Autism awareness fundraiser draws record turnout in Sea Isle City

They each wore matching bright blue, long-sleeved shirts with the words “Rocky’s Rock Stars” emblazoned on the front.

Altogether, the group of nine friends and relatives gathered on the Sea Isle City Promenade on Saturday to show their support for Rocky Buchanan, an 8-year-old boy who has autism.

“It’s important for all of us to be here to support this event, especially when it involves someone in your life,” said Rocky’s father, Greg Buchanan, of Essington, Pa.

Greg Buchanan, his wife, Anna, and the other members of Rocky’s Rock Stars were among thousands of people who took part in the annual Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism fundraiser in Sea Isle on Valentine's Day.

More than 2,000 runners and walkers signed up for the event, while another 3,000 people participated as spectators to create a record-high turnout in excess of 5,000.

“This will be a record turnout,” said a smiling Mike Monichetti, owner of Mike’s Seafood and organizer of the autism fundraiser along with his wife, Jeannie.

    Members of "Rocky's Rock Stars" show their support for Rocky Buchanan, an 8-year-boy with autism.
  

During its 18-year history, the Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism has raised more than $1 million for autism support groups, special services schools and families of special needs children. Monichetti said he hoped that Saturday’s event would top the record $196,000 in donations raised in 2025.

The Monichettis, have four children, including two who have autism, Kara and Michael Jr. Having autistic children and knowing the challenges that parents with autistic children face on a daily basis served as their inspiration for starting the fundraiser.

People of all ages took part on Saturday, including young families pushing baby strollers and dog lovers walking their pooches. Costumed superheroes entertained the children.

The temperature hovered in the mid-40s by the time the event began at noon, a welcomed departure from the dangerously cold stretch of weather in early February.

“I already feel lucky. It was 9 degrees last Saturday,” Monichetti said of the dramatic change in weather that favored the event.

Following the run and walk, an awards ceremony and after-party featuring family-friendly entertainment were held in large, heated tents in Excursion Park next to the Promenade.

    Walkers pack the Promenade for the one-mile family walk.
  

Former Eagles All-Pro and Pro-Bowl center Jason Kelce, and his wife, Kylie, who own a vacation home in Sea Isle, were among the participants in the one-mile family fun walk.

This was the third straight year that Kelce participated in the event, including a surprise appearance in 2024 when he took part in the fundraiser’s five-kilometer run.

Promoting autism awareness has also been a major effort by Kelce. For the last five years, he has appeared as a celebrity bartender at the Ocean Drive bar and sister property O’Donnell’s Pour House in Sea Isle each June to raise money for his “Team 62” campaign. Team 62 is part of the Eagles Autism Challenge, an annual fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation.

“Obviously, autism is something that my wife and I have tried to spread awareness on, mainly my wife. We have a lot of personal connections with people on the spectrum,” Kelce said in an interview.

Kelce noted that the Mike’s Seafood fundraiser is a way for everyone to spread awareness of autism and to support people on the autism spectrum while “learning something new every day.”

Kelce was greeted with chants of “Go Birds” from his fellow walkers on the Promenade. Often, he stopped to shake the hands of Eagles fans and to pose for selfies.

    Jason Kelce stops for a selfie with Eagles fans Colleen Hopkins, Jessica Reid and Sarah Willis.
  

Colleen Hopkins, Jessica Reid and Sarah Willis, three close friends from Philadelphia, were lucky enough to grab a selfie with Kelce. All three were thrilled with meeting him.

“We also love Kylie,” Reid said.

For the last three years, Monichetti has praised Jason and Kylie Kelce for helping to promote the Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism and giving it greater public exposure – in turn, boosting the fundraising efforts.

“They are two of the nicest, down-to-earth people that you’ll ever meet,” Monichetti said.

Kelce, though, downplayed his role in the overall success of the fundraiser, giving credit to Monichetti instead.

“I think Mike is the main driver behind this. I get to come and participate in a wonderful event, and obviously if that brings awareness, that’s great. But I want to downplay my involvement in making this event successful. I think it was successful for a very long time.” Kelce said.

Suzanne Buchanan, executive director of Autism New Jersey, an organization that supports people with autism and their families, said that Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism is one of the largest fundraisers for autism awareness in the state.

“It feels amazing. We have come to an event where they can share with our strength and joy,” Buchanan said of event’s impact on autistic children and adults.

Autism New Jersey offers an array of information and support for families dealing with autism on its website at autismnj.org and with its helpline at (800) 4AUTISM.

    Mike Monichetti, owner of Mike's Seafood, is joined by Suzanne Buchanan, executive director of Autism New Jersey.
  

Sarah Matson, of Media, Pa., took the hour-long drive from her home to Sea Isle to participate in the fundraiser, as she does almost every year. She was accompanied by her 2-year daughter, Lily, her mother, her sister and a cousin.

Matson explained that one of her cousins, who is 20 years old, is autistic, so it means a great deal to her family to support him by participating in the event.

“It is very, very important,” Matson said. “It makes us very, very happy. It brings out the joy in everyone to support autism awareness.”

    Sarah Matson, of Media, Pa., holds her 2-year-old daughter, Lily.
  

    A costumed Mummers band serenades the crowds.
  

    Jason Kelce, center, greets some of his fans while walking on the Promenade.
  

    Costumed superheroes entertain the children.
  

    The Coca-Cola polar bear character exchanges a high-five with one of his fans.
  

    Cape May County Sheriff's Officer Andrew Raniszewski, riding his horse, Speck, is part of the law enforcement contingent at the event.