Around the World Bear-Footed

The Polar Bear sets out on his global journey.

There was a stop in Honolulu.

And finally arriving back in Sea Isle City.

As with many special events scheduled for 2020 and into 2021, the annual Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism that is typically held on the Sunday of Presidents Day weekend could not be held this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In its place, organizers Michael and Jeannie Monichetti found another idea to engage sponsors, participants, community members, and social-media users in order to raise funds and autism awareness within the community. The Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism launched its Around the World in 80 Days campaign in November with the goal of having the virtual Polar Bear mascot run 24,901 miles around the world.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Polar Bear set out on its virtual journey. For every $10 donated to the campaign, the Polar Bear moved one mile closer to his goal of making it home by Sunday, Feb. 14, which would have been the Run/Walk date. During New Year’s and Super Bowl weekends, there were $1-per-mile sales as incentives to help move the bear closer to Sea Isle City.

Some popular destinations included Independence Hall, Wrigley Field, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Pyramids, to name a few.

“Like everyone else, the pandemic had changed our plans drastically, and knowing that we could not hold the Run/Walk this year just broke our hearts,” Michael Monichetti says. “There are so many families and children with disabilities that depend on the funds we raise each year during our annual Run/Walk event, and some needed it this year more than ever. During a Chamber of Commerce meeting, a close friend of Jeannie’s, Toni Grdinich, presented the idea of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ to me. I loved it, and we haven’t looked back since.”

By Feb. 14, the campaign had raised more than $72,000 and the bear had made it back to Sea Isle City safely. As donations are still coming in daily, the campaign total continues to increase and has since surpassed $100,000. The money will benefit special service schools, autism support groups, and families of special needs children.

“We had a lot of fun moving the bear to different parts of the world. With this being such a difficult year for everyone, the support and generosity by our loyal and faithful customers was just overwhelming,” says Monichetti. “We are ecstatic to have raised over $100,000 for children with disabilities, and from the bottom of our hearts we want to thank everyone for their support.”

Says Mayor Leonard Desiderio: “Mike and Jeannie Monichetti have been so generous and such great leaders in the cause for autism. I was very happy to learn that their mission was a huge success this year – even though they were unable to host their annual Run/Walk for Autism because of COVID-19. There is nothing Mike and Jeannie can’t do. I applaud their efforts and look forward to another great event next year.”