ATLANTIC CITY – The community is invited to lace up their sneakers for a good cause at the 13th annual Seashore Gardens 5K Run & Health Walk and 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk Sunday, April 16 on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Organized by Seashore Gardens Foundation, the run and walk is the key fundraiser for Alzheimer’s and dementia outreach and programs.
It may have been 15 years ago, but Scott Brown of Ventnor remembers it as if it were yesterday.
“My grandfather was fine one day, and then he started to forget things. It happened so quickly. All of a sudden, he couldn’t live by himself. His condition deteriorated and he needed care.”
Tragically, Scott’s grandfather passed soon after in a nursing home, and Scott will never forget the helplessness that he felt. So, when he was asked to support the Seashore Gardens 5K Run & Health Walk, he didn’t hesitate.
“The fundraiser supports outreach for Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Scott said. “It affects so many, and not just those battling the disease but their families.”
Awareness is important.
“We’re a small agency, and so we choose our causes carefully,” said Scott. “It is easy to support people that are so passionate about helping others,” he said.
Employees of Seashore Gardens go the extra mile to enrich elder lives, he said, “not only with Alzheimer’s and dementia, but with everyone entrusted to their care. We’re glad to be a part of it.”
The Run & Health Walk will start and finish at Stockton University’s Atlantic City Campus at Albany Avenue and the Boardwalk. The 5K Run will begin at 9 a.m. with timing provided by JB Sports Timing. The Health Walk is a non-timed version of the same route and will follow as soon as the run has begun. The event is open to all. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome in each of the events.
Medals will be awarded for the top three male and female winners in their age group. Age groups include 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 30-34, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. There will also be awards for wheelchair participants, Tortoise Award, Top Fundraising Team and Largest Team.
Free parking is offered from 7 a.m. to noon at the Stockton University parking garage, 3601 Boardwalk. Refreshments will be provided following the race.
Pre-registration is available until 5 p.m. Friday, April 14. Preregistered participants will receive a T-shirt. Cost is $35 per person, or $30 for those aged 22 and under. Same-day registration will be available at the race starting at 7:15 a.m. at $45 per person, and does not include the T-shirt. To register, see https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/AtlanticCity/SeashoreGardens5KRunHealthWalk.
For questions, or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Sharon D’Angio at 609-748-4614 or dangios@seashoregardens.org.
