12 Worthy Fundraisers To Attend In Essex County: 2026 Events

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A dozen causes, charities and nonprofits in Essex County will be holding awareness events in 2026 – and they could all use a helping hand, officials say.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. recently announced that the county will be helping to spotlight several local fundraising events (see the full list below).

The list of organizations includes the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, The Arc of Essex County, Stop for Nikhil, The Valerie Fund, the Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer’s New Jersey, the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s NICU, RWJBarnabas Health, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Danny’s Pantry, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Need an extra reason to add one of these events to your calendar? Participants will receive reduced admission to attractions at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex on the day of their respective fund-raising events, including the Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena and the miniGOLF Safari. Participants must bring their race bib or proof of registration to receive the discount.

“Each of these well-respected organizations does a great deal to make a positive difference in and improve the quality of life for our residents,” DiVincenzo said.

“The good work all these organizations do positively impact our families at the deepest levels,” Essex County Commissioner President Carlos Pomares agreed.

The upcoming events and fundraisers include:

ARC OF ESSEX COUNTY

The 28^th Annual Arc of Essex County’s Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk and Fun Fest is Saturday, April 25^th at the Clipper Pavilion in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. There will be a 5K run, walk and Fun Fest. Registration is $30 in advance and $35 on race day for the 5K run, $10 for the walk and $5 for non-run/walk participants. The Arc of Essex County provides supportive services for children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities and their families. For information and registration, visit RunOrWalk.org. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Time: 8 a.m. 5K Registration
• 9 a.m. 5K Run
• 9:30 a.m. Walk Registration
• 10 a.m. to 12 noon: Fun Fest
• 10:30 a.m. Family Walk
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ

CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION

Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event and will be held on Saturday, May 3^rd at the Clipper Pavilion in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. There will be entertainment, a carnival, games and DJ. The mission of the foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and raise awareness about this rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe and shortens lives. Proceeds from the event help accelerate innovative research and drug development, as well as advance care and advocacy. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds. For more information, visit www.fightcf.cff.org. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m. Registration, 10 a.m. Walk
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ

WALK TO FIGHT ALZHEIMER'S

The Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s benefits Alzheimer’s New Jersey and will be held on Sunday, May 17^th at the Clipper Pavilion in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. Proceeds from the event benefit Alzheimer’s New Jersey’s programs and services including a toll-free helpline, family support groups, community education programs, the Respite Care and Wellness Program, Clinical Trial Connections Program, and research to advance a cure. For more information, visit www.alznj.org or call 888-280-6055. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ

WALK TO CURE ARTHRITIS

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis is Sunday, May 31^st at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. The Arthritis Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. For more information, visit www.arthritis.org. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
• Time: 8 a.m.
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ

CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS

The Valerie Fund Walk and JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run is Saturday, June 6^th in Essex County Verona Park. Proceeds will be used to support the comprehensive care of children with cancer and blood disorders. For more information on the Walk or 5K Run, visit TheValerieFund.org/Walk2026/. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
• Time: 7 a.m. 5K Registration
• 8:30 a.m. 5K Run
• 8:30 a.m. Walk Registration
• 8:30 a.m. Children’s Sprints Registration
• 9 a.m. Children’s Sprints
• 9:30 am. Opening Ceremony
• 10 a.m. Walk
• Place: Essex County Verona Park, Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, NJ

DANNY'S PANTRY

The Baldassare and MaraTHON 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, June 22^nd at the Clipper Pavilion in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex will benefit Danny’s Pantry. The pantry is named for Daniel Anderl, who was killed by a gunman in 2020 who was targeting his mother, U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas. The pantry was created in 2024 and is located in the Newark District Court where Salas serves. It was established to assist the families in need who came to the courthouse. For more information, visit https://dannyspantry.org/. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
• Time: 7:30 a.m.
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ

STOP FOR NIKHIL

The Nikhil Badlani Foundation will present the Annual Stop for Nikhil 5K Run/3K Walk/5K Bike Ride on Sunday, September 20^th at West Orange High School. The foundation is named for 11-year-old Nikhil Badlani, who was killed in a car crash in 2011 when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign. Its mission is to raise traffic safety awareness while enriching the lives of children through music lessons, and providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Online registration opens on June 1^st at www.StopForNikhil.org. Registration for after 14 and older is $27; for ages 5-13 is $17; fee increases $3 if done on event day. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
• Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration
• 8:15 a.m. 5K Bike Ride
• 8:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony
• 9:30 a.m. 5K Run
• 9:45 a.m. 3K Walk
• 10:30 a.m. Children’s Fun Run
• Place: West Orange High School, 51 Conforti Avenue, West Orange, NJ

NEONATAL ICU

The 26^th Annual Miracle Walk to benefit the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is Sunday, October 4^th in Essex County Verona Park. The walk features family-friendly activities, refreshments and entertainment including a DJ, face painters, balloon artists, characters and more. Proceeds help the medical center purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the NICU, which provides specialized care for New Jersey’s smallest and sickest babies. For more information, visit miraclewalk.com. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Place: Essex County Verona Park, Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, NJ

HEART DISEASE AND STROKES

The Annual Greater Northern NJ Heart Walk is Saturday, October 10^th at the ADP campus in Roseland. This event attracts businesses and residents from Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties. Proceeds will be used to raise awareness and support prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke. For more information, visit www2.heart.org. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Place: ADP Campus, 1 ADP Blvd., Roseland, NJ

BREAST CANCER

The American Cancer Society will present its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 18^th in Mulberry Commons Park in Newark. The walk helps raise awareness and funds to save lives from breast cancer. The event brings people together to make a difference for everyone who has been touched by breast cancer. The events raise money to fund innovative research, provide free information and support, and to help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it's most treatable. For information, visit www.MakingStridesWalk.org/NewarkNJ. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Time: Registration 8 a.m.
• Walk 10 a.m.
• Place: Mulberry Commons Park, Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ

MORE THAN PINK WALK

The Susan G. Komen Foundation will present its More Than Pink Walk on Sunday, October 25^th in Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange. The foundation is dedicated to saving lives by meeting the most critical needs of the community and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. For more information, visit www.komen.org/northjerseywalk. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
• Time: Event opens: 8 a.m.
• Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m.
• Walk: 9:45 a.m.
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ

RUNNING WITH THE DEVILS

RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils are teaming up to support the health of New Jersey’s diverse population with the Running with the Devils 5K Run and Family Fun Walk on Sunday, November 2^nd in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex on Cherry Lane in West Orange. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs and services at RWJBarnabas Health’s 12 hospital facilities as well as Behavioral Health and Children’s Specialized Hospital. This event, featuring a 5K USATF certified race and a family fun walk, brings together participants from across the state and supports the collective commitment of RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils to build stronger communities by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and world-class healthcare. The day will feature special appearances by the New Jersey Devils mascot and street team, medals for all race participants, awards and more. RWJBarnabas Health is the official healthcare provider of the New Jersey Devils. It will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
• Time: 7 a.m. Registration
• 9 a.m. Race and Walk
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex and Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ

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