Peanut Holloway Inspires Freehold Boro to Walk for the YMCA

Peanut Holloway, a lifetime resident of Freehold, has inspired hundreds of people to get up and walk to raise money for the .

The Peanut Holloway YMCA Walk-A-Thon will take place this Saturday, May 12 rain or shine from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the track.

Holloway suffered a stroke a few years ago and since has completely changed his diet and exercise habits. He began walking everyday to improve his health and fitness and is hoping to inspire others to do so as well.

“After I had a stroke, I began to walk every day. I am doing this walk-a-thon because I want to raise money for the Freehold Boro YMCA Community Center youth and to raise awarness about the importance of being active and healthy!” he said.

This year's walk-a-thon is the first of what organizers hope will be an annual event for families and individuals who want to support healthy living and youth development. Although the fundraiser is only in its first year, many borough residents have already jumped into action to support the cause.

Freehold Borough Mayor Nolan Higgins has challenged all borough employees. The borough team who raises the most money will win not only bragging rites, but also a blue Mayor’s trophy.

"There is a challenge within borough hall," explained Higgins at the council meeting on May 7. "I will give this very valuable trophy to the group from our Freehold Borough family that raises the most money on Saturday."

While walkers are still busy trying to fill their pledge sheet, Mary Stallworth, the Freehold Borough YMCA administrator said the donations have already started pouring in.

"We have received contributions from Freehold Police PBA #159, Freedman Funeral Home, Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold Saving Bank, Earhart Automotive, Atlas Chiropractic, Clark & Clark, LLC, Nonie Nicklas LMFT, Wegmans, Shoprite, Stop & Shop and Lions Club of Freehold Township," she said in an e-mail to Patch.

If you want to get involved in the walk-a-thon, download the registration and plege form attached above this article and bring it to Freehold Township High School this Saturday.

For more information please call Mary Stallworth at 732-845-5273.