Sixth Annual Triathlon Raises More Than $10,000 for Survivors of Domestic Violence

In honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, more than 500 participants, spectators and volunteers gathered on October 13th at the Friends of Dottie’s House 6th Annual Triathlon, Duathlon and Aqua Velo at Island Beach State Park. 

The event, which had a total of 197 participants, raised more than $10,000 for Dottie’s House, a 17-unit apartment facility providing housing and support services to women and children who are survivors of domestic violence.  This non-profit transitional housing program is designed to empower women to gain emotional and financial independence and break the generational cycle of domestic violence.

Participants, staff and volunteers did not let the wind gusts get in the way of this successful event.  As a result of last week’s prolonged coastal storm, the swim part of the Triathlon and Aqua Velo were cancelled and replaced with a 1-mile beach run.

The race began with 19-year old Carina Duffy’s singing of the National Anthem and was concluded with an awards ceremony and a lunch donated by Carrabba’s Italian Grill of Brick. 

Additional food and beverage donations were made by BJ’s Wholesale Club, Jersey Shore Bagel & Deli, Mueller's Bakery, Round Dough with a Hole Bagels & Deli, Stop & Shop of Point Pleasant and Wawa. Major sponsors included Chambers Bridge Residence, Costanza Builders, Investors Savings Bank, OceanFirst Bank, Brinkerhoff Environmental Services, Inc., Barlo & Associates Architects, LLC and Pinewood Mobile Home Park.  We are grateful for all of our volunteers, especially our staff’s friends and family, board members, Point Pleasant High School Human Rights Club, Interact Club, National Honor Society and Student Council.

Triathlon male winners were: 1st place Stephen Brush (47:44), 2nd place Dave Dixon (49:19), and 3rd place Brick resident Chris Ward (49:44). Triathlon female winners were 1st place Christie Patla (1:01:06), 2nd place Laura Currey (1:03:14) and 3rd place Susan Jankowitz (1:03:30).

Duathlon male winners were 1st place Greg Pelican (54:39), 2nd place Timothy Scanlan (54:53) and Stephen Smith (56:36). Duathlon female winners were 1st place Sue Fleming (1:02:16), 2nd place Karen Brown (1:09:29) and Jennifer Rattray (1:11:30).

Aqua Velo male winners were 1st place Glenn Jankowitz (53:48), 2nd place Sean O’Keefe (55:06) and Mark Melanson (55:14). Aqua Velo female winners were 1st place Rebecca Dulac (58:34) and 2nd place Megan Shirbach (1:08:26).

With October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Dottie’s House asks that residents recognize the warning signs of domestic violence. Whether you are a victim or know someone who is a victim, act quickly and put an end to this unacceptable behavior to avoid becoming another statistic; become a survivor and look ahead to a future free of violence.

Dottie’s House will be holding a clothing drive through Friday, November 8th. We will be accepting donations of gently used clothing (male, female and children), jackets, shoes, handbags, stuffed animals and linens. Donations must be clean and packed in plastic trash bags. If you are interested in donating items for the clothing drive, please contact (732) 295-7380 for information on the drop off location. All donations are tax deductible.

Lastly, if anyone would like a chance at winning $10,000 just in time for the holidays, contact Dottie’s House to purchase a 50/50 holiday super raffle ticket. 

Tickets are $100 each and if all 200 tickets are sold, both the winner and Dottie’s House will receive $10,000 each.  Please note that the number of tickets are limited to 200 and are on a first come, first serve basis. The lucky winner will be drawn at their Holiday Cocktail Party on Wednesday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar (tickets can be purchased separately and the winner does not have to be present to win). Our last winner was a group of 8 co-workers, so grab your friends, family or co-workers and give your luck a shot. For more information, please contact (732) 295-7380 or visit www.friendsofdottieshouse.org.