Runners raise at least $4K for Sayreville's BIC fund BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer SAYREVILLE - Nearly 200 people took to the streets Saturday morning for the borough's fifth annual "Hit the Bricks" 5-mile run. The racing, and for some, walking, kicked off on Main Street in front of borough hall, and benefited the Sayreville Association for Brain Injured Children (BIC). Recreation Director Gerald Ust said the event was a success, with runners paying a $20 entrance fee to participate. Top finishers received prizes. "It was excellent," Ust said. "The best ever. With the support from businesses and the community, this will be the largest donation to the BIC yet." Ust estimated that the total donation will be between $4,000 and $5,000. "We had 178 runners from all over the state," Ust said. "They bill it as the best food race in the state." Camillo's Restaurant & Pizza, Angelo's Pizza & Restaurant, Sayreville Bar & Restaurant and Tropicana provided food and beverages at the event, and other businesses made contributions to the cause as well, Ust said. All proceeds went toward the BIC. Ust thanked the sponsors and the volunteers, including the Civil Air Patrol, the Sayreville Conservation Corps, the Department of Public Works and the Recreation Advisory Board. Ust said the committee for "Hit the Bricks" prepared for the event for three months. The committee is made up of several members, including George Giovenco, Danielle Nesci, Billy Woods, Fred White and Danielle Ogden. Ogden said runners enjoyed the good weather and got to give back to the community. "It was the perfect day," Ogden said, "The weather was gorgeous. Everybody came out and had a great time." Ust described the BIC as a very worthwhile cause, and that it will likely use the donations to fund trips, parties or other activities for its beneficiaries. "The BIC is a self-supporting, all-volunteer organization, and the things that they do are amazing," Ust said. "[BIC Director] Mary Ann Gordon is a treasure. [We will do] anything we can do to help her."