Grinch Pinched During Charity 5K Run

WILDWOOD – He’s green, lean and mean with a mile-long a rap sheet of pilfering playthings and theft of the Christmas spirit. But here in Wildwood the Grinch was pinched and given a one-way ticket back to Whoville – courtesy of the Wildwood police department.
Sponsored by the Wildwood police department, the Dec. 13 Pinch the Grinch 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk offered athletes a chance to lace up their shoes and make their way across the city’s world-famous boardwalk all to help bring a merry Christmas to needy children throughout the five mile island.
The race helps support the vision of Wildwoods Convention Center Director of Sales and Entertainment, John Lynch. Lynch’s foundation, Lunch with Lynch, serves many families on the five mile island. A holiday offshoot of the Lunch with Lynch program, “The Lynch who Stole Christmas from the Grinch,” provides toys, gift cards and warm coats to needy families throughout the Wildwoods.
Prior to the start of the race, Wildwood police nabbed the Grinch as he attempted to slither through the pack of racers as they stood at their marks outside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Working alone, the master of merry mischief was seen attempting to make off with a basketball.
“With more than 100 witnesses, it was a slam dunk arrest,” Lynch said as the Grinch, in handcuffs, was placed inside a patrol car for a trip back to the bus station and ultimately his Whoville home.
In these tough economic times families in need have difficulty in making Christmas magic for their children. That’s when the Lunch with Lynch Foundation steps in to make sure all local children are given the thrill of opening a present on Christmas morning. Prior to the race runners and walkers filled a room with toys that will be placed beneath the Christmas trees of families in need.
Wildwood Police Captain Robert Regalbuto presented Lynch with a check for $2,000 that will be used to purchase gift cards to local supermarkets as well as warm coats for families.
“John Lynch has always done good things for the people of this community,” said Regalbuto. “The Wildwood Police Department wanted to help John with this event.”