Wildwood Police Will Bring Holiday Joy to Local Children

WILDWOOD — He’s green and mean and he has a record of theft that stems back to an escapade he, and his dog, Max, pulled off in a tiny town filled with Whos. This year members of the Wildwood Police Department are set to run him out of this seaside city with the first annual “Pinch the Grinch 5 K Run and 1 Mile Grinch Walk.”
The run will be held Dec. 14, rain or shine. A $30 registration fee includes a shirt as well as a chance to make Wildwood history. For those wishing to donate a new, unwrapped toy, the registration fee is slashed to $15. Both the 5K run and 1 Mile Grinch Walk are open to all ages.
Beginning at 10 a.m. in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center participants will run south on the Wildwood Boardwalk to Cresse Avenue, make a turn around and head north to 21st Street. Another turn will lead runners back to the Convention Center where refreshments will be served and prizes awarded. Runners and walkers along with their cheering sections can then enjoy the Christmas Bazaar held in the Convention Center.
In these tough economic times it’s hard enough for some families to put food on the table let alone toys under the tree. Each year the number of those in need grows. That’s where John Lynch, his army of helpers and the Wildwood police hope to make Christmas a grinchless one for children in the four communities that comprise the Wildwoods.
The impetus for the run was an easy decision, said Wildwood Police Capt. Robert Regalbuto. The police department has a long-standing relationship with Lynch, Director of Sales and Entertainment for the Wildwoods Convention Center. Lynch’s foundation, Lunch with Lynch, serves many needy 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.
“John is always doing things for other people,” explained the captain. “We wanted to do something to help John with his event. The run is to help John increase the toys and money that he takes in. Everything that is collected toy-wise and money-wise will be given to ‘The Lynch who Stole Christmas from the Grinch.’”
In addition to runners and walkers, the Pinch the Grinch Run is also seeking sponsorships for its inaugural race down the boardwalk. For a donation of $100, businesses, families and individuals will have their name printed on the shirt, said Regalbuto.
Commissioner Tony Leonetti, who oversees the Wildwood Police Department, expressed his support for the run. “This is a great event that supports the Wildwoods community,” said the commissioner. “Hopefully this is the first of many runs. I, along with the Board of Commissioners, support their efforts 100 percent.”
While police are encouraging all runners to participate, a special call is going out to local police departments. Call it a holiday challenge, if you will.
“We’d like to have as many law enforcement officers as possible involved and are encouraging police officers to run,” said Regalbuto. “As a matter of fact, we’re going to have three prizes for the top three officers –first place is for the “Top Cop”, second place is the “Senior Officer” and third place is the “Rookie.”
“We hope to have good weather and a good turnout to support a great cause,” Regalbuto said.
Information about the run, or becoming a sponsor, can be obtained by contacting Regalbuto at 609-522-0222, extension 2330 or online at lunchwithlynch.com/pinch. Pre-registration for the race or walk can be done online at www.LunchWithLynch.com/pinch Organizers are also seeking volunteers to assist on race day.