EDISON – In efforts to raise funds for the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 3117 is hosting its first 5K run/walk in September.
“Due to the COVID pandemic, the Veterans home was not getting as many donations to the entertainment fund,” said Filipe Oliveira, commander of the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3117.
Oliveira said he started talking to members of the East Brunswick VFW Memorial Post 133, which has held a 5K run/walk every year to benefit Unbroken Warriors, an organization that supports veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The charity race was held at East Brunswick Community Arts Center on July 24.
Oliveira said with support of Edison Mayor Sam Joshi and the Edison Township Recreation Department as their main sponsors, the Edison VFW will host its first event on Sept. 17.
“We obtained our 5K course certificate, which is valid for 10 years,” he said. “With a successful event, we hope we can bring in extra funds for the Veterans’ home and help out a local nonprofit in the Edison area.”
The race will start at 8 a.m. at the VFW Post 3117, 53 National Road, Edison.
Packet pickup will be from 5-9 p.m., Sept. 16 or 7-8 a.m., Sept. 17 at the VFW.
Registration is $25. Fee includes a T-shirt, an award, food and beverages.
The Edison VFW 3117 has a membership of 175 strong. The post was named 2021-22 All-State Post in New Jersey and 2021-22 All American Post in the country.
To register for the race visit https://runsighnup.com/Race/NJ/Edison/EdisonVFW31175K.
For more information contact Oliveira at 973-634-3801 or filipeoliveira85@gmail.com.
