CONTACT Invites Community to "Light a Flame" at 13th Annual Memorial 5K Run & Race Walk

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - EntSun -- CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties (CONTACT) invites the community to come together for its 13th Annual Howell Township/Farmingdale Memorial 5K Run & Race Walk on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Howell High School's Athletic Complex in Farmingdale, New Jersey. The annual event benefits CONTACT's 24/7 Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Hotline while honoring loved ones through remembrance, hope, and community support.

Inspired by CONTACT's "Light Out of the Darkness" message shared during the organization's 50th Anniversary Gala, this year's event encourages participants to walk or run in memory of someone special and help shine a light for those facing personal struggles, mental health challenges, and times of crisis.

As part of the event, attendees are invited to "Light a Flame" on CONTACT's Memorial Board in honor of loved ones who have touched their lives. The tribute serves as a meaningful reminder that no one walks alone and that healing and connection can grow even through life's darkest moments. This year's memorial race is dedicated in loving memory of: William Bruno, Connor Mahan, Jake Bukowiec, Brian McDonough, John Bukowiec, Jr., Bubba O'Reilly, Jared Crippen, Walter Reitsma, Kevin Glass, and Bill Whittaker.

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"For 13 years, this event has brought our community together in remembrance, support, and hope," said Kim Santora, Executive Director of CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties. "Every participant helps us continue our mission of providing compassionate, confidential support to anyone who may need someone to listen, 24 hours a day."

The race will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Howell High School's athletic complex located at 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road in Farmingdale, New Jersey. The race welcomes runners, walkers, families, and supporters of all ages and experience levels.

New this year, CONTACT will host a free Kid's Fun Run (400-yard dash) for children ages 1–6 beginning at 5:45 p.m. on the track. No registration or fee is required for the fun run.

Registration fees for the 5K Run & Race Walk are:

• Ages 19 and under: $15 (T-shirt not included)
• Ages 20 and older pre-entry fee: $30 online through Tuesday, August 18, 2026
• Same-day registration on August 19 until race time: $40
• Event T-shirts are included for adult participants registered by August 10, while supplies last
• T-shirt only purchase: $20 (must be purchased by August 10, 2026)

Funds raised from the event directly support CONTACT's volunteer-based hotline services, which provide free and confidential crisis intervention, suicide prevention support, reassurance calls, information on available resources, and referrals to community services throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Community members are encouraged to participate, sponsor, donate, or attend in support of loved ones and the important mission of suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

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If you or a loved one needs someone to talk to, CONTACT's Crisis Intervention and Listening Hotline is available 24/7 at 732-240-6100.

About CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties

CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is a non-profit charitable organization that provides trained telephone listeners who respond to human needs 24 hours every day. This volunteer-based organization offers free confidential crisis intervention, information on available resources, and referrals to community services. To learn more, visit https://ContactOceanMonmouth.org.