10th Annual STOP For Nikhil Held Virtually

West Orange, NJ - On Sunday, September 13th at 9:00 AM, the Nikhil Badlani Foundation kicked off its 10th Annual STOP For Nikhil Race. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event was held virtually and featured an opportunity to run, walk, or bike at any time throughout the following week. This event is held each year to raise traffic safety awareness and to remember and honor those who have been killed or seriously injured by automobile and truck collisions. This is the only race in New Jersey about traffic safety. All proceeds from the event will go towards raising awareness of traffic safety and nurturing the musical and academic talents of children in Essex County.

The virtual kickoff was live-streamed on the Foundation’s Facebook page. The event was hosted by the Founder/President of the Foundation and Nikhil’s mom, Sangeeta Badlani.

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, the Keynote speaker of the event, stated, “I encourage everyone to follow your example, which shows how grassroots organizations and advocacy can change policy and transform lives." She further added that her office is considering proposing legislation to support programs such as Vision Zero in cities across the country and provide federal funding to these cities. Her office will work together with the Nikhil Badlani Foundation on the federal legislation.

Badlani then asked Assemblyman John F. McKeon if he thought Vision Zero was an achievable goal for New Jersey. McKeon responded, “It is a goal…, something to strive for.” McKeon suggested that perhaps Vision Zero language could be included in the pedestrian safety legislation that NJ State Senator Teresa Ruiz is sponsoring. Support us by signing the Vision Zero for New Jersey petition here.

McKeon, who championed Nikhil’s Law, emphasized that over half a million people have taken the STOP For Nikhil Safety pledge since 2015 as a result of the passing of Nikhil’s Law, which provides those seeking a NJ drivers license with the option of signing the pledge.

The Badlani family was also joined by West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi, Superintendent of the West Orange School District Dr. Scott Cascone, and West Orange High School Principal Hayden Moore.

The Foundation launched the Families For Safe Streets NJ chapter with Tri-State Transportation Campaign as their strategic partner in 2017. The STOP For Nikhil kickoff program included conversations with members from Families For Safe Streets chapters from NYC, DC, Texas and LA. The members shared their personal stories and their campaigns. There are currently 15 chapters around the nation. On the World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims on November 15, 2020, the chapters around the nation will come together to advocate for one legislative campaign.

The ceremony ended with Badlani presenting the Nikhil Badlani Foundation Inspiration award to Betty Dubinin for establishing the next-of-kin registry in the event of a crash. Dubinin’s 19-year-old daughter, Sara, was killed in a car crash. The family of Sara was not notified until an hour and half after the crash, by which time Sara had slipped into a coma. Badlani praised Dubinin for her tireless work to connect loved ones quickly in a time of crisis.

The STOP For Nikhil, a week-long event, ended on Sunday, September 20th. Donations towards the event are welcome until the end of this month, September 30, 2020. This is the only fundraiser that supports the programs offered by the Nikhil Badlani Foundation. To register/donate online; http://stopfornikhil.org

Nikhil Badlani Foundation was established in 2011 in memory of an 11-year-old boy, Nikhil Badlani, who was killed in a car crash by a distracted driver. The mission of the Foundation is to raise traffic safety awareness and help children realize their dreams in academics and music.