West Orange Fundraiser Will Honor Local Boy Killed In Essex County Crash

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Nikhil Badlani Foundation will host the 6th Annual STOP For Nikhil 5K Run/Walk in honor of those who have died and been seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes on Sunday, Sept. 18 at West Orange High School.

The Nikhil Badlani Foundation was established in 2011 to honor the memory of 11-year-old Nikhil Badlani, who was killed in a car crash that year when a driver ran a stop sign near the Maplewood/South Orange border.

• See related article: West Orange Child Dies in Wyoming Car Accident
• See related article: Obituary: Nikhil Badlani, A Talented and Brilliant Student

According to a news release, all funds raised on Sept. 18 will support the foundation’s ongoing programs to promote traffic safety awareness and provide music and academic scholarships to underserved children.

“As of July 31, there have been 326 motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey, an increase of nine percent from last year as per the State Police Fatal Accident Crash Statistics,” event organizers stated in a news release. “This number does not include those that were seriously injured.”

The event will include a Kids Fun Run, music, children’s activities and food. Bicycle helmets will be custom fitted and given to the first 30 kids, courtesy of NJ Safe Kids. Awards will be presented to the team captain that raises the most funds and the team captain with the most team members, and to the top three male and female runners in each age group.

Participants will receive discounted admission to Turtle Back Zoo, Mini Golf Safari and Codey Arena on race day when they show their run/walk bibs, organizers stated.

Interested participants can register, start a team, donate or learn more at www.stopfornikhil.org.