The NJYIP 39th Annual Fun Run was held on June 6, 2023, on the Boardwalk outside the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. It was part of the Annual Conference hosted by PIANJ and PIANY.
Over 70 runners participated in this year’s event—and fundraisers and sponsors raised over $80,000 to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey.
Special Olympics Athlete Cameron DiTroia took first place overall this year with an outstanding time of 16:49. With other notable placements this year, the Fun Run promoted healthy exercise while making it possible for other Special Olympics Athletes to succeed.
Additional top male finishers included Ed Chadwick in second place (22:06); and David Mojica in third place (22:45).
Top female finishers included Claire Goble in first place (26:47); Mary Boyd in second place (28:45); and Kelly Raser in third place (28:59).
In keeping with the annual NJYIP versus NY-YIP competition, New York managed to keep the fastest YIP title with the help of NY-YIP immediate past President Ed Chadwick.
You can see photos from the event here.
Fundraisers
Congratulations to all the fundraisers who got support for this event. This year’s top fundraisers:
- Top overall individual fundraiser: Ken Bull ($3,619);
- Top agency fundraiser: Jimcor ($4,070); and
- Top company fundraiser: FMI ($21,080).
Sponsors
It is the generous financial support of our sponsors—many of whom have been supporters of this event year after year—that help make the NJYIP Fun Run a success. We would like to thank you all.
- Presenting sponsor: FMI
- Breakfast sponsor: NJM Insurance Group
- Starting line sponsors: Samuel E. Mitchell Memorial Fun and NJM Insurance Group
- Swag bag sponsor: Selective
For almost 40 years, the Annual Fun Run has raised money for Special Olympics New Jersey. To date, NJYIP—in conjunction with the PIANJ Golf Classic—has raised almost $5 million for SONJ.
We already are thinking about next year’s event—plan now to be a part of the 40th Annual Fun Run.
Jaye Czupryna is publications manager for PIA Northeast and editor-in-chief of PIA Magazine. She started her career in public relations, and she has been with PIA for more than 20 years. She has overseen PIA Northeast’s various publications, including the award-winning magazine since 2009. Jaye graduated cum laude from Siena College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Communications.