N.J. Young Agents in Race for Special Olympics

To mark its 20th anniversary, the New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals’ Fun Run expects to raise $100,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey this year.

Held as part of the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey Inc. and the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc.’s Joint Annual Conference, the event will take place Tuesday, June 8, 2004, at Bally’s Atlantic City. The 1.5-kilometer race, sponsored by Franklin Mutual Insurance, continues to grow, passing its own record for contributions each year.

NJYIP, an affiliate of PIANJ, has held the Fun Run since 1984. Combined with proceeds from the PIANJ’s annual Golf Classic, the association’s total contributions to SONJ have exceeded $1.6 million. The money helps to purchase equipment for training and competitions for SONJ athletes.

“After 20 years, we are honored to have such a long-standing relationship with Special Olympics New Jersey,” said Charles J. Caruso, CPIA, president, NJYIP. “Not only does participation in the Fun Run raise money and awareness for a worthy cause, but it’s a great way to motivate employees, gain positive publicity, meet fellow industry professionals.”

The $1.6 million raised by NJYIP and PIANJ has sent 2,000 athletes to SONJ’s Summer Games; provided 6,000 athletes with an entire season of league baseball play; uniformed 10,000 athletes for a season of training and competition; reached out to support new athletes; and expanded public awareness of SONJ.

For more information about the Fun Run, or to make a donation to SONJ, contact Terry Vierschilling at (800) 424-4244, ext. 273 or logon to www.njyip.org/funrun_2004.shtml.