It looked like Mother Nature was ready to squelch the festivities as dark clouds rolled overhead around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 and raindrops tumbled down. But by 9:30, the sun was shining and the first Sacco 5K race went ahead as scheduled, to the great enjoyment of the participants, raising about $40,000 for charity.
Now a few years old, the Nicholas Sacco Foundation was established to provide assistance throughout North Bergen and surrounding areas to residents and groups as needed. The 501(c)3 organization contributed to the victims of the fires on Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen and the Avalon fire in Edgewater. It regularly supports student scholarships, meals for the needy during the holiday season, and annual tax preparations for seniors, disabled, and low income residents.
“There are certain things we always donate to,” said Mayor and State Sen. Nicholas Sacco. “We help the food pantries in the area and the churches to help them keep functioning, to feed the poor and those in need. And now that we have more money can do more.”
Sacco noted, “I thought we’d make $10,000 to $15,000. We never expected 500 runners. We thought we’d have about 300. But we were able to accommodate.”
North Bergen winners
The race drew some serious runners.
Coming in first place overall was North Bergen resident Sarah Schillaci, 31, with a time of 18:15.0. The best male time was logged by North Bergen resident Seaglo Pinzon, 44, at 19:47.0.
Former West New York Mayor Sal Vega, 58, ranked third just among male runners, with a time of 21:47.9.
“The winners got $100 American Express gift certificates, in addition to a medal,” said Pianese.
Complete results of the Sacco 5K can be found at http://www.bestrace.com/results/15/150516SC5.HTM
Besides the runners, said Sacco, “We had people just walking and doing whatever they wanted. We had people pushing strollers, and that was good. Whatever their level was, they had fun.”
More than 500 people attended the run and afterparty, raising more than anticipated for the Sacco Foundation and laying the groundwork for a repeat event next year.
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Following the run was an afterparty in the park, with a giant tent, a DJ, and a barbecue. Altogether well over 500 people attended the two events, along with a large group of volunteers.
Two years in the making
The race was the brainchild of North Bergen Township Administrator Chris Pianese, who first suggested it to the mayor as a potential fundraiser about two years ago.
“My wife and I, having done a number of 5Ks, always thought that this area would be a good spot to have one,” said Pianese. “We proposed to the mayor that we consider organizing a run for the Sacco Foundation. I thought it was an event that would be really well received based on the area, the views, the course I envisioned.”
“I thought it was a great idea,” said Sacco. “You have to keep doing new things and this was something new. Chris did a lot of work. He had the original idea and mapped out the course.”
The mapping took months, followed by a certification process with USA Track & Field. “They send somebody up on a bike and he does the course two or three times and stops every mile, measures, spray paints the mark the street, then does it again to verify accuracy,” said Pianese.
Once the course was set and certified, a whole troupe of people got to work spreading the word and drumming up registrants. Everybody involved volunteered their time outside of their day jobs to help raise money for the charity. “Having worked with the mayor for over 25 years I felt it was an opportunity to give back to the whole community outside of my regular workday,” said Pianese.
Many local businesses got into the giving mood as well, contributing or offering steep discounts on food and other goods like t-shirts. Nearly two dozen companies sponsored the event at various levels, led by primary sponsor the Palisades Medical Center.
“It was really nice to see different companies willing to participate and donate,” said Pianese.
More next year
Participants came not just from North Bergen but all over the region and beyond. “The county executive, Tom DeGise, actually sponsored over 100 runners from the county,” said Pianese. “He paid on their behalf. They all wore DeGise hats.”
Other teams emerged, with groups wearing matching t-shirts to support the fundraiser.
Winners were awarded in numerous categories, including the top three overall male and female runners, the top three male and female in each age group, and the top three North Bergen finishers male and female.
Based on the fundraising success of this year’s Sacco 5K, a follow-up next year is likely.
“We learned some things to do for next year to make it even better,” said Sacco.
“Usually what will happen is once races get into their second, third, and fourth year, you’ll get more serious runners,” said Pianese. “As people see the races continue, they say that’s a race I’d like to get in, and the numbers go up.”
“I think word of mouth will be even better,” agreed Sacco.
Art Schwartz may be reached at arts@hudsonreporter.com.