Affinity Federal Credit Union Sponsors Rutgers The Big Chill 5K

The Big Chill is a unique charitable event. There is neither a registration fee nor a requirement to raise funds. Instead participants are asked to bring a new toy, valued at $10 & up, for a child between the ages of 3 and 14.

The participant level has almost tripled since the race was first conducted. In 2014, almost 9,000 people between the ages of 13 and 78 walked or ran through the streets of New Brunswick early on Saturday morning in order to bring toys to the children who live in housing provided by the City of New Brunswick and Franklin Township and a number of other charities where children are in need. According to CompuScore, The Big Chill has become the largest 5k in NJ and is considered by many to be one of the best conducted races in the tri-state area.

Over 10,000 toys were collected on Race Day. They exceeded the first year’s total by more than 5,000. Toys were wrapped by 250 volunteers the following Monday and sent to the administrative offices of the New Brunswick Housing Authority, the Franklin Housing Authority, The Salvation Army of Bound Brook, The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey and ten other organizations.

The business community has supported The Big Chill since its inception. More than 20 restaurants and 30 business owners in Middlesex and Somerset Counties have generously sponsored the race by providing funding, prizes, food, and volunteers. The event would not be possible without their support.