Most people are running to the malls and stores on Black Friday, but in Robbinsville a new tradition has taken hold.
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — Most people are running to the malls and stores on Black Friday, but in Robbinsville a new tradition has taken hold.
”I decided to have the event on Black Friday because the schools are closed, many people are off of work, and it is the unofficial start of the holiday season,” said event organizer, Jared Miller, of Robbinsville.
The second annual Black Friday Fun Run/Walk was held to raise money for the Special Olympics of New Jersey and featured 175 participants.
The 1.25-mile run began at 10 a.m. while the .62-mile walk started at 10:20 a.m.. The event ultimatley raised $4,300, exceeding last year’s among of $3,022.
Jared, an eighth grader at Pond Middle School combined his love of Cross Country and Track while at the same time raising money to help fellow athletes.
”Traditionally, people run to the mall on Black Friday to do their shopping,” Jared said. “However, I decided it would make everyone feel better if we started a new tradition in Robbinsville and have people run or walk around the large lake in Robbinsville Town Center to raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey.”
The original inspiration for the event came while working on his Bar Mitzvah community service project.
”I really wanted to do something I cared about to make it meaningful to me,” he said. “The Special Olympics New Jersey immediately popped into my mind because of how dedicated the Special Olympics athletes are to their sports and the fact that they enjoy participating in sports, just like me.”
Shelley Miller, Jared’s mother, said she “couldn’t be more proud of Jared’s commitment to helping these special athletes pursue their dreams.”
Jared found it hard to choose one moment during the event that stood out.
”It is impossible to choose a favorite part of the Black Friday Fun Run, because it is it is a fun day where everyone that participates feels good, because they all know they are doing something good for Special Olympics New Jersey,” he said. “Everyone who participated in the event was glad they spent the morning at the Black Friday Fun Run.”
It was the perfect way to start off the holiday season with friends, family and members of the Robbinsville community, he added.
Jared was presented with a proclamation from Assemblyman Dan Benson of the 14th District.
”It was a real pleasure supporting the run and Special Olympics of New Jersey and recognizing the outstanding job Jared has done in making a difference in our state,” said Assemblyman Benson in an email on Monday.
Assemblyman Benson is hoping Jared will inspire more youth like him to become more involved in community service.
”I hope he will inspire many more youth to get involved in community service,” Assemblyman Benson said.
While there were door prizes from Robbinsville and Hamilton local businesses and restaurants that were given away following the run/walk, Jared said everyone who participated were winners for helping a worthy cause.
Jared said he is already planning for next year.
”I hope everyone is looking forward to participating in next year third Annual Black Friday Fun Run,” he said.