CALDWELL COLLEGE 2nd ANNUAL 5K RUN WALK FOR AUTISM A GREAT SUCCESS
Over 600 runners and walkers came out for the 2nd Annual Caldwell College 5 K RUN WALK for Autism on Saturday April 16.
Chilly temperatures certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the supporters , many of whom said they participated to support a great cause and to enjoy the scenic race route through beautiful Essex Fells, NJ.
CBS 2’s Meteorologist John Elliott kicked off the race, made the start of the race a lot of fun and cheered on the runners.
The race brought in over $46,000,00 to support the college’s Center for Autism and Applied Beahvior Analysis.
Dr. Sharon Reeve, PH.D. , BCBA-D , Executive Director of the Center for Autism and ABA was very excited about all the support the college received. “It was another proud moment for all of us here at the Caldwell College Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis as we watched all the runners, walkers and fun runners rally together to support those affected by autism.”
Among the runners and walkers was Jennifer Short Director of Institutional Relations and Policy Analysis at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in New Jersey. “AICUNJ is very proud of our member institution, Caldwell College, for their commitment to serving others, as embodied in the Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis. Therefore, despite the weather, it was a pleasure to run in support of Caldwell and the Center.” Short said she was impressed with the dedication and spirit of the Caldwell students, “many of whom volunteered to get up early on a cold Saturday morning to help their college and community.” She said the run was a lot easier with the support of the students who were strategically placed at intervals along the route “and who tirelessly and enthusiastically cheered, “Good job! You’re almost there!” to every runner!”.
Jim Krynicky of Bedminster ran with his brother Andrew Krynicky, Caldwell College’s webmaster. Jim said he enjoyed how the route was both scenic and challenging and he was glad to be able to support a great cause.
Melissa Schulte of Montclair said she came out because she has “a dear friend who has an autistic son” and she was there supporting them. Chris Chainese of Roseland said he took part in the run to the support the cause and to support his wife who is a student in the ABA program.
Among the community leaders who ran was Caldwell Chief of Police Kurt Dombrowski. The West Essex High School Track Team also participated and several of the students won quite a few awards in their age categories.
The top three overall male winners were:
1.Daniel Kenny North Caldwell,NJ 14 M 606 18:31.92 5:58
2.Mark Snyder Prospect Park,NJ 38 M U 362 18:58.02 6:06
3.Jonah Gantz Essex Fells,NJ 16 M 160 19:39.84 6:20
The overall top three females were:
1.Jacquline O'toole Cedar Grove,NJ 23 F 300 21:48.18 7:01
2.Marcella Hourihan Verona,NJ 42 F 523 22:50.80 7:21
3.Rachel Yen North Caldwell,NJ 17 F 640 23:04.98 7:26
The teams who brought in the highest donations were: Team Rods with the leadership of John Rodriguez and Inca Kola with the leadership of Caldwell College Board member and Alumna Liz Berman. Each raised approx. $1000.00.
The college was very grateful to its two Gold Sponsors: Brach Eichler and Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning. Andrea Rapuano of Ned Stevens won first in her age category, as she did last year.
The run supports the Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (AB) which serves the needs of hundreds of individuals with autism and helps them and their families to lead more satisfying and productive lives.
The 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art center features intervention rooms, a medical and dental examination room, a research lab, faculty offices, and a modern videoconferencing classroom that provides the center with the chance to share its research and expertise around the globe.
The college has become a nationally known leader in training autism education professionals, since beginning the first master’s in ABA in New Jersey in 2005 and the first doctoral program in ABA in New Jersey in the fall of 2009.
ABA is an evidence based approach to learning that is highly effective in treating children with autism.
Caldwell College 2nd Annual 5K Run Walk for Autism Photo Page
