Jersey Shore Relay - Special Olympics by Barbara Quinn

This weekend I volunteered at the Jersey Shore Relay race. I spent my time at the finish line in Asbury Park helping my husband photograph the 1500 participants.This race is a benefit for the Special Olympics. Last year it raised $50,000. Teams run several legs of about 5 miles each, the equivalent of a marathon. There are a few actual marathoners, and there’s also a companion three mile health walk. Besides the many participants, there are hundreds of volunteers.The race runs along some of the most beautiful stretches of the shore and it starts at 6:30 in the morning. Some of the teams dress in costume. And afterwards there’s a big thank you party with beer, awards, and wine and food donated by local businesses. Since it’s Asbury Park, you know there’s going to be great music. It's wonderful to see these people all working with the goal of helping the Special Olympics.

People take personal precious time to make this event happen. They spend months planning and coordinating and do it with good cheer. Where would we be without the volunteers? They deserve a big pat on the back and a heartfelt thank you from all of us. I’m so glad my husband and I were able to help in a very small way. Get out there and help a cause. The truth is, you’ll get a heck of a lot more out of helping out than the small amount of time you give!