Walk, Run in Sea Isle City Benefitted Deborah Heart and Lung Center

SEA ISLE CITY — The 2014 Gerard A. Desiderio, Sr. Heart Run and Walk took place on May 31 under sunny skies along Sea Isle City’s ocean-front Promenade, where hundreds of participants ran and walked in name of heart health. Co-hosted by Mayor Leonard Desiderio and his family, family friends and the members of the Sea Isle City Italian-American Club Women’s Auxiliary, the event featured a 5K Run, a “Fun Walk” and a “Hounds for Hearts Walk” that afforded dog owners the opportunity to stroll along the Promenade with their pets even though dogs are not permitted on Sea Isle’s Beaches or Promenade this time of year.
Many individuals and groups donned colorful event tee-shirts prior to participating in the annual Run-Walk. Wearing purple, Team Desiderio was comprised of family members and friends of the event’s namesake, the mayor’s late brother. There were also teams of walkers representing numerous organizations and clubs, including the Sea Isle City Italian-American Club, The Commodore Club, VFW Post 1963, Republican Women of Cape May County, First Bank of Sea Isle City, Sea Isle’s Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and a large group of Sea Isle City municipal employees.
The fund raiser was also supported by other organizations and businesses throughout the City and region, including The Plump Poodle Pet Boutique, Maser Consulting, The Lobster Loft Restaurant/LaCosta Lounge, Caldwell Banker/Laricks Realty, Gerry Raffa, Groovy Girlz/It’s A Girlz Thing, Mike’s Seafood Market & Restaurant and Sportswear Plus.
The overall winner of the 5K was Tony Salvi, of Sea Isle City, who crossed the finish line in 19 minutes, 52 seconds. The overall top female runner was Lori Bobbitt, of Sea Isle City, who finished the race in 21 minutes, 29 seconds. Bobbitt was also the 5K’s second place winner overall.
According to organizers, last year’s event raised $10,000 for the Deborah Heart and Lung Center. With donations still rolling in, organizers expect to exceed last year’s effort and soon present an even bigger check to Deborah.
To learn about other events taking place in Sea Isle City, visit www.VisitSICNJ.com.