Runner Breaks Pfeiffer Fundraising Goal, Raises Bar

An Edison runner dedicating his participation in a Labor Day Weekend race to raising funds in memory of firefighter Jim Pfeiffer has broken his original goal and has raised his sights.

Hal Smolanoff's goal of raising $500 for the Carly Pfeiffer Memorial Fund was matched late Monday morning, causing Smolanoff to raise the goal to $1,000. Shortly there after, a $250 donation led Smolanoff to raise the bar to $2,500. Smolanoff, a friend of firefighters' union president Mike Sawicki, said he plans on using the race to bring as much as possible for the memorial fund.

Smolanoff will be running the Jimmy D Memorial 5K in New Brunswick on Sunday Sept. 5. With the run dedicated to the memory of a firefighter, he said it seemed appropriate to dedicate his participation to Pfeiffer's memory. The funds raised by Smolanoff are for the Pfeiffer Fund and not the Jimmy D Memorial.

"It's nice to see the support coming in," he said. "I am sure everything helps, and I hope the momentum can keep going. I'm just glad I am able to help, and look forward to running the race in James' memory."

Smolanoff said donations have come from members of the Westfield community, along with others who have know him or knew Pfeiffer. He has raised $850 as of 5 p.m. on Monday.

The memorial fund was created last week by the firefighters' union to benefit the education of Pfeiffer's one-year-old daughter, Carly. Pfeiffer, a third generation Westfield firefighter who was recognized nationally for his heroics, died Aug. 22 following a freak accident at his Mountainside home.

Donations to the Carly Pfeiffer Fund can be sent c/o the Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association at 405 North Avenue West, Westfield, NJ 07090. Donations as part of Smolanoff's race can be made online at this website.