Wildwood Police to Pinch the Grinch

PRESS RELEASE

An all points bulletin will be in effect throughout this city December 12 as members of the Wildwood Police Department search for the master of merry mischief, the Grinch.

Police will be running the Grinch out of town on the third annual "Pinch the Grinch 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Walk." The event will take off in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, December 12 at 10 a.m., rain or shine.

"We received a bulletin from Whoville saying the Grinch and his dog, Max, are heading in this direction, and will be in town December 12," said Wildwood Police Chief Robert Regalbuto. "Our officers will be on high alert to pinch him and send him packing."

According to the chief, the Grinch has a rap sheet that includes impersonating Santa Claus, breaking and entering Who homes, purloining playthings and stealing roast beasts.

"These are tough times economically," said Regalbuto. "It's difficult for some families to put food on their tables, let alone toys under their tree."

To ease the burden for those families, John Lynch and his army of helpers along with Wildwood police officers hope to make the holiday a grinch-less one for local children.

Supporting the Grinch Run was an easy one for the Wildwood police. The department has a longstanding relationship with John Lynch, executive director of the Lunch with Lynch Foundation. The foundation serves many needy families throughout Five Mile Island. A holiday offshoot of the Lunch with Lynch Foundation, "The Lynch Who Stole Christmas from The Grinch" provided toys, gift cards and warm coats to those in need.

"We're hoping to have as many law enforcement officers as possible make the run," said Regalbuto. "We're encouraging all police officers to participate."

Registration costs $30 per person, or $15 with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the race inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Information about the run, including sponsorship, can be obtained by contacting Regalbuto at 609-522-0222, extension 2330 or online at lunchwithlynch.com/pinch.

Pre-registration for the race or walk can be done at www.active.com. Participants are encouraged to register prior to December 9 to be guaranteed a Pinch the Grinch T-shirt.