76th Annual Distribution of Funds Tea

On November 7^th, 2023  the Monmouth Park Charity Fund celebrated their Roberta O. Fox 76^th Annual Agency Distribution of Funds Tea and provided Traditional Legacy grants to 53 of Monmouth County’s nonprofit organizations in the lovely Turf Club at Monmouth Park Racetrack. It was a beautiful day overlooking the racetrack where we enjoyed delicious foods and warm welcomes thanks to our wonderful event sponsors Maureen & John Lloyd, Linda & Tom Sirico, and NJNG.

The selected organizations were awarded grants for specific programs that provide critical assistance to those at risk and those in need of special services in our community.  The ceremony was emotional with representatives from each agency sharing how these funds will impact the lives of people in our community.  We are thrilled to share that since our inception $10,487,447 in grant allocations have been distributed.

Agencies were invited to nominate a “Volunteer of the Year”.  Phyllis Solomon from Family Resource Associates won the award for 2023.

The other nominees, who are all amazing, include:

Pete McGuigan, Big Brothers Big Sisters Coastal & Northern NJ
Dorothy Christiano, CentraState
Brian Reilly, Common Ground Grief Center
Nitza Cunning, Fulfill
Brianna Cassidy, Handicapped High Riders – Riding High Farm
Laura O’Hara, Hazlet Hope Network
Bonnie Featherstone Johnson, Interfaith Neighbors
Carol Robertson, LADACIN
Kim Brockway, Literacy NJ Monmouth
Blanca Lizaire, Lunch Break
Glen Goldbaum, Mental Health Association
Mary Rottino, Mercy Center
Tammi Stanziale, No Limits Café
Alexandra Lynch, RallyCap Sports
Amy Weston, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
Kathleen Bergin, The Center in Asbury Park
Linda Cancro, The Samaritan Center of NJ
Debbie Randolph, Trinity Center for Community
Bob Rosone, United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties

A special announcement was made by Tom Hayes, Director of Customer & Community Affairs, NJNG that three additional $10,000 Accomplish More Together grants will be awarded to agencies forming program partnerships that by working together and building on individual strengths, they can bring new solutions to meet the changing needs of our community .

This RFP is made possible through a partnership between MPCF and New Jersey Natural Gas that was established in 2018. Tom added that since then $95,000 has been distributed, 16 grants have been awarded, impacting 39 non-profit organizations, and benefiting thousands of Monmouth County residents.

Maria Farhat Tanzola invited our  Winners Circle Society members to stand and be acknowledged as a key group of influencers and sustainers of MPCF.  As a collective that combines donations to provide an annual Transformational Grant, since 2020 they have distributed four grants for a total of $75,725. We are launching our membership drive for our 2024 grant year. 

Maureen asked everyone to mark their calendars for our May 4, 2024 Kentucky Derby Celebration at the Blu Grotto and to look for an announcement for our 4th Annual Golf Invitational to be held at Suneagles in September 2024.

“We would like to thank our Board and all of our supporters who make it possible for Monmouth Park Charity Fund to reach so many worthwhile organizations that provide critical services to our families.  The Distribution Tea is our way of recognizing our recipient agencies and showcasing the wonderful programs they provide for our community through the grants we provide.  We are equally proud that our organization helps agencies build partnerships and provides avenues for them to work together to build stronger programs that help our community”, said Maureen Lloyd & Maria Farhat Tanzola, Co-Presidents of the Board of Trustees.