03 Apr ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS County Helping to Raise Awareness for the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Arc of Essex County, The Valerie Fund, Arthritis Foundation, NJ Children’s Alliance, Alzheimer’s New Jersey, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s NICU, RWJBarnabas Health, Stop for Nikhil and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Event Participants are Offered Reduced Admission to Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex Attractions
Published on April 3, 2024
Essex County, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced on Tuesday, April 2nd that Essex County was participating in 11 special partnerships to increase awareness about and help raise funds for the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Arc of Essex County, the New Jersey Children’s Alliance, Stop for Nikhil, The Valerie Fund, the Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer’s New Jersey, the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s NICU, RWJBarnabas Health and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. DiVincenzo is inviting the public to come out and support the worthy causes of each organization. In addition, the Executive announced that participants from each event will receive reduced admission to attractions at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex on the day of their respective fund-raising events.
“Each of these well-respected organizations does a great deal to make a positive difference in and improve the quality of life for our residents. I invite the public to run, walk or donate to help out these really great causes,” DiVincenzo said. “To say thank you to these organizations and the thousands of people who support them, we are offering reduced admission to Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena and the miniGOLF Safari for the people who participate in these events,” he added.
“We have the most meaningful partner in government who is Joe DiVincenzo. We both are in alignment with our public service efforts taking care of those in need,” RWJBarnabas Health President and CEO Mark Manigan said.
“The work you all do is so very important. Today is our opportunity to tell you that you are not in this alone,” Commissioner President Carlos Pomares said. “All of these organizations have such positive impacts on our communities,” Commissioner Len Luciano said.
“Today, we need collaborations with organizations like these to get things done. These groups are on the forefront of addressing the needs of our residents,” Prosecutor Ted Stephens said.
“Working with these organizations is a labor of love for us. It’s a great way to support great causes and enjoy time in our beautiful parks,” Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.
“Our employees like engaging in activities like these. We like walking together as a team and show we care and are there to help others. Essex County is there for you,” Deputy Chief of Staff and Human Resources Director Jacqueline Jones said.
A description of the organizations and a schedule of their events are as follows:
The 26th Annual Arc of Essex County’s Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk and Fun Fest is Saturday, April 27th at the Clipper Pavilion in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. The Arc of Essex County provides supportive services for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. For information and registration, visit RunOrWalk.org. It will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time: 8 a.m. 5K Registration
9 a.m. 5K Run
10 a.m. to 12 noon Fun Fest
10:30 a.m. Family Walk
Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex
Clipper Pavilion
Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJ
The Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s benefits Alzheimer’s New Jersey and will be held on Sunday, May 5th at the Clipper Pavilion in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. Proceeds from the event benefit Alzheimer’s New Jersey’s programs and services including a toll-free helpline, family support groups, community education programs, the Respite Care and Wellness Program, Clinical Trial Connections Program, and research to advance a cure. For more information, visit www.alznj.org or call 888-280-6055. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex
Clipper Pavilion
Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJ
Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event and will be held on Saturday, May 11th at the Clipper Pavilion in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. The mission of the foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and raise awareness about this rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe and shortens lives. Proceeds from the event help accelerate innovative research and drug development, as well as advance care and advocacy. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds. For more information, visit www.fightcf.cff.org. It will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 8:45 a.m. Registration
9:45 a.m. Walk
Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex
Clipper Pavilion
Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJ
The Valerie Fund Walk and JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run is Saturday, June 8th in Essex County Verona Park. Proceeds will be used to support the comprehensive care of children with cancer and blood disorders. For more information on the Walk or 5K Run, visit TheValerieFund.org/Walk2024/. It will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Time: 7 a.m. 5K Registration
8:30 a.m. 5K Run
8:30 a.m. Walk Registration
9:30 am. Opening Ceremony
10 a.m. Walk
Place: Essex County Verona Park
Bloomfield Avenue
Verona, NJ
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis is Sunday, June 2nd at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. The Arthritis Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. For more information, visit www.arthritis.org. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024
Time: 8 a.m.
Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex
Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJ
The Nikhil Badlani Foundation will present the Stop for Nikhil 5K Run/3K Walk/5K Bike Ride on Sunday, September 22nd at West Orange High School. The foundation is named for 11-year-old Nikhil Badlani, who was killed in a car crash in 2011 when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign. Its mission is to raise traffic safety awareness while enriching the lives of children through music lessons, and providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors. For more information, visit www.nikhilbadlanifoundation.org. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024
Time: 8 a.m.
Place: West Orange High School
51 Conforti Avenue
West Orange, NJ
The 24th Annual Miracle Walk to benefit the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is Sunday, October 6th in Essex County Verona Park. The walk features family-friendly activities, refreshments and entertainment including a DJ, face painters, balloon artists, characters and more. Proceeds help the medical center purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the NICU, which provides specialized care for New Jersey’s smallest and sickest babies. For more information, visit miraclewalk.com. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Verona Park
Bloomfield Avenue
Verona, NJ
The Annual Greater Northern NJ Heart Walk is Saturday, October 19th at the ADP campus in Roseland. This event attracts businesses and residents from Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties. Proceeds will be used to raise awareness and support prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke. For more information, visit www2.heart.org. It will be held as follows:
Date: October 2024
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Roseland, NJ
The American Cancer Society will present its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 20th in Mulberry Commons Park in Newark. The walk helps raise awareness and funds to save lives from breast cancer. The event brings people together to make a difference for everyone who has been touched by breast cancer. The events raise money to fund innovative research, provide free information and support, and to help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. For information, visit www.MakingStridesWalk.org/NewarkNJ. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Time: Registration 8 a.m.
Walk 10 a.m.
Place: Mulberry Commons Park
Lafayette Street
Newark, NJ
The New Jersey Children’s Alliance will present the Heroes for Children 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk. Race information is to be announced. The event will promote public awareness about child abuse issues and increase knowledge about the services of local Children’s Advocacy Centers and Multidisciplinary Teams and the difference these services make in a child’s life. For more information, visit www.njcainc.org.
RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils are teaming up to support the health of New Jersey’s diverse population with the Running with the Devils 5K Run and Family Fun Walk on Sunday, November 3rd in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex on Cherry Lane in West Orange. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs and services at RWJBarnabas Health’s 12 hospital facilities as well as Behavioral Health and Children’s Specialized Hospital. This event, featuring a 5K USATF certified race and a family fun walk, brings together participants from across the state and supports the collective commitment of RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils to build stronger communities by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and world-class healthcare. The day will feature special appearances by the New Jersey Devils mascot and street team, medals for all race participants, awards and more. RWJBarnabas Health is the official healthcare provider of the New Jersey Devils. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
Time: 7 a.m. Registration
9 a.m. Race and Walk
Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex
and Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ
Participants in these events can receive $5 admission to Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena and the miniGOLF Safari in West Orange. The reduced admission is available on event days and participants must bring their race bib or proof of registration to receive the discount.