Ethel Brandon, Michal DiMiceli, Roseann Kamin, Erin Howard, Liz DeBeer and Laura Jannone with their delivery.
A group of Red Bank and Fair Haven women made a food donation to the Food Pantry & Family Services Center in Red Bank on Valentine’s Day.
Each month, a different charitable organization will benefit from the Basie’s ticket sales under the yearlong program. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank has named Long Branch-based Shore House as the beneficiary of its first “Giving Year” giveaway.
The idea: to donate $1 from every event ticket sold during a specified month to a different charitable organization.
Toys and gifts for all ages were available at the event. (Photos by Millie Jeter/Lunch Break. Click to enlarge.)
Press release from Lunch Break
It was beginning to look a lot like the North Pole as dozens of elves turned Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church in Red Bank into Santa’s workshop on December 10.
The halls were filled with toys, stuffed animals, musical instruments and holiday presents, welcoming hundreds of financially insecure families as they browsed for gifts for their children during the Lunch Break annual Holiday Toy & Gift Card Giveaway.
This year’s Giving Tuesday is November 29, marking the 10th year of the annual push to “inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.”
Here are some Red Bank area organizations seeking help – and one that plans to give a boost to others.
Press release from the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
Red Bank Regional High School students and their peers across Monmouth County are invited to participate in YMCA of Greater Monmouth County’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King essay contest.
Red Bank’s Lunch Break will move to an interim location during construction on its home facilities, the social services nonprofit announced Wednesday.
Press release from Lunch Break
With the advent of fall nearly upon us, thoughts may turn to pumpkin-picking and the upcoming holiday season. It’s also the time of year when Red Bank-based Lunch Break relies on the generosity of compassionate community members on behalf of the food- and financially insecure – those who may never have the luxury of treating their families to the traditions of the autumn season or celebrate a Thanksgiving meal with turkey and trimmings.
Jon Stewart, in blue shirt, at the Lunch Break picnic in Red Bank Saturday. (Photos by Millie Jeter/Lunch Break. Click to enlarge.)
Press release from Lunch Break
More than 500 people came to cheer for the winning softball team at the Lunch Break Annual Community Picnic Softball Classic Tournament & Backpack Giveaway at Count Basie Field in Red Bank Saturday.
Joining Lunch Break for the softball classic was producer, screenwriter and supporter Jon Stewart. Stewart ushered in the beginning of the tournament series by throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
New YMCA board members (left to right): top row, Annamarie Cutroneo, Natasha Davis; middle row, Loryn Lawson, Molly Kroon, Jennifer Phillips Smith; bottom row, Susan Harbison and Pamela Scott-Johnson.
Seven local community-minded professionals from have joined the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County’s board of directors.
Vin Gopal cuts the ribbon at the center, located at 224 Shrewsbury Avenue, on June 30. (Click to enlarge.)
Press release from the Vin Gopal Association Civic Association
The Vin Gopal Civic Association (VGCA) has officially opened their brand new Food Pantry & Family Services Center in Red Bank.
Lunch Break Executive Director Gwen Love, above, welcomed more than 100 guests as the Red Bank social services nonprofit kicked off a $12 million expansion of its Red Bank home Thursday.
YMCA COO Jennifer Dunn (center) with Red Bank Family Y Advisory Council members (from left) Suzy Dyer, Chris Curcia, Pat Richter and Luigi Laugelli. (YMCA)
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has established a new committee of volunteers to help ensure that all area residents can learn, grow, and thrive at the Red Bank Family YMCA, regardless of their ability to pay.
VNA President and CEO Dr. Steven Landers presents the Community Partner Award to the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. (Photo by Teicia Gaupp)
The Visiting Nurse Association Health Group recently presented its annual Community Partner Award to the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County in recognition of support for critical COVID-19 health services.
The free, 24/7 pantries have been installed at the YMCA, above, and Lunch Break, below.
Press release from the Rotary Club of Red Bank
The Red Bank Rotary has created three “Mother’s Pantries” as freestanding pantries to distribute diapers, baby wipes and feminine hygiene products to those in need.
In partnership with Lunch Break, the Salvation Army and the Red Bank Family YMCA, these pantries will provide a limited free supply of items often needed by families. The colorfully painted, unlocked pantries are accessible 24/7 for anyone in need to use.
YMCA Togetherhood volunteers and staff lend a hand for community initiatives during the pandemic. (Joshua Reed)
Press release from the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) has named the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (the Y) as one of 20 recipients of its annual Awards for Excellence.
Lunch Break’s proposed addition, as seen looking west along Drs. James Parker Boulevard. Below, executive director Gwen Love testifying. (Rendering by Kellenyi Johnson Wagner. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
Despite some misgivings about its impact on a problematic corner, Lunch Break won approval for a $12 million expansion from the Red Bank zoning board last week.
Board members cited the food-security charity’s “inherently beneficial use” in granting unanimous approval.
Lunch Break’s proposed addition, as seen from Drs. James Parker Boulevard. (Rendering by Kellenyi Johnson Wagner. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
Plans for a $12 million expansion of Lunch Break, the food security and social services nonprofit, are scheduled for review by the Red Bank zoning board Thursday.
Sunny and cool weather provided ideal conditions for the return of the Red Bank RiverCenter-hosted Guinness Oyster Festival Sunday.
After a missed year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s 11th edition saw fewer local restaurants owing to staffing shortages. But thousands of attendees packed the White Street parking lot, waited patiently in lines for food and drinks, and partied with friends in front of two stages as in the past.
Were you there? Look for yourself and your friends in redbankgreen‘s beaucoup photos below. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
Men’s Fellowship members of two Red Bank churches – Pilgrim Baptist and Tower Hill Presbyterian – teamed up to prepare the Red Bank Warming Center for the coming winter Saturday.
The event brought together the two houses of worship to make repairs and beautify the Shrewsbury Avenue center, which provides temporary shelter to homeless men when severe weather conditions exist, said Pilgrim’s Pastor Terrence Porter.
The men also spent time together during a BBQ lunch sharing life and faith experiences that helped to foster greater understanding.
For more information about the Red Bank Warming Center, or to make a financial donation to help support it, visit the Pilgrim Baptist website or call 732-747-2343.
(Photos courtesy of Pilgrim Baptist. Click to enlarge.)
Beanbags were flying at Red Bank’s “Broadwalk” plaza on Broad Street as some 128 players competed in the town’s first-ever cornhole tournament Sunday afternoon.
With $8,300 raised and a match provided by Northwestern Mutual, the event raised $16,600 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization that funds research into childhood cancers, said Sagar Shah, president of the Red Bank Business Alliance, the event’s organizer. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
Additional facilities and parking would be created on lots adjacent to Lunch Break’s home on Drs. James Parker Boulevard. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
Lunch Break, the food security and social services resource, announced the start of a $12 million capital campaign to fund an expansion of its Red Bank home Monday.
An addition to its facilities at at 121 Drs. James Park Boulevard is needed “to accommodate the growing needs of the community,” the nonprofit said in an announcement.
Red Bank Schools Superintendent Jared Rumage helps unload coats donated in 2018. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
Press release from Red Bank-based Knights of Columbus council #525
In 2017 our Council kicked off the first ever ‘Coats for Kids’ program in the Red Bank area. In our fifth year of the program program we have provided hundreds of kids across the community who do not have the means to purchase a new or appropriate jacket for the harsh winter weather we experience.
Ted Nappi, below, is a former member of the board of managers of the Y’s Red Bank facility, above.
[Press release from the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County]
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County Board of Directors recently appointed Colts Neck resident Ted Nappi as its new board chairman and chief volunteer officer.
State Senators Declan O’Scanlon, left, and Vin Gopal flank ex-Governor Jim McGreevey as he speaks with Re-Entry participants at Soul Kitchen Thursday. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
“Nobody should be defined by their worst decision,” former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey said on a visit to Red Bank Thursday.
That’s particularly true for ex-felons who may never have learned the basic skills needed to become self-sufficient members of society, he said.
Top row: Latonya Brennan, Ming Chen, Lori Ferguson and Marilyn Grabowski. Bottom row: Itzel Perez Hernandez, Glenn Alonzo Richardson and David Stout.
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is pleased to announce the addition of seven new members to its board of directors, including three area residents.