Press release from The Community YMCA
The Borough of Red Bank — and several local individuals — were acknowledged for their long-time support of The Community YMCA, when the organization celebrated its 140th anniversary on September 27.
During the gala event at Camp Arrowhead in Marlboro, CYMCA president and CEO Rhonda Anderson gave homage to Red Bank, longtime host site of the organization’s Maple Avenue facility, by presenting the Community Partner Award to Mayor Pasquale Menna and the members of the Borough Council. Ms. Anderson is pictured at center, with (left to right in photo) Councilman Ed Zipprich, Councilwoman Cindy Burnham, Mayor Menna, and Councilwomen Juanita Lewis and Kathleen Horgan.
More than 200 people attended the annual benefit, which raised over $150,000 to support the Y’s mission to ensure that everyone — regardless of age, income or background — has access to life-changing YMCA programs and services.
Eatontown residents Lynn and Steve “Biddy” Bidgood were honored with the Distinguished Citizen Award, given to those who demonstrate outstanding civic and volunteer leadership in the community. The Bidgoods’ daughters, Megan and Shauna, presented the award to their parents, who have dedicated much of their personal and professional lives to local community service. Through their charitable efforts, the Bidgoods have raised over $1 million for worthy local organizations — including the Y — and have helped improve the quality of life for many of their fellow neighbors. Steve Bidgood is Managing Partner of Salt Creek Grille in Rumson, and has served as a member of the Y board for over 10 years. Lynn Bidgood works part-time at the Y’s Red Bank facility and volunteers for the American Red Cross.
Asbury Park resident Onestie Jackson shared a moving story about how the Y helped her realize her dream of becoming the first in her family to attend college, despite many obstacles. “The Y gave me hope when I had none,” said Jackson, a freshman at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, who participated in the Y’s Achievers program during her senior year of high school.
Volunteers, past and present, who’ve made a significant impact on the nonprofit’s 140-year history were honored with the Legacy Award as follows:
Chester Apy of Red Bank, a former Monmouth County Assemblyman, who was elected President of The Community YMCA in 1974 at the centennial annual meeting. He played a pivotal role in the growth of the Y during the 1970s.
Thomas Register of Red Bank has helped expand the Y Achievers initiative and other outreach programs designed to prepare young people for college and the workforce. The owner of Del Rose Cleaning Company, he has been involved with the Y for eight years.
Dr. James W. Parker, Sr., deceased, organized the Westside Y in Red Bank in 1931, and his son Dr. James W. Parker, Jr., also deceased, carried on his father’s legacy to continue to solidify the growth of the Westside Y for 27 years. Shirley Parker, wife of Dr. Parker Jr., accepted the award.
Harry Greenwood, Middletown, served two terms on the Y Board of Directors in the 1950s and 70s and helped raise over $800,000 in a capital campaign that funded a major expansion of the Y’s Red Bank facility. His daughter, Donna Mazza, accepted the award on his behalf.
Jay Patock of Oceanport, owner of Patock Construction and long-time supporter of the Y, took the lead in reconstructing The Children’s Learning Center in Matawan in 1993, which has become the main hub of childcare services for the Y.
Richard Maser of Long Branch and CEO/President of Maser Consulting, has a 25-year history of supporting the Y. A former member of the Board of Directors and Board of Managers for the Y’s counseling and social services, he has helped raise over $1 million to support the Y.
Dan Matarese, Marlboro, served as chairman of the Y’s Camp Board of Managers for three years and has contributed to the growth of The Community YMCA’s two outdoor day camps. The owner of Danco General Contracting, he currently serves on the Board of Directors and has been involved with the Y for six years.
Chris Mosley, Marlboro, is president of Complete Security Systems and has served a three-year term on the Camp Board of Managers, providing leadership to the expansion of outdoor recreation for the Y. He also served as co-chair of last year’s Annual Benefit and has volunteered for the Y for six years.
The benefit was chaired by Gustav “Gus” Fingado of Shrewsbury and featured music from Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, with catering by Merri-Makers. The evening included silent and live auctions and a 50/50 cash raffle.
