Former Police Chief's Inspiring Journey
Frank DelVecchio's Keeps the Weight Off & Embarks on 12th Annual Trek from Ridgewood to Ground Zero
RIDGEWOOD, NJ – On September 9th, retired Fairview Police Chief and Ridgewood resident Frank DelVecchio will embark on his remarkable 26-mile journey from Ridgewood to the World Trade Center, marking the 12th consecutive year of this poignant tradition.
DelVecchio's annual trek serves as a powerful tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11th, 2001, 22 years ago. As Chair of the Run for Hope Foundation, his mission extends beyond the symbolic run – he's using this event to continue raising crucial funds for various charities in northern New Jersey.
Notably, this is his second major charity run in 2023. In May, DelVecchio completed a 200-mile run across New Jersey to support local food security initiatives. His incredible transformation and dedication to charitable causes have become an inspiration to many.
Running became a newfound passion for DelVecchio after a remarkable weight loss journey. In June 2002, having initially weighed around 300lbs, he underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Since then, he has harnessed the power of running not only to maintain his impressive weight loss but also to generate substantial support for numerous charitable endeavors.
The Run for Hope Foundation website will be accepting monetary contributions to be distributed to local organizations that benefit first responders and veterans across New Jersey as well as victims of the Maui wildfires from September 9th to September 11th.
For more information about the Run for Hope Foundation, visit RunForHopeFoundation.org. Just like with Frank’s run across NJ, segments of this year’s run will be broadcast live on the Foundation’s Facebook page.
You can follow Frank on his journey from Ridgewood to the towers by visiting the Run for Hope Foundation’s Facebook page where he will post live broadcast updates. Frank will also be available to interview over the course of his run. To coordinate a time, email RunForHopeFoundation2023@gmail.com or call 551-804-8917.
The Run for Hope Foundation utilizes the sport of running or walking to raise funds for charitable causes. The Foundation has raised more than $250,000 and has supported organizations that benefit cancer research, first responders, the homeless, senior citizens, military families, domestic violence victims, and after-school programs for underserved communities. The Foundation is most well known for their annual September 11th run and bike ride which benefits 9/11 families. For more information about the Run for Hope Foundation, please visit www.RunforHopeFoundation.org.