15 Apr ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIPS 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, Alzheimer’s New Jersey, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s NICU, RWJBarnabas Health, Stop for Nikhil, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation And Danny’s Pantry Event Participants are Offered Reduced Admission to Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex Attractions
Published on April 15, 2025
Essex County, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced on Tuesday, April 15th 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, Stop for Nikhil, The Valerie Fund, the Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer’s New Jersey, the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s NICU, RWJBarnabas Health, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Danny’s Pantry. 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.
“I am so grateful to have the County partnering with these organizations. As someone who has worked for a non-profit, I appreciate the hard work you do to help people,” Commissioner President Carlos Pomares said. “This event is not just about recreation; it’s about raising awareness and getting the word out,” Commissioner Len Luciano said.
“At some point in our lives, we will or someone we know will be touched by these organizations and benefit from the programs and support they provide,” Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin said. “This is an amazing opportunity to see the great work being done by these tremendous organizations,” Assemblywoman Carmen Morales said. “Thank you for all that you do to help families during difficult times,” State Senator Renee Burgess said.
“I appreciate the hard work these non-profits do to connect individuals and families with beneficial services,” Prosecutor Ted Stephens 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 26th 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 26, 2025
Time: 8 a.m. 5K Registration
9 a.m. 5K Run
9:30 a.m. Walk Registration
10:30 a.m. Family Walk
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 17th 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 17, 2025
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 Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s benefits Alzheimer’s New Jersey and will be held on Sunday, May 18th 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 18, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex
Clipper Pavilion
Cherry Lane West Orange, 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 1, 2025
Time: 8 a.m.
Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex
Cherry Lane West Orange, NJ
The Valerie Fund Walk and JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run is Saturday, June 7th 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 7, 2025
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 Baldassare and MaraTHON 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, June 22nd at the Clipper Pavilion in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex will benefit Danny’s Pantry. The pantry is named for Daniel Anderl, who was killed by a gunman in 2020 who was targeting his mother, U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas. The pantry was created in 2024 and is located in the Newark District Court where Salas serves. It was established to assist the families in need who came to the courthouse. For more information, visit https://dannyspantry.org/. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex
Clipper Pavilion
Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJ
The Nikhil Badlani Foundation will present the 15th Annual Stop for Nikhil 5K Run/3K Walk/5K Bike Ride on Sunday, September 21st 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. Online registration opens on June 1st at www.StopForNikhil.org. Registration for after 14 and older is $27; for ages 5-13 is $17; fee increases $3 if done on event day. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration
8:15 a.m. 5K Bike Ride
8:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony
9:30 a.m. 5K Run
9:45 a.m. 3K Walk
Place: West Orange High School
51 Conforti Avenue
West Orange, NJ
The 25th Annual Miracle Walk to benefit the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is Sunday, October 5th 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 5, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Verona Park
Bloomfield Avenue
Verona, NJ
The Annual Greater Northern NJ Heart Walk is in October 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: TBA (October 2025)
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: ADP Campus
1 ADP Blvd.
Roseland, NJ
The American Cancer Society will present its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 19th 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 19, 2025
Time: Registration 8 a.m.
Walk 10 a.m.
Place: Mulberry Commons Park
Lafayette Street
Newark, NJ
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 2nd 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 2, 2025
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.