How This Wildwood 5K Fundraiser helping families through loss

In 2024, 23 percent of Motor Vehicle deaths involved an automobile hitting a bystander, like a pedestrian. Even though the total number of Motor Vehicle Casualties has decreased each of the last two years, the percentage of pedestrian deaths in automotive accidents has not declined.

While the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau get headlines because of their celebrity as Professional Hockey players, the reality is that thousands of people die tragically and their families mourn in anonymity.

The Gaudreau Family received hundreds of thousands of condolences and people reaching out to help them. But what about the families whose loved ones die tragically, who are not celebrities?

Mission Of The TJ Hunt Memorial Foundation

Back in 2020, Thomas "TJ" Hunt was working for Delmarva Power while attending Drexel University. He was wearing a fluorescent yellow safety vest when he was suddenly struck by a Toyota Highlander on the South Dupont Highway.

Hunt was a 2018 Graduate from Saint Augustine Prep, and grew up in Wildwood Crest. He was just 20 years old when his life ended tragically. His family has taken the initiative to not just honor their son but also help others who are struggling to deal with losing their own loved ones.

The TJ Hunt Memorial Foundation was established to help families who have experienced traumatic events and to award scholarships in honor of TJ's memory. They are hosting their annual 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th in Wildwood Crest.

According to a press release from the Foundation, the registration on Thanksgiving starts at 8am, and the Turkey Trot is scheduled to start at 9am. During registration, people can choose to participate in the 5K run, which will loop from the Crest Pier to the Wildwood Boardwalk, or the one-mile walk which will take people along the scenic Wildwood Crest bike path.

The cost of registration is $30 for adults and $10 for under 18 years old. Each participant will receive an event t-shirt, along with a free drink ticket to enjoy during the post-race celebration at MudHen Brewing Company on Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood, where the post-race/run festivities will be hosted.

A spokesman from the TJ Hunt Foundation gave the following statement to Josh Hennig at 973 ESPN Radio South Jersey and Townsquare Media:

“The Turkey Trot has become a special way for our community to come together in the spirit of gratitude and giving. Every step taken helps support families in need and continues TJ’s legacy of kindness and strength.”

Everyone is encouraged to learn more about the Foundation's mission, this year's 5K Turkey Trot, and scholarship opportunities at their website by clicking here.