Over 400 guests, adorned in vibrant hats and attire, gathered for what locals hail as “The Monmouth County Fundraising Party of the Year”. Held on Saturday, May 4th, amidst the ambiance of the Blu Grotto Outdoor Garden at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, NJ, this event was a true spectacle.
Guests reveled in an evening of sophistication and entertainment. From live music to a thrilling Kentucky Derby simulcast with betting opportunities, our open bar and mint julep station kept spirits high. There were delectable hors d’oeuvres passed while guests joined in on our hat parade and contest, captured memories in our photo booth, and competed in our horseshoe tournament.
As the evening unfolded, Thomas Hayes, MPCF Trustee and NJ Natural Gas’s Director of Community Relations, guided us through the festivities, including our live auction. Warren Diamond, another MPCF Trustee, expressed his delight, affirming this as an anticipated Monmouth County tradition.
Moreover, we honored our Veterans, many of whom were sponsored guests, with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem by Dakota Diehl and an invocation led by Pastor Chris Durkin. Entertainment was provided by the talented McCoy, Haney, and Vanderweerd. Our esteemed judges for the Hat Parade & Contest were Holly Schult, Silvana Buckley, and Tom Sirico.
Sponsorships & Underwriters
Event Sponsor
Hackensack Meridian Health
Mint Julep Sponsors
Csav Systems, Maureen Lloyd, Ann & Dr. Ken Nahum, Carol Stillwell, Mary Ann Larkin, & Stillwell-Hansen, Inc.
Trifecta Sponsors
Vincent Apice, Oceanfirst Bank/Oceanfirst Foundation, Peter Arthur Roselle, Shorepoint Distributing,
The John H. & Katherine J. Weiland Foundation
Military Sponsors
Captain Bill Walsh, Centrastate Healthcare System, Drazin & Warshaw Law Offices, Hope Haskell Jones, Inserra Supermarkets, Karen Goldblatt, New Jersey Natural Gas, Phil Perricone, Ubs Private Wealth – Maria Farhat Tanzola
Paddock Sponsors
Bayshore Family Of Companies, Complete Care Of Holmdel, Fulton Bank, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Robin & John Klein, Lorenzo’s Outdoor Services
Invitation Underwriter
Anita & Joseph Roselle
Entertainment Underwriter
Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc
Step And Repeat Underwriter
Manasquan Bank
Décor Underwriters
Comfort Keepers, Fulfill, Torcon
Photo Booth Underwriters
Fortune Title Agency, Holman, Frenia, Allison P.c.
Mobile Bidding Tech Underwriters
Boraie, Eps Corporation
Matt & Lauren Holman
Lauren Holman is the lead Partner in the Not-for-Profit Division and Matt Holman is the lead Partner in the Advisory Division of Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. (HFA), a regional public accounting firm of over 80 professionals serving the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania markets. Together they are 2 of 5 shareholders of the firm with offices in Lakewood and Red Bank.
Lauren and Matt met freshman year at Franklin and Marshall College. Twenty years later, they enjoy helping share their knowledge of accounting and auditing with the local community. They are always looking for ways to help clients spread their mission while ensuring their financial future is secure. Their focus does not end at simply the financial services they provide, they also believe strongly in giving back in other ways.
At HFA, they lead the volunteer and community service program called “HFA Cares.” Throughout the year, the firm sponsors several events where their employees are empowered to give back to the community. They plan a variety of events ranging from on-site volunteer service, to collection and donation drives. Be it with clients, staff or community, the Holman’s feel strongly that service at its greatest moment is when the reward is beyond financial measure.
Lauren is the Board Chair of Fulfill (formally the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties). For the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, she is treasurer of the board and the chair of the audit committee. Lauren also is a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern and Coastal New Jersey.
Matt is the treasurer of the board for Monmouth Park Charity Fund.
Lauren and Matt, are proud parents to three children, Lila, 13, Cole, 10 and Luke, 8. Our family enjoys spending time in our home town of Point Pleasant and spend many days enjoying the sand, salt and sun.
Anne & Dr Kenneth Nahum
Kenneth Nahum specializes in Hematology and Oncology and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine as well as Hematology and Oncology. He and his wife Ann have been treating patients in the Monmouth/Ocean Counties for over 30 years. He has 3 state of the art offices in Howell as well as Neptune and Toms River.
Ken received his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and he completed his residency at Presbyterian University of Pennsylvania Medical Center (where he met Ann). He then completed his Fellowship training at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Ken is a Clinical Associate Professor at UMDNJ as well as the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and served as the Chief of Oncology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center for several years. He is affiliated with Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Community Medical Center in Toms River and Centra State Medical Center in Freehold. Ken is a member of the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He has received multiple awards over the years and has been voted “Top Doc” in New Jersey Monthly Magazine for many years running.
His wife Ann Walsh has worked by his side as head chemotherapy nurse as well as the office administrator. She is a very loving and caring nurse and always puts the patient’s needs first. She is accessible 24 hours a day/7 days a week as she doesn’t hesitate to give her cell phone number to the patients receiving treatment, as well as their family members. Ann is very aware of how afraid and alone some of these patients feel and is always available whether it is to just talk with them or handle any situations regarding their treatment.
Ann and Ken are both very involved in multiple charities and fundraisers, giving endlessly of their time. Ann has even organized bake sales in the office over the years to benefit certain patients who are in financial need. The charities closest to their hearts are the American Cancer Society, Ashley Lauren Foundation and of course Monmouth Park Charities. However, they will never say no if they are asked to participate or donate to any charities.
Ken and Ann have 3 children- 2 married daughters and a son. They also have a beautiful granddaughter. Amazingly with all their hours at work and tirelessly giving of themselves through all their charitable events, they still find quality time with their family.
Glen & Cyndi Dalakian
Glen J. Dalakian, Sr. grew up in his family’s dry cleaning business, where he learned the power of small enterprises. After studying at Seton Hall University, he launched successful ventures in electronics, entertainment, and retail, generating millions in revenue. A dedicated writer, Glen authors the “Business Matters” column in Journal Magazines and has a new book forthcoming. He currently serves as President of the Board at Colts Neck Community Church and is a founding member and past President of the Colts Neck Business Association. His commitment to God, family, and community philanthropy is well recognized.
Glen and Cyndi have been together for 41 years and will celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary in May. Cyndi, who once thrived as a hair colorist and makeup artist, pursued her dream of higher education later in life, earning a Master’s in psychology and becoming a Licensed Christian Family Therapist. Together, they raised two sons, Glen J. and Lucas, both of whom are now happily married. Cyndi delights in spending time with their grandchildren, Maya, Sami, and Levon.
Both Glen and Cyndi are passionate about giving back. After Super Storm Sandy, Glen co-founded Operation Provide Comfort, assisting hundreds of families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they established Gathering Gifts to Give, providing resources to families and first responders. Glen also supports numerous charities, including Hackensack Meridian Health Foundations, Monmouth Park Charity Fund, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, among others.
Recognized for his business acumen and community service, Glen has received various commendations from local and federal governments. He is the President/CEO of CSAV Systems, a rapidly growing AV integration company serving clients from Connecticut to Maryland and beyond.
