By KAREN RAPOLLA
Staff Writer
The inaugural Asbury Park Santa Run will take place on Dec. 10 and will support the local charity, Lunch Break.
The event is a 5k race for both runners and walkers of all abilities and is being organized by Peak Projects, an events company founded by Red Bank area residents Joey Garofalo and Darragh Kneeshaw.
“We wanted this event to directly benefit the community around the holidays. We’re incredibly excited to support such a respected and meaningful charity as Lunch Break with this event,” explained Garofalo of Little Silver.
Lunch Break provides life’s basic necessities, such as food, clothing and fellowship to local community members in need. It was established in 1983, when 35 people at the Friends’ Meetinghouse in Shrewsbury discussed the issue of hunger in Monmouth County and committed themselves to helping those who were finding it difficult to provide the bare essentials for families.
The foundation was established by Norma Todd, the executive director for the next 25 years. Shortly after her passing in 2008, Gwendolyn Love became the new executive director.
Lunch Break’s mission is to alleviate hunger and lead those who are served to self-sufficiency and healthier lifestyles. Last year, the charity’s programs and services were utilized 155,093 times, and the demand continues to grow every year.
At the event, Lunch Break will have a tent set up on site and will be collecting donations of nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys.
“This is so exciting! A Santa Run, family event. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the crisp, healthy air and kick off the holidays in Asbury Park, all while helping our neighbors in need who come to Lunch Break every day from every town in Monmouth County. We are so grateful to Peak Projects for this wonderful opportunity,” said Love.
Garofalo said that the holiday season has always been one of the busiest times for charities as needs increase. He has always been aware of the good impact Lunch Break has made to the local community and is happy to be working directly with them on this event.
All participants in this festive race will be given their own Santa suit at registration and will complete a closed course on the streets of Asbury Park. After the race, there will be an after-party across the finish line at the Wonder Bar for runners age 21 and over, featuring live music from the local band Jukebox Criminals.
Each runner is challenged to raise $300, with an overall goal of $100,000 for the entire event. Registration for the event is open with a limited amount of early bird tickets available. Participants will have the ability to fundraise via EverydayHero. All proceeds will go to Lunch Break.
“We hope the local community will share the same sentiment and join us for what is going to be a very fun afternoon for everyone involved,” said Garofalo.
For more information about Lunch Break, visit www.lunchbreak.org. For more information about the Santa Run or to register, visit www.apsantarun.com.
