9 for 9: Causeway CARes 5K Raises $100,000 for Nine Local Nonprofits

On Sunday, September 20, the Causeway CARes 5K returned to Southern Regional High School for its ninth annual race, bringing together runners, walkers, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters for a morning focused on giving back.

For nine years, the Causeway CARes 5K has brought the community together to support local organizations making a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout Ocean County and the surrounding areas. Since the event began, the race has raised more than $500,000 for local nonprofits.

This year continued that incredible tradition.

Through registrations, sponsorships, and community support, the 2026 Causeway CARes 5K raised $45,600.50. But during the race, Causeway President David C. Wintrode decided to take the impact even further.

“Let’s round up the total to $100K.”

With that commitment, this year’s fundraising total reached an incredible $100,000, which was divided among the nine nonprofit beneficiaries. Each organization received $11,111 to support its ongoing work in the community.

Supporting Nine Local Nonprofits

“In our 9th year we decided to celebrate in a different way,” said Joe Stroffolino, Race Director, “by choosing 9 non-profit organizations, 9 for 9! The 2026 Causeway CARes 5K supported these nine organizations serving a wide range of needs throughout Ocean County.

Fulfill NJ works to fight hunger and food insecurity throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The organization provides food through a network of hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and community partners while also connecting individuals and families with resources such as SNAP assistance, health care, and other programs designed to help people move toward self sufficiency. 

Project Home Repair is a community driven initiative created through Causeway CARes to address critical home repair needs throughout Ocean County. The coalition brings together nonprofit and community organizations to help seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable residents make necessary repairs so they can remain safely and comfortably in their homes. Since its launch in 2023, Project Home Repair has completed dozens of critical home repairs totaling more than $331,000 in support for local families. 

Meals on Wheels of Ocean County provides much more than nutritious meals to local seniors. The organization delivers meals to homebound older adults while also providing wellness and safety checks, friendly conversation, community dining, and outreach services. Its programs help seniors maintain food security, independence, and connection while remaining in their own homes. 

Family Promise of the Jersey Shore works with families and individuals experiencing homelessness and economic uncertainty. Through shelter, prevention programs, advocacy, and community support, the organization helps local families overcome housing challenges and work toward sustainable independence. Family Promise partners with community organizations, businesses, schools, landlords, and volunteers to provide support to people facing a housing crisis. 

Ocean Partnership for Children supports youth and their families through community based care and support. The organization serves young people up to age 21 who may be experiencing behavioral health, mental health, substance use, intellectual, or developmental needs. Through individualized care management and its wraparound approach, Ocean Partnership for Children works with families and their support systems to help young people remain connected to their homes and communities. 

Ocean County YMCA works to strengthen the community through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y provides opportunities for children, teens, adults, and seniors through programs that promote health and wellness, child care, youth activities, education, connection, and community involvement. 

Bright Harbor Healthcare provides comprehensive health and wellness services to individuals and families throughout the Jersey Shore. Its services include mental health care, substance use treatment and recovery programs, crisis services, primary care, counseling, residential support, and specialized programs for children and families. The organization is focused on providing compassionate, inclusive care while helping individuals work toward wellness and recovery. 

Southern Regional Education Foundation supports programs that benefit students of the Southern Regional School District. The foundation helps provide resources that nurture the interests, aptitudes, and talents of students and has supported educational opportunities and technology that enhance teaching and learning. 

The HOPE Center, House of HOPE of Ocean County, provides assistance to individuals and families experiencing a crisis. Its services include a client choice food pantry, emergency shelter assistance, utility and rental assistance, transportation, advocacy, and connections to other community resources. The organization works to address basic needs while helping individuals move toward greater stability and self sufficiency. 

A Community Effort

While the fundraising is at the heart of the Causeway CARes 5K, the event would not be possible without the many people who volunteer their time to make race day a success.

A special thank you goes to the Southern Regional High School Key Club, which once again volunteered to help with the race, just as they have for so many years. The Key Club has been a longtime supporter of the Causeway CARes 5K and continues to show up year after year to lend a hand. Causeway CARes is incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to giving back.

The event also would not be possible without the generosity of the many businesses, organizations, and individuals who sponsored this year’s race. Their support helped make the $100,000 donation possible and allowed Causeway CARes to continue supporting nine local nonprofits.

A Huge Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors! 

OceanFirst Bank • Bella Construction • Raimondo’s • Reynolds Family Foundation • Abbate Builders • RWJBarnabas Community Medical Center • Tom & Michele Ruddy • Austin Consulting • Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center • CDK • Truist • DriveCentric • Vickery Electric • New Jersey Natural Gas • Glendenning • Elite Detailing • GEICO • Bagels & Beyond • Coastal Disposal • Press Communications • Excel Automotive • The Mainland • The Car Guy • Kiwanis • The Local • John Guire Supply • Dave’s Electric • Truck Body East • Diamond Media • Oak Leaf Media • CARFAX • Morning Star Services • Narcissus Florals • US Auto Glass • All Risk • Auto Image • JR Henderson • Paul MacHenry & Company • The Tide Table Group • Clover Hill Coffee • The Residence at Stafford • Old Colony Group • Nicole Klym Photography • DealerTeamwork • Frazer’s Plumbing • Rudolph Schoeneberg Landscaping • Rick Galgano • DMD Stairs LLC • Joseph’s Landscaping • Design 446 • FMP • KCS Landscaping and Tree Removal • R Rated Performance, Rudy Rinderer III • Royal Fades • Informed Mortgage • Numa • The Beach House Group • Atlantic Care • ITC Telecom • Abbey Insurance • RSC Auto Restyling • Johnny’s Offshore Cafe • El Tule Antojitos Aztecas • GEM • Greenbriar Women’s Club • Coopey’s Collectibles • Pietro’s • Alan’s Electric • Fusaro’s • Santander • TGI Office Automation • Beachwood Pine Beach PBA • Lawn Works LLC • All County Aluminum • HBK CPAs & Consultants

The Causeway CARes 5K is more than a race. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and support organizations that are making a difference in the lives of local individuals and families. From the runners and walkers crossing the finish line to the volunteers, sponsors, staff, and supporters behind the scenes, every person who participated played a role in making this year’s event possible.

After nine years, more than $500,000 raised, and $100,000 distributed to nine local nonprofits this year alone, the Causeway CARes 5K continues to demonstrate the impact that can happen when a community comes together.

9 Years. 9 Nonprofits. $100,000. One Big Impact.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 9th Annual Causeway CARes 5K a success and helped us make every mile matter.