It’s Friday night lights as Relay for Life returns to RBR this weekend. (File photo. Click to enlarge)
Cancer, as they say, never sleeps — and if you’re among the many thousands of people who’ve spent sleepless nights out of concern for a loved one who’s battling cancer, the American Cancer Society has a constructive, even celebratory, way to “walk the walk” — even in those darkest-before-the-dawn hours.
On Friday evening, May 20, the first of two local events in the ACS Relay for Life campaign commences on the outdoor track at Red Bank Regional High School, when close to 600 fundraising volunteers will gather into teams to run, walk and “celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.” The up-all-night benefit takes place under the lights between the hours of 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday — and there’s still time to register, sponsor or participate in the event, by taking it right here.
Check here as well for info about the June 17 Relay for Life event at Mater Dei High School in Middletown — and turn the pixelated page for more Done Good doings in the days and nights to come.
Making progress following a massive stroke, Middletown High School North senior Samantha Flora celebrates with a lift of her right foot and a raise of the fist. A fundraiser party for Sam’s ongoing therapy and treatment will be held at the school on Saturday night.
SATURDAY: “Samantha Strong” Benefit at Middletown North. On January 30, Middletown teenager Samantha Flora — an athlete at Middletown High School North and a member of the 2011 graduating class — suffered a massive stroke that affected her memory and speech and left her partially paralyzed, unable to use her right arm. Following life-saving surgery at Overlook Hospital in Summit and an intensive program of therapy, the 17-year-old has “made amazing progress,” having made it a goal to stand up and walk at her upcoming graduation ceremony. On Saturday, May 21, a group of her friends and family members will be throwing a public-invited party to help make that goal a reality.
Sponsored by Hope For Children Foundation New Jersey and Middletown North Booster Club, and hosted inside the cafeteria at MHSN, the 6 p.m. dinner features live music (by Shore Thing Duo), palm/Tarot readings and gift/ silent auctions. Tickets ($20) can be reserved by calling Lauren at (732) 687-1958 or Lisa at (732) 768-2562. Check the event’s Go On Green listing here on redbankgreen for email link to info on making donations.
SATURDAY: Runway on the River in Red Bank. Just a couple of weeks after the corporate headquarters of Hovnanian Enterprises hosted the annual KaBoom Fireworks fundraiser, the Hov HQ at the foot of Maple Avenue is the scene for a dazzling display of a different sort — Runway on the River, the third annual edition of which brings together the best styles from select area boutiques, for a high-end fundraiser dedicated to the pediatric inpatient unit at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune (part of the Meridian Pediatric Network that includes Riverview Medical Center). Co-sponsored by Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations, the 7 p.m. event promises “an extravagant fashion show with a ‘royal’ theme, a decadent cocktail reception featuring specialty drink tastings and an expert sommelier, and exciting casino games.” A limited number of tickets and sponsorships are still available; look here for a rundown of participating boutiques/salons, as well as more info on how to be part of Saturday’s soiree.
SUNDAY: Snips ‘N Giggles at Glen Goldbaum 72. The salon and back patio area of Glen Goldbaum 72 on Bridge Avenue have hosted some memorable parties for equally memorable causes — and this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the nonprofit Prevention First is the beneficiary, as Glen and his talented tonsorial team donate 100 percent of proceeds to the anti-bullying programs of the locally based counseling organization. Cuts are specially priced for the day at $50 for women ($25 for men, kids and blowouts for all), and customers an also enjoy brunch, tea, live music and “positive pointers” from P-First bullying expert Nicki Francis. Appointments a must; call Glen at (732) 530-5588 to reserve.
SUNDAY: Inter-Generational Art Show in Fair Haven. Monmouth Beach painter and printmaker John Salvi joins Allie Gaudio, Angela Long, Paula and MaryAnn Shipman (plus a group of local student artists) for a fundraiser art sale (hosted at a private residence on Princeton Road), with proceeds dedicated to the medical expenses of a local child with seizure disorders. Check the event’s Go On Green listing here on redbankgreen for email link to additional info.
SUNDAY: Family Beach Ball in Sea Bright. A flock of eastern Monmouth County merchants, businesses and philanthropists invite families to “Flock to the Shore” this Sunday, May 22, for the seventh annual Family Beach Ball for the Ocean to benefit the nonprofit Clean Ocean Action. Hosted at Ship Ahoy Beach Club in Sea Bright, it’s an afternoon of family-friendly and earth-friendly fun that includes activities (sand sculpture, face painting, volleyball, surfing simulator), food ‘n bev (from Branches, NovelTeas, Gracie & the Dudes and many more), open bar, raffles, live music (by reggae masters Random Test) and even a presentation from ImaginOcean, the Off Broadway puppet show created by Tony winner John Tartaglia. It’s an event that’s designed to be as close to “zero waste” as possible — washable dishes, recycled containers, compostable disposables and “bring your own blankets and chairs” — and tickets (adults $100; includes two free kid admissions) for the 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. event are available right here.
MONDAY: Pilgrim Golf Classic at Fort Monmouth. In celebration of its 115th anniversary, Red Bank’s Pilgrim Baptist Church hosts the Pilgrim Golf Classic, with proceeds supporting the borough based Lunch Break program and the church’s own Community Summer Youth Workshop. It’s $115 per golfer to sign up, and it all happens (with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.) on the links at Fort Monmouth’s Suneagles Golf Facility; call (732) 747-2343 for details.
