Press release from Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County
On the evening of Monday, May 16, The Oyster Point Hotel will be the host venue as Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County hosts its inaugural food and wine tasting event, A Taste for Homes. Scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., the event celebrates the impact and difference that volunteers and companies can make to providing people in the community with a decent place to live.
Over two dozen local vendors and restaurants are slated to participate in the tasting event, with all proceeds going to support the organization’s efforts this year throughout their service territory that covers 83 percent of Monmouth County.
During the event the nonprofit organization will pay tribute to a set of individual and corporate honorees, in addition to celebrating “the many women volunteers that have what it takes to pound nails, frame walls, raise a roof and create HOPE!”
Scheduled to be honored with the Corporate Citizen Award is Middletown-based T&M Associates, the leading consulting, environmental, engineering, and construction management firm that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Since 2012, T&M has played a critical role in helping Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County rebuild local communities after Hurricane Sandy. It has sent dozens of volunteers to support building projects throughout the County and has generously donated expertise and funds to support Habitat’s build projects including the House that Youth Built, the House that Rock Built and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Union Beach.
Receiving the Community Partner Award will be Monmouth County radio station WRAT-FM 95.9 and its owner Greater Media New Jersey. As the lead sponsor of the House that Rock Built, “The Rat” has partnered with Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County to promote Habitat’s mission, and serves as the leading media partner for the organization. Celebrating 20 years in 2016, the Belmar-based station is active in promoting volunteer and donation opportunities on air for the affiliate.
Recognized as Volunteer of the Year will be Fair Haven resident Beverly Lawrence, who for more than a decade has devoted countless hours to Habitat’s operations. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Beverly acted as the organization’s unpaid Volunteer Coordinator while also serving on the Board of Trustees for the organization. She continues to volunteer in the organization’s ReStore thrift shop, and as a special events volunteer.
Among the restaurants and vendors confirmed for the May 16 event are Ama Ristorante, Angelica’s Restaurant, Anna’s Italian Kitchen, B2 Bistro and Bar, The Bistro at Red Bank, Teak Restaurant, The Cheese Cave, The Danish Café, Danny’s Steakhouse, Dive Coastal Bar and Food Joint, Kitch Organic, Lil Cutie Pops, The Lusty Lobster, Waypoint 622, The Robinson’s Ale House, The Spice and Tea Exchange, Langosta Lounge, Local Smoke BBQ, Yvonne’s, Faustini Wines – The Tasting Room, Booskerdoo Coffee, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Purity Vodka, Firebirds of Eatontown, Shore Point Distributors, and Fox Hollow Wines.
“We are thrilled to launch such an exciting event in the heart of Red Bank,” said Ray Gabler, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County. “Every year, our Spring fundraising event has grown and blown us away in its reach across the community.”
Tickets for the event are $100 per person and includes the food and wine tasting. The event will also include a 50/50 raffle, gift auction and silent auction. Go here to purchase tickets or receive information on sponsorship packages.
