Patrick Mulranen
For the fifth straight summer, Eagles legend Jason Kelce served as a guest bartender at the Ocean Drive Bar & Restaurant to raise awareness and funds for the Eagles Autism Foundation via Kelce's Team 62.
SEA ISLE CITY — Many Philadelphia Eagles’ fans braved the high heat of early summer Wednesday.
“Eagles fans are built for this,” said Allentown, Pennsylvania, resident Drew Dalius.
For the fifth straight summer, Eagles legend Jason Kelce served as a guest bartender at the Ocean Drive Bar & Restaurant to raise awareness and funds for the Eagles Autism Foundation via Kelce's Team 62.
The takeover at Excursion Park, located at John F Kennedy Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue, was the first part of Wednesday's fundraiser. The family-friendly event included activities such as football, cheerleading and drumline clinics in exchange for a $25 donation. People could meet and take pictures with Swoop, the Eagles' mascot.
Hundreds of fans were at the park, and even more walked the streets of Sea Isle and lined up around the OD for the main event.
People are also reading…
"It's a really cool event and it's awesome to see. We will definitely be back because of it," said Dalius, who is on vacation this week in Avalon with his wife, Kelly, and daughters, Lola, 9, and Fiona, 5.
The Excursion Park event also featured tents with merchandise, including shorts, hats and mini helmets, with all proceeds going to the Eagles Autism Foundation. There were food trucks, including Rita's Water Ice, a Fudgy Wudgy vendor and 50/50 raffles.
The Daliuses never attended this event but plan on returning in the future. Fiona participated in the cheer clinic with the Eagles' cheerleaders.
"We heard about the event the last couple years and figured, 'Hey, we are here on vacation,' so we stopped by and supported a great cause," Drew Dalius said.
The Ocean Drive event featured raffles, auctions, autographed items and other Eagles merchandise that benefited Kelce’s Team 62, which is one of the many organizations that raises funds and awareness for the autism foundation.
Kelce’s event has raised more than $1.4 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation since 2021. The event continues to grow in attendance each year. Last summer, the event raised $865,000, which was up from $500,000 in 2023.
Eagles center Cam Jurgens talks draft, Super Bowl, Jason Kelce and more at Ocean City show
Hundreds of people filled the Music Pier on Saturday to hear from Eagles center Cam Jurgens — some purchasing tickets for a meet-and-greet and signing — at the seventh Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show.
That is special for Stephanie Hisky, who works as a special education teacher in the Lower Township Elementary School District. Hisky works with many students with autism.
"It's great that he is working for such a great cause," the Dennis Township resident said. "It's something that is very super important to us. I love that they are doing things to fundraise for that. It means a lot to me."
Hisky was with her son, Owen, who is only 2 but joined his mother in an "E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!" chant, smiling and yelling "Eagles!" at the end.
"It's awesome, especially with young kids," Hisky said. "It's hard to find things for them to do. So, it's nice to come out and have fun and give back to our community."
Hisky was with Rachel Cochrane and her 4-year-old daughter, Ava. Cochrane is a fifth grade teacher in the Dennis Township School District. All four met and took a picture with Swoop.
“It’s hot today, but they can’t control that,” Cochrane said. “They are still doing what they can to make it nice for the families. Anything for the Birds. That is what is best about (the Kelce) family. That is why I come to stuff like this, because of them.”
Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie, whose brother Peter is on the Autism spectrum, started the foundation to help bring more awareness to those who may not fully understand the developmental disorder.
The annual Eagles Autism Challenge, which offers three cycling routes and a 5K walk or run, was held in May and is one of the foundation’s main events. Many other events are held each year., and the foundation has raised more than $30 million since 2018.
Mike's Seafood autism fundraiser a Sea Isle City tradition. So is Jason Kelce's participation.
Now, in its 17th year, Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism drew about 5,000 people Saturday, including 2,200 participants, a Presidents Day weekend tradition in Cape May County every year.
Kelce, who owns a summer home in the city and is a familiar presence in Sea Isle, has said in the past he did not know much about autism until he met his wife, Kylie, who works with special needs children. Through the Eagles Autism Foundation, the cause has become very close to him.
Kelce, a seven-time Pro Bowler, said they organized Wednesday's event in a way that allows everyone to participate.
“Obviously, you have the bar. The kids can’t be in the bar. So, we do the thing over at the park so we can be more proactive in reaching out to talk to the kids," Kelce said.
“This is a family island. This is a family community. The kids, that’s when you really develop your love for the Philadelphia Eagles,” said Kelce, adding that’s when he developed his love for the Browns and Indians while growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
“These figures are larger than life. You look up to athletes. So whenever you get the opportunity to interact with kids, it’s special. It really is."
After the Excursion Park event, people 21-and-over got to enjoy the OD and hang out with other past and present Eagles like Brandon Graham, Cooper DeJean, Landon Dickerson and Beau Allen.
“We have got something for everybody," Kelce said. "Whatever you are looking for, you are going to have a good time.”
The family-friendly atmosphere Wednesday at Excursion Park was great for those with young children.
"It's really cool. Obviously the Ocean Drive stuff is cool for, like, me and my wife," Drew Dalius said. "But to be able to get the kids involved, I mean, (Fiona) was so excited for the cheer clinic. It's definitely a great cause. It's fun to be able to come together and do it.
“I am super impressed by it. It continues to grow because (Kelce) so invested in it. You can tell it’s authentic."
Jay Stauffer, who was with his daughter, Penny, sons, Beckham and Jamison, and wife, Lauren, attended the Excursion Park event. Jay and Lauren went to the OD last summer. Beckham participated in the football clinic, and the West Chester, Pennsylvania, family enjoyed a Fudgy Wudgy treat.
"It's a lot of fun and something cool they do for the community to raise money," Jay Stauffer said. "It keeps getting bigger and bigger each year."
Note: The fundraiser continues Thursday with the third annual New Heights Beer Bowl from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sea Isle City Yacht Club. Tickets are sold out for the event. 94 WIP will have a special broadcast.
GALLERY: Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5403.JPG
Sam Godshall, of Broomall, Pennsylvania, holds Luke, 4, as they take a photo with the Coca-Cola polar bear Saturday during the walk. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_3011.jpg
Race director Mike Givens on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_3020.jpg
Jeannie and Mike Monichetti on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5405.JPG
Race director Mike Givens on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5415.JPG
Super Joey, the mascot for Follow the Apple Foundation, with the Elliott, 9, and Daniel Healy, 7, of Havertown, Pennsylvania, and Avalina Mercedes, 11, of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5432.JPG
Former Philadelphia Eagles star center Jason Kelce holds one of his three daughters during the start of the 1-mile walk Saturday during the Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5434.JPG
Former Philadelphia Eagles star center Jason Kelce gives a high five to Super Joey, the mascot for the Follow the Apple Foundation, on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5448.JPG
Mike and Dana Iannelli, owners of Shorebreak Cafe in Sea Isle City, with their dog Butters and 1-month-old Bowden on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5449.JPG
Mike and Dana Iannelli, owners of Shorebreak Cafe in Sea Isle City, with their dog Butters and 1-month-old Bowden on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5458.JPG
Race director Mike Givens at the finish line of the 5K on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5477.JPG
Runners cross the finish line for the 5K on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5484.JPG
Nathan Benner, 23, and Alden Boccella, 22, both of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, completed the 5K on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5502.JPG
The Monichetti family of Sea Isle, including Mike, back center, on Saturday during the Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5396.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5397.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5399.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5401.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5409.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5411.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5413.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5419.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5423.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5424.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5428.JPG
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5436.JPG
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5440.JPG
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5442.JPG
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5443.JPG
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5452.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5454.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5455.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5456.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5459.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5460.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5462.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5463.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5465.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5466.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5467.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5469.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5471.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5473.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5474.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5479.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5481.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5486.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5490.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5494.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5496.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5498.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Mike's Seafood Run:Walk for Autism_5500.JPG
A scene from the 17th annual Mike's Seafood Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (JOHN RUSSO / Staff Writer)
Contact Patrick Mulranen: 609-272-7217
PMulranen@pressofac.com
Twitter @ACPressMulranen
0 Comments
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!