AUTHOR: Julianna Meinz

Out of tragedy, we rise.

The Rumson-Fair Haven High School community experienced a heartbreaking loss last fall, and Red Bank Regional student and Shrewsbury resident Michael Eulner wanted to bring everyone closer.

Aided by Red Bank Catholic High School and Rumson-Fair Haven High School students Thomas Lloyd (Shrewsbury), Claudia Kelly (Little Silver), Lily Salcedo (Little Silver), Courtney Carroll (Middletown), Ellie Gibney (Fair Haven), and Teddy Sourlis (Rumson) and on the advice of RBR Principal Risa Clay, Michael organized the Ridge Road Run as a fundraiser to benefit the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County. Michael said, “Suicide and mental health have unfortunately become more common and we wanted to do whatever we could to change that.”

The run will feature the 5k, the mile, and kiddie dashes for the younger runners. Though set to take place at the RFH track on April 15, 2018, Michael hopes the run will become a tradition to be carried on at both RBR and RBC in the coming years. “It will bring the communities closer and help [us to] realize that there are no rivalries in mental health and to educate the community about mental health and suicide awareness.” While the relationship between RFH and RBR has been defined by the notorious “Battle of Ridge Road,” the Ridge Road Run marks an important and necessary change to this image – showing just what our community can achieve when we come together.

The group had little trouble finding sponsors – local businesses and families have shown outstanding support for the cause. Platinum sponsors include Merrill Lynch; Two River Times; Kelly Builders & Developers; Heritage House and Sotheby’s International Realty, Pauline Poyner; Ansell, Grim & Aaron, Counselors at Law; Baker Dog Training; and Daisy Chocolates. Gold sponsors include “For the Memory and Love of Pierce Jarck”; River Road; and The Fort Athletic Club. Silver sponsors include Smallwood Wealth Management; Ryser’s Landscape Supply; AV Aerial Video; Mario Venancio – Gloria Nilson & Co; Dr. Jean Hager, LCSW, LCADC; Cuozzo Dentist; House of Cline Design; McCloone’s Restaurants; and Sourlis International Realty. Product, mile markers, and water stop sponsors include Continental Construction and Development Inc.; Resources Real Estate – Colleen Antoon; Squirtini Bikini;         Livingston Physical Therapy; Community Appliance; Cups & Cakes;  The Lloyd Family; Crest Physical Therapy; Bagel Masters; DeForte Dentist; Fly Yogis; The Gravity Vault Middletown; “In Honor of Jack Moore”; and The Eulner Family. Family sponsors include The Costa Family and The Wimmer Family.

To register, volunteer, or become a sponsor, visit ridgeroadrun.org.

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