Holmdel Brothers Who Lost Dad To COVID Now Hosting Charity 5K

HOLMDEL, NJ - When Jeff and Nick Harris lost their father to COVID-19 over a year ago in April 2020, the Holmdel community rallied in support of the family. Now, the two brothers wish to pay the favor forward to other New Jersey families in crisis by organizing a 5K run (or walk) at Holmdel High School later this year.

Resident and local business owner Ed Harris died at age 55 at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank at a time when funeral services were strictly limited and extended family and friends couldn’t pay tribute to the resident. However, much to the surprise of Jeff and Nick, the community came to the Harris family’s rescue by blockading an entire section of Holmdel to allow a procession of around 300 individuals, all socially distanced inside their cars, to pay their respects. A GoFundMe was additionally set up, with locals contributing about $70,000 for the family in their time of need.

“It was such a surprise. The community kind of created a drive-by funeral service to commemorate him,” said Jeff. “It was a tremendous response, and after a summer of grieving, we wanted to give back in some way.”

According to Harris’ obituary, the Holmdel High School alum (Class of 1983) received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Delaware before marrying his wife Dina in 1994 and taking over the family business, landscaping and nursery company Holmdel Farms (he inherited the business from his parents, who both raised seven sons in Holmdel).

“Ed was also a constant supporter of Holmdel High School sports teams with a great love for the basketball and football teams of which his sons were outstanding players,” his obituary reads. “Ed also was an outstanding athlete during his Holmdel High School years including in basketball and track and field, setting an unbroken Holmdel High School track record, to this date, for the 100-yard dash.”

But despite still reeling from the passing of their father, the young Harrises did not want simply a memorial for their lost patriarch. Instead, Jeff notes that the brothers always intended for the upcoming event to be a fundraiser for others affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Jeff and Nick - 24 and 22, respectively - are now gearing up for the Sept. 19 event set to benefit the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund and Hope For Children Foundation.

The “Run To Remember” event will begin at Holmdel High School at 8 a.m., with registration taking place from 6 to 7:30 a.m. All ages are welcome to walk or run, and finish place prizes available for men, women and teen categories. All participants who register online will receive a complimentary tee shirt.

“There’s so many people that [COVID-19 affected,” Nick said. “This is something that has affected everyone in some way, small or big. We wanted this to be Monmouth County-centric, New Jersey-centric, just because my dad was a Jersey guy.”

A virtual participation option is available as well.

“Our dad was Holmdel,” Jeff concluded. “The event will be at the high school and we want to get the whole community involved. It’s going to be unison, it’s right around back-to-school time. We’re going to have local businesses and vendors, too. It’s all for a good cause and it’s something to look forward to. Hopefully, we’re putting a positive spin on this tragedy.”

For more information, visit runtoremember5k.com.