The Pete Hanlon Jingle Bell Run/Walk has become quite the tradition in Port Richmond, always held the first Saturday in December.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk was started to honor the memory of  Hanlon and has turned into a fun-filled Christmas themed romp through the streets of Port Richmond with a sausage and pancake breakfast to cap it all off.

For those of you who never had the privilege of knowing Pete Hanlon, here is an introduction: Pete was a man who lived by the philosophy, “Do a little more today than you did yesterday,” and he practiced what he preached. Pete reveled in his career and position as transportation manager for SEPTA, and his hobbies were many.

He was an officer in the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 87 and an active alumnus for both Northeast Catholic High School and Lock Haven University.

Pete was also a lector and member of the Parish Council at St. George R.C. Church in Port Richmond. Pete’s gift to us all was in knowing him and allowing us to share his love of life, family, friends, faith, and community.

Sadly, on Monday, June 18, 2007, at the age 48 and in perfect health, Pete died suddenly at home while watching a Phillies game. After his death, his friends began to focus on the pride and appreciation we know that Pete had for his family and our community, and looked for ways that we could follow his example and better serve others.

As Pete was an avid distance runner who loved to compete in any type of foot race, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk was started to honor the memory of this devoted husband, loving father, faithful son, and trusted friend.

The 2 mile walk/5K run starts and finishes at Saint George Church at Edgemont and Venango Streets in Port Richmond.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk/run starts at 9 a.m.  All participants are invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast at Saint George after the walk/run. Good food, good people, good times. The route will take you through Pete’s neighborhood in Port Richmond and is really a journey through Pete’s life. Walkers pass his house on Thompson Street and the tree he had planted through the Fairmount Park/Philly Rec’s Treevitalize Program in Port Richmond. Some of the event’s proceeds in Pete’s memory have planted dozens of trees in this neighborhood.

The route also passes St. Peter’s cemetery and Pete’s Belgrade Street plot where his friends and family stop and tap the black wrought iron fence at his tombstone. The walkers also pass Campbell Square Park-another beneficiary of Pete’s Memorial Fund and Mick’s Inn where Pete would enjoy a cold one with his fellow Irishmen.

All proceeds from this walk/run benefit the PJH Memorial Fund which has donated to the following community causes:

PROPAC

Friends of Campbell Square

Bridesburg Food Pantry

St. George School

David Nelson Jr. Scholarship Fund (Provides scholarships for children of organ and tissue donors)

Gracie’s Gifts (a baby blanket drive for Temple Hospital)

AOH Division #87 Charity Fund/Home Association

LAOH Division #87 Charity Fund

Cathedral Soup Kitchen

You can download this year’s application at http://www.aoh87.com/Includes/JBR_2011_registrationform.pdf  or the Facebook Page: Peter J. Hanlon Memorial Fund.

The fee to participate is $25 for adults and that includes a t-shirt, pancake breakfast, door prizes and a guaranteed good walk in the neighborhood! Participants have showed up dressed in wacky Christmas costumes and that has made the event so much more memorable and family friendly. Kids under 12 are only $12, and under age 3 are free!

Sponsors are always needed for this event in levels of $100, $200 and $300 increments. Please contact Kieran McGovern 267-249-7632 or Debbie Scott 215-423-9610 for sponsorship information.