th annual Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism is scheduled for noon Feb. 15 at John F. Kennedy Boulevard and the boardwalk. On-site registration is set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. and food, fun and entertainment will follow inside a heated tent at Excursion Park.
The post-run event will include live music, an awards ceremony, door prizes, magicians and face painting, along with a large buffet of bagels, doughnuts, pastries, soft pretzels, fruit and drinks donated by Cisco and US Foods under three large tents.
Mike Monichetti, owner of Mike’s Seafood and Dock Restaurant, is the father of two autistic children, a son and daughter, now 21 and 23 years old.
But they were just 4 and 6 when his journey started toward supporting children with special needs.
“I didn’t start this for my children but for so many other people out there,” Monichetti said, noting there is a lack of funds available to people in southern New Jersey.
Proceeds benefit the Cape May County and Atlantic County special services schools, autism support groups and families of special needs children.
Monichetti said the event has grown from about 200 people to this year hosting 1,500 participants and another 2,500 supporters.
“We are steadily building every year and numbers are very high this year,” Monichetti said.
He said his wife has a big family in Delaware County, Pa., and likely would have 50 to 60 people walking and running. Last year, he said, pro football player Jason Kelce and his wife showed up.
Monichetti said as soon as the event is over, he begins thinking of things he could improve upon and starts planning the next one.
“It’s a work in progress,” he said.
Mike’s Seafood, which has been in his family since 1911, supports those with special needs on other ways. Monichetti said over Christmas they bought 100 $100 gift cards for each of the two county specials services schools to give to families with autistic children and donated $12,000 to Shore Medical Center for its sensory friendly room.
Visit mikesseafoodrunwalkforautism.com for more information.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff