Run, Eagle, Run
Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk, a Hit as Always, Has a Surprise Participant
Jason Kelce runs alongside Ryan Hammond and her family. She is the head of the Eagles Autism Foundation.
On Feb. 11, he’s in a luxury suite at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas with Taylor Swift, among others. Six days later, Jason Kelce is participating in the 16th annual Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City.
The since-retired Eagles icon and future Hall of Fame center surprised everyone at the event by bringing his family and joining in the 5K run.
Of course, Kelce has appeared as a guest bartender at the Ocean Drive to raise funds for the Eagles Autism Foundation, so it was a cause he couldn’t resist. Not to mention, his family has a home here.
He was among some 4,600 people who participated in Sea Isle’s Presidents Day weekend event that raises funds for special services schools, autism support groups, families of special needs children, and Autism Speaks. The event, hosted by Mike’s Seafood owners Mike and Jeannie Monichetti, raised over $180,000 this year.
The Kelce family was joined by Ryan Hammond, head of the Eagles Autism Foundation, and her family. Hammond’s daughters and husband ran the 5K alongside Kelce.
“We are thrilled and grateful that the Kelce and Hammond families came out in support of children with autism,” Mike Monichetti said.
The Monichetti family on stage after the run. (From left) Luke, Kara, Katherine Logan, Mike, Mikey and Mary Kate.
The top three finishers for the men and women were honored in the tent after the race.
While a bit of snow had passed through the morning of the event, it turned out to be a nice day for all as the sun started shining at noon, right as the runners and walkers took off down the boardwalk. For those who didn’t participate in the race, they could stay nice and toasty inside the huge, heated tent at Excursion Park, courtesy of the 1st Bank of Sea Isle City.
To kick off the day, participants could stop in the tent, register, pick up their gear, indulge in some raffles, and browse through the many tables supporting autism or related organizations offering information, brochures, and some knickknacks.
For kids, there was face painting and characters such as Spider-Man, Elsa, Rapunzel, Trolls, and Belle, ready and willing to chat and take photos. Before the run/walk, attendees milled around the tent, chatting, taking pictures, and getting ready for the race. It really was a full-family affair with a little something for everyone.
When noon hit, it was time for the main event and the buzzer sounded, sending the runners and walkers on their way. The runners ran down and back up the south end of the Promenade while the walkers headed toward the north end. Sean Macpherson from Blackwood took home first place for the men followed by, Alexander Ermold and Kyle Brogan. Stephanie
VandenBerg from Northfield was the first overall
female finisher, with Rene Jones and Jessica Rosetti finishing second and third.
After the race, participants headed back to the tent to warm up, grab some snacks, take more pictures, and find out who won the awesome raffle prizes. Prizes consisted of tickets to Phillies and Eagles games, gift cards to local restaurants, concert tickets and more.
This event was made possible with support from local businesses and the city. Many businesses in town held Presidents Day sales.
“I’m very grateful to the city and to Mayor Len Desiderio, for working alongside us in making this the premier run/walk, wintertime event at the Jersey Shore,” Monichetti said.
Monichetti and Mike Givens, the event organizers, are excited for next year’s event, which they say will be even bigger and better, so you truly won’t want to miss it.
“It was a great day had by all supporting a great cause,” Monichetti said, “and we are very much looking forward to 2025.”
THANK YOU VFW POST 1963 FOR YOUR VERY GENEROUS DONATION
Shown in Sea Isle City’s historic Fish Alley is Mike Monichetti (third from left) while accepting a check for $10,000 for the Mike’s Seafood 2024 Run-Walk for Autism from VFW Post 1963 Commander Joe McLenaghan (fourth from left). Also shown are (from left) Post 1963 Auxiliary Senior Vice-President Dianne McCool, Post 1963 Adjutant Tom McCool, Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio, Mike’s Seafood employee/Run-Walk coordinator Kevin Capone, fellow Fish Alley business owner Joe Romano, and Post 1963 Auxiliary Conductor Terry Moore.