Plans for the Jefferson Township 5K Race/Walk Memorial Wrobo Run are heating up!!!  The Junior Woman's Club of Jefferson Township conducts a number of fundraiser events throughout the year, my favorite of which is the Jefferson Township Race/Walk Memorial Wrobo Run, also known as "The Wrobo Run." 

Named in memory of Oak Ridge resident Second Lieutenant John Thomas (J.T.) Wroblewski, who on April 6, 2004, succumbed to injuries sustained while battling in Ramadi, Iraq.  J.T. was a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He joined the Marines only days after the 9-11 attacks, determined to make a difference. He left behind his mom, dad, three younger brothers, his widow and many additional family members and friends.

Last year, the proceeds were presented to the New Life Food Pantry that serves families in Jefferson Township.  This year, another cause close to our hearts presented itself.  A vote was taken and the majority of the JWCJT cast their ballot to donate the proceeds from this Wrobo Run to the VA Medical Center Hospital in East Orange, NJ, where the majority of our area Veterans receive medical care. Here's my blog entry detailing me and my colleagues' visit to the VA Medical Center, which inspired our vision for this years' cause.

Many Veterans arrive at the Hospital indigent, without family to support them or provide basic toiletries. The bulk of the race proceeds would be used to provide a stockpile of basic necessities to the Veterans and also serve as monetary donations to be deposited into accounts that are earmarked to benefit the veterans.  For example:

• Nursing Home Care Unit Recreation
• Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Recreational Program
• Holiday Gift fund

The Junior Woman's Club also contributes to our Jefferson Township High School graduates' pursuit of higher education.  Ten percent of the proceeds from this event will go toward our high school scholarship award, an award that honors graduating students who have displayed an extraordinary level of civic dedication via volunteer efforts throughout their lives, along with exceptional academic achievement.

This show goes on RAIN OR SHINE!  Last year, we had a huge uptick in runner registration from 167 to 281 runners and for 2009 are ready to take on up to 300 participants.   

At this point in our fundraising efforts, my co-chair Pamela Tucker and I are in desperate need of sponsorship donations!  Business are encouraged to either give a donation of $250 or more, thus putting your business name on the back of our runner t-shirts OR donating up to 300 items (or gift certificates) to our goody bags. 

Imagine the push your restaurant or diner would get with a 5% off every meal certificate in 300 GOODY BAGS!  That's just one example...we have a chiropractor in Lake Hopatcong who's donating certificates as well, so the possibilities to give to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom AND promote your business, are right here waiting for you to jump in!

This years event is a fun-filled and exciting community showcase that gives back to those who have fought for our FREEDOM!  Vendor give-aways, face painting, free bagels and coffee, music, and more await you!  If you're not up to walking or running the 3.1 miles, come support the runners and cheer from the sidelines!  It's all good!

If you'd like to support our efforts with a donation, contact me directly at 201.240.8699.  The runner registration form can be downloaded from the Jefferson Juniors website at www.JeffersonJuniors.org. 

For the past 10 years the Junior Woman's Club of Jefferson has organized a 5K Race/Walk, known as the "Wrobo Run". This race is in honor of a Jefferson resident Second Lieutenant John Thomas Wroblewski who died In Ramadi, Iraq in 2004 and this years proceeds will benefit the VA Hospital in East Orange. Please visit www.active.com to register for the race on-line.
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Event Details:
Event Name: Wrobo 5K Race/Walk
Event Venue: Jefferson Township Municpal Building
Event Street Address: Weldon Road
Event City: Oak Ridge, New Jersey, 07438
Event County: Morris County
Event Date: Sunday, October 4, 2009, 7:30 am-8:30 am Registration, Race Starts at 9:00 am
Event Admission: Pre-Registration $20, Race Day $25
Event Phone: 201-240-8699
Event Website: http://www.jeffersonjuniors.com