75th Annual Distribution of Funds Tea

On November 16^th, 2022, the Monmouth Park Charity Fund celebrated their Roberta O. Fox 75^th Annual Agency Distribution of Funds Tea and provided Traditional Legacy grants ton 45 of Monmouth County’s nonprofit organizations. We were thrilled to be back in full force, coming together 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 Anita and Joseph Roselle, Linda and 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.  To see the list of agencies and link to their individual websites go to www.mpcharityfund.org.

A special announcement was made that 3 additional $10,000 grants will be awarded to agencies for innovative collaborative projects that will expand services by working together.  This RFP called the “Accomplish More Together” is made possible through a partnership with New Jersey Natural Gas. Since 2018 this partnership has awarded 13 grants totaling $65,000 impacting 27 local non-profit organizations and benefiting thousands of Monmouth County residents.

This year we invited agencies to nominate a “Volunteer of the Year”.  Allison Debartolis from SNAPS and Jeannine Grasso from Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide were the winners.

The other nominees, who are all amazing, include:

• Brenden Ballintine from Jewish Family & Children’s Services
• Sarah Copp from Literacy NJ Monmouth
• Julian Deseno from Center for Vocational Rehabilitation
• Ruth Harms from The Samaritan Center NJ
• Diane Kellerhals from Ronald McDonald House
• Lew Kurland from Lunch Break
• Danny Leotta from Salvation Army
• Maureen Lynch from Handicapped High Riders Club
• Basia Orr from Allaire Community Farm
• Marty Pena from 180 Turning Lives Around
• Meg Ricard from Bloom Again Foundation
• Margaret Winkleman from Ladacin Network.

Thank you to our judges Eileen Cooper, Barbara Rumsby, and Ellie Smith.

“I 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, President of the Board of Trustees