Dozens of awards and medals were presented to the top finishers in the fifth annual Woodbridge Turkey Trot, but the real winners of Saturday’s charity event are Middlesex County children in need.
All proceeds from the 5K race at Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park, which was run along the scenic waterfront of the township’s Sewaren section, benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.
Please click HERE to view a gallery of photos from the Woodbridge Turkey Trot
Since its inception seven years ago, the foundation has donated more than $400,000 to fulfill its mission of assisting pediatric patients and underserved children throughout the greater Middlesex County area.
Jonathan Rivera, a Woodbridge High School alumnus who is currently a sophomore at Kean University, where he runs cross country, posted the fastest overall time for men. Rivera clocked in at 16:30.95.
Please click HERE for complete race results
Liz Campbell of Colonia, who is an alumna of Mount Saint Mary Academy and who enjoyed a stellar four-year career as a distance runner at the University of New Hampshire, was tops among female entrants and third overall with a time of 17:59.76.
The township’s recreation department and Runners High of Metuchen organized the race, which afforded more than 300 Turkey Trot participants who braved the chilly morning air an opportunity to work off extra calories gained during Thanksgiving feasts.
Awards were presented to the top three overall male and female runners, and to the top three male and female performers in nine age groups ranging from 14-and-under to 80-and over.
All participants received a commemorative Turkey Trot long-sleeved shirt and complementary wristband from The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which is eternally grateful for the outstanding support it has received from the entire Woodbridge community.
“The Woodbridge Turkey Trot 5K exemplifies our commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and community spirit in Woodbridge Township,” said Mayor John E. McCormac. “This year we are especially proud to donate all proceeds to The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, supporting a cause that assists so many children in need in our community and throughout Middlesex County. Organized through the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and our dedicated Recreation Department, this race offers participants the chance to enjoy the beautiful Sewaren waterfront while contributing to a meaningful cause.”
Woodbridge has hosted charity all-star football and basketball games and a charity bowling tournament benefiting the nonprofit. Countless student-athletes and coaches from the township’s three high schools have participated in fundraising events and drives for the foundation.
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which makes community service an integral part of its mission, has also spearheaded multiple initiatives, resulting in the collection of thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter coats, baby supplies, children’s books, school supplies, and other items for donation upon which it has placed no monetary value.
The foundation has awarded 50 college academic scholarships totaling $36,500 to high school seniors – 13 of whom are graduates of Woodbridge Township high schools – and sent 31 elementary and middle school students to a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Museum.
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation received the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison Woodbridge and South Amboy’s 2023 Barnes Community Champion Award. Last year, the Edison Chamber of Commerce named the nonprofit its 2024 Organization of the Year and Hands of Hope for the Community recognized The Marisa Tufaro Foundation for its “dedicated efforts in fostering positive change within the community” as the honoree of its annual fundraiser.
Born with a complex cardiac defect, Marisa Tufaro survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing in 2017 at the age of 13 to a rare form of cancer following a valiant battle.
Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctors’ appointments, Marisa Tufaro was an Edison Township Public Schools honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities. She lived a vibrant life that inspired.
“We’ve been blessed beyond words with amazing support from so many people, including the Woodbridge community,” said Marisa’s mother, Cyndi Tufaro, who is the foundation’s executive director.
“We don’t take a second donated or a penny raised for granted. The kindness and generosity of Woodbridge residents has been extraordinary. We can’t thank township officials and race organizers enough for adopting The Marisa Tufaro Foundation as their beneficiary.
“We hope the benevolence of the entire Woodbridge community is exponentially returned.”