Walk for the Wounded Sept. 28 in Ocean City

OCNJ Daily

Hundreds of people join for the Walk for the Wounded in 2018.

Operation First Response will hold the 11th Annual Walk for the Wounded to benefit wounded soldiers and their families Saturday, Sept. 28. Since the Walk’s inception in 2009, the event has raised more than $750,000 to help injured veterans, while bringing attention to the challenges service men and women face when they return from battle. “In addition to physical injuries, many of these brave men and women are dealing with financial struggles and emotional scars,” said Tricia Ciliberto, of the 2019 Walk for the Wounded Committee. “They and their families make sacrifices on a daily basis to keep us safe. The Walk for the Wounded is one way to show our appreciation.” There are a number of ways to contribute to the success of the 11th Annual Walk, including ads in the dedication booklet, which is distributed at the event and given to soldiers recovering at the Walter Reed National Military Center. A range of sponsorships give businesses and other organizations the chance to help the cause while gaining valuable exposure.

Hundreds of people joined for the Walk for the Wounded in 2018. Supporters can also take part in the walk, either individually or as part of a team. Another way to contribute to the walk, while having an enjoyable day on the Boardwalk, is to attend Family Day at Playland’s Castaway Cove on Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 pm. The amusement pier, located at 1020 Boardwalk, will sell unlimited ride wristbands for $15 each. All rides, except the Gale Force roller coaster, are included and all of the proceeds benefit Walk for the Wounded. Funds raised at the walk will help Operation First Response, rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, support wounded soldiers in times of crisis. More than 98-cents of every dollar raised will be donated directly to injured soldiers who are facing financial, physical, and emotional struggles. To learn more about Walk for the Wounded sponsorships, advertising opportunities, or registration, contact Tricia Ciliberto at (609) 402-5190, or visit www.operationfirstresponse.org.