MANAHAWKIN, NJ – The 7th Annual Causeway 5K, presented by Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes, was held on October 13th at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin. The event welcomed 200 attendees, over 70 sponsors and raised $45,100. David C. Wintrode, President of Causeway Family of Dealerships/Causeway CARes graciously matched that amount, bringing the grand total to $90,200 – making this Causeway’s most successful 5K to date.

The proceeds from this year’s event were donated to two impactful local organizations: Fulfill, which provides hunger relief to families in need in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, and Project Home Repair, a coalition initiative dedicated to helping vulnerable Ocean County residents maintain safe, comfortable living conditions through essential home repairs.

“Fulfill and Project Home Repair both address fundamental needs in our community – food security and safe housing. Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes feel a responsibility to support organizations that directly impact the lives of our neighbors, ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive. It’s an honor to be able to give back in this way,” said David C. Wintrode, President of Causeway Family of Dealerships/Causeway CARes.

“The demand for food at the Jersey Shore is at an all-time high with local food pantries continuing to be stretched thin, with nearly twice the visits today compared to pre-pandemic levels,” stated Joe Stroffolino, Director of Advertising and Marketing at Causeway Family of Dealerships/Race Director and Vice Chair of Fulfill. “We need to do our part to bring this statistic down.”

Fulfill, which is honoring 40 years of fighting hunger and improving lives, was the first Causeway 5K beneficiary seven years ago. The nonprofit’s mission is to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, ensuring that all people at all times have access to enough nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life. “Fulfill is currently undergoing an expansion to our Neptune headquarters. This expansion allows us to store and deliver healthier foods including proteins, produce and dairy”, stated Triada Stampas, President and CEO of Fulfill. “The generous funds received from the Causeway CARes 5K will go directly toward this expansion of our storage capacity and upgrade of our facilities.”

In addition, Project Home Repair will utilize the funding from Causeway CARes to support projects such as roof and gutter repairs, ramp construction, and repairs for accessibility and safety for vulnerable populations in Ocean County. “The pressing needs for critical home repairs surpass the capacity of any single local organization,” stated Kristine Novakowski, Executive Director of Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, a member organization of the Project Home Repair coalition. “Through the coalition and this generous donation, we are able to bridge the gap, funding more projects and deploy coalition experts to meet the home repair needs including working through our current waitlist of individuals and projects.”

Project Home Repair works to identify and undertake essential home repairs, ensuring that individuals and families can live safely and comfortably in their homes. The coalition’s collective effort and partnerships play a pivotal role in fostering a stronger and more resilient community in Ocean County. Coalition members include: Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Southern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, Starve Poverty International and Homes for All.

With this record-breaking achievement, Causeway CARes and its partners have reinforced their commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community. The support and contributions from attendees, sponsors, and volunteers have made a tangible difference for Fulfill and Project Home Repair, whose vital services help keep the Jersey Shore community thriving.

The Causeway 5K was supported Event Sponsors: La Jarochita Mexican Restaurant and OceanFirst Bank, Race Sponsors: Austin Consulting Group, Greenbriar Oceanaire Women’s Club, Tide Table Group, Dave’s Electric, PWH Associates, RWJ Barnabas Community Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center, Joseph’s Landscaping & Irrigation, ABATARE Builders Inc, Diamond Sponsors: Patrick Romano Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, New Jersey Resource, Aphrodite Marble & Granite, Glendenning, Platinum Sponsors: Trade Pending, UniFirst, Press Communications, DealerPeak, Alan’s Electric, Diamond Media Solutions, Logo Wear, Elite Auto Spa, Autotrader, J.R. Henderson Labs, Paul MacHenry & Company, RE/MAX at Barnegat Bay, GUIRE, The Local, CARFAX, American Wear Uniforms, Bagels & Beyond, AutoImage, El Tule, Design 446, Clover Hill Coffee, AllRisk, Kiwanis Club of LBI, The Mainland, Narcissus Florals, Excel Automotive, Tom & Michele Ruddy, Gold Sponsors: Morning Start Services, Meticulous Landscaping, Dealer Teamwork, Pepe & Wintrode, Rick Galgano UBS, Geico Local Office, Calloway’s, FordDirect, Rudy Schoeneberg Landscaping, Cars.com, KSC Landscaping & Tree Removal, ITC Telecom, Fusaro’s Pizza, Silver Sponsors: Pietro’s Pizza, M Rank Roofing, Beachwood Pinebeach PBA, Thompson Car & Truck, Ocean Family Dental, Auto & Truck Connection, Senior Community Media, Abbey Insurance, LBI Rotary, R Rated Performance, JAG Physical Therapy, Coastal Disposal, Residential Media, HCS Heather & Cooling Inc, Good Friend Electric, Big Apple Bakery, Atlantic Printing & Design, Atlantic Physical Therapy.

About Causeway CARes

Causeway CARes’ mission is to make a direct and profound impact in and around Ocean County in the areas of education, food security and quality of life. Founded in 2004 and funded by the Wintrode Family Foundation, Inc., Causeway CARes strives to make the community a better place to live, grow and thrive. To learn more, visit CausewayCARes.com.