The Alternative Press

WESTFIELD, NJ—More than 400 attendees, including over 50 volunteers, arrived at Oak Ridge Park in Clark the morning of October 14 for the annual 5K walk/run to benefit The Paul Jackson Fund, which helps people in the tri-state area facing financial crisis due to illness and/or injury. Mary Jackson, president of the fund and sister of the late the late Paul Jackson of Westfield, said that their goal for the event was to raise $25,000.

People of all ages and abilities took part. In addition to the 5K course, there was a wheelchair-friendly 2-mile walk and a kids’ fun run. Participants took part in the day’s events as individuals, teams and families, with The Paul Jackson Fund Club of Westfield High School among them. The day's top five fundraisers will receive a Flip video camera.

“It was a wonderful day.  I'm grateful to friends, family and the community for making this event a success,” said Mary Doherty, director of development for The Paul Jackson Fund.

"We were very happy that so many people came out to support the Paul Jackson Fund," added Jackson. "It was a great community event. Everyone seemed to have a good time and got a good feeling for the positive work of The Fund. We're grateful for everyone's support!"

Beth Giannobile, community resource specialist and support group coordinator for the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, was there to personally take part in the 5K. Giannobile often refers clients in need to The Paul Jackson Fund, including Stephanie, a single mom who quit working to care for six-year-old son Kendell after he sustained a severe brain injury.

“This is amazing,” said Giannobile as she looked around at the crowd of people warming up to run and walk.

Rochelle Encarnacion, Branch Manager of Northfield Bank on South Avenue in Westfield, was there to take part in the 5K. “It is an honor and a privilege to raise funds for The Paul Jackson Fund and support their mission,” said Encarnacion. “This was personally a great opportunity for me to be able to get out there, participate in the walk-a-thon and get involved with the community.”

The Paul Jackson Fund thanks the following sponsors: Investors Bank, Robert Wood Johnson, University Hospital—Rahway, Tiffany Natural Pharmacy, Union County Rugby, State Farm Insurance, Christine Cosenza Agency, Westfield PAL Football, ShopRite—Garwood, Summit Medical Group, Pro Care Rehabilitation, Applebee’s, Coldwell Banker—Westfield, Dr. Besson DDS, Snapple, Starbucks, Dress Barn, Happy Family Brand, The Shannon Rose, ShopRite—Clark, Molly Maguires, Kessler Rehabilitation, Westfield Baseball League, The Law Offices of Lisa M. Black LLC, Merrill Lynch, Fairview Cemetery, Scotch Plains/Fanwood LAX, AMC of Lowes-Mountainside, Road ID, The Turning Point, Swirl Whirl and Williams Nursery.

For more information about the fund or to donate at any time, visit http://www.pauljacksonfund.org/.