Running for a Reason
MIKE’S SEAFOOD RUN/WALK FOR AUTISM RAISES MORE THAN $150,000
Jeannie Logan, Mike Monichetti and the Monichetti family: Mikey, Kara Mia, Mary Kate and Luke.
Retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce posed for a photo with Mike Monichetti. He was among the record number of runners and walkers who participated in the 2025 Run/Walk for Autism.
A record crowd of more than 2,100 participants and 3,000 family and friends turned out for the 17th annual Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday, Feb. 15. Runners and walkers joined forces to make a meaningful impact, with proceeds supporting special service schools, autism support groups, and families of children with special needs in Cape May, Atlantic, and Cumberland counties.
Hosted by Mike Monichetti and Jeannie Logan and Mike and Pam Givens, this year’s event raised more than $150,000. Among the familiar faces showing their support were retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, his wife Kylie, and Eagles Autism Foundation executive director Ryan Hammond — who all attended fresh off the excitement of the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory parade a day earlier.
“I am just speechless,” Mike Monichetti said. “What an incredible day. Our community is so special, and we’re so thankful to Mayor Len [Desiderio] and the City of Sea Isle City for backing this event for 17 years now. I am also beyond grateful to Jason and Kylie Kelce and Ryan Hammond for always showing their support for this event. It was an incredible year, and we are looking forward to making our Valentine’s Day Run/Walk in 2026 better than ever!”
The forecast had called for rain later in the day, but the skies remained clear for the duration of the event, allowing participants to fully enjoy a day of family friendly fun. Before the festivities kicked off, everyone stayed warm inside spacious heated tents, for which 1st Bank of Sea Isle covered the cost.
By 10am, runners and supporters began arriving to pick up their bibs and T-shirts, check out the impressive selection of door prizes, and browse vendor tables featuring autism-related organizations with information, brochures, and fun giveaways.
Overall men’s winner Alexander Ermold crosses the finish line closely followed by Will Sponaugle.
Eagles Autism Foundation executive director Ryan Hammond and Kylie Kelce with Mike and Mary Kate Monichetti under the heated tents during the event.
Kids had a blast posing for photos with beloved characters inspired by Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man, Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, and Minions. They also enjoyed face painting and creative balloon art, adding to the festive atmosphere.
At noon, the excitement peaked as runners took their marks at the starting line. With the sound of the buzzer, the runners headed south on the Promenade for the 5K run and walkers went north for the 1-mile family fun walk. After crossing the finish line, participants returned to the tent to warm up, enjoy some well-earned snacks, and awaited the awards and door-prize announcements.
Door prizes included tickets to the Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles games, gift cards to local restaurants, concert tickets, and more.
First place in the men’s overall category was claimed by Alexander Ermold, of Shillington, Pa., followed by Will Sponaugle and Mason Short. For the women, Stephanie VandenBerg, of Northfield secured the top spot, with Jessica Rosetti and Corinne Conley finishing second and third, respectively.
Thanks to the funds raised from this year’s event, the Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism organization can continue its mission of supporting individuals with autism and their families. Recent contributions include a partnership with Shore Medical Center to open an outpatient testing room this spring, designed to provide a calming environment for individuals with autism and sensory needs where they will receive bloodwork and other essential testing.
During the holiday season, the Run/Walk for Autism donated $20,000 in Acme gift certificates to Atlantic County and Cape May County special services schools, helping families enjoy Christmas dinners. The organization also provides ongoing vital support to programs like Hoops For All in Margate, Shooting Stars Basketball in Sea Isle City, the Autism Sneaker Ball in Atlantic City, and the Sweethearts Ball for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, held annually at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Mike’s Seafood Valentine’s Day Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday,
Feb. 14, 2026! Celebrate Valentine’s Day by bringing your sweetheart and supporting a great cause.
Nine-year-old Garrett Bojaciuk raised money and hand delivered his donation of $300 to Mike Monichetti during the event.
Mike and Luke Monichetti with Atlantic City Councilman George “Animal” Crouch and members of the Gentlemen of the Shore organization.
From left, Ryan Kane, Jason Grandizio, Tomas Lazicki, Christopher Spicer and Bailey Cifone.
During the 1-mile family fun walk, Jason Kelce stopped to pose with students from the Heritage Homestead Day Program.
The Awards ceremony. From left, Mike Monichetti, Mason Short, Alexander Ermold, Stephanie VandenBerg, Jessica Rosetti, Corinne Conley and Mike Givens.
Team Shore from Shore Medical Center with their community ambassador, Fin the Dolphin.
