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The mission of the Monmouth Park Charity Fund is to raise and distribute funds to non-profit agencies in Monmouth County that provide services related to health, those at risk in the community, and those in need of special services.

A Storied History of Giving: The Monmouth Park Charity Fund

In 1946, a group led by the late Amory L. Haskell of Middletown embarked on a bold mission: to revive the long-abandoned Monmouth Park Racetrack. After 50 years of silence, the iconic track was poised to become a vibrant heart of Monmouth County once again.

Under the leadership of Haskell, Philip H. Iselin, Reeve Schley, Joseph M. Roebling, Townsend B. Martin, John MacDonald, and James Cox Brady, the Monmouth Park Jockey Club was born. Iselin played a pivotal role, serving as chairman of the construction committee and treasurer of the club. He would later take over as president after Haskell’s passing.

A Tradition of Gratitude
Haskell and Iselin, deeply appreciative of Monmouth County’s support in reviving the racetrack, decided to give back. They assembled a committee of 15 local women to plan a grand Charity Ball and Carnival at Monmouth Park. The proceeds from this inaugural event in 1947 would be directed towards local charitable causes, marking the genesis of a tradition that continues to this day through the Monmouth Park Charity Fund.

Formalizing the Effort
On July 21, 1947, the Monmouth Park Charity Fund was officially incorporated as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Betty Iselin, Philip’s wife, became the first president of the Charity Ball Committee, a position she held for an extraordinary 50 years. Haskell’s daughters, Anne Haskell Ellis and Hope Haskell Jones, also played crucial roles, actively involved in fundraising for over three decades. Hope Haskell Jones remains an active member of the Fund today.

Enduring Partnerships
For decades, the Monmouth Park Charity Fund enjoyed the unwavering support of the Monmouth Park Racetrack administration. When the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority purchased the track in 1986, they graciously continued to back the Fund’s endeavors. Today, under the management of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NJTHA), Monmouth Park Racetrack maintains its commitment to supporting the Fund’s mission.

A Legacy of Generosity
Since its inception, the Monmouth Park Charity Fund has made a profound impact on Monmouth County. Hundreds of charitable organizations have received grants, totaling $10,517,447 in contributions to date. These funds have directly benefited countless residents across the county, supporting crucial services related to health, assisting vulnerable individuals, and providing aid to those in need of special services.

Volunteers: The Backbone of Success
The Fund’s success wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of countless volunteers who have tirelessly donated their time and effort for decades. From organizing fundraising events to managing administrative tasks, their passion and enthusiasm are the fuel that drives the Fund forward.

Gratitude and Continued Impact
The Monmouth Park Charity Fund is a testament to the power of community spirit and unwavering dedication. By continuously striving to raise and distribute funds for worthy causes, it has enriched the lives of countless individuals and made Monmouth County a stronger, more caring place. The story of the Fund is not just about reviving a racetrack; it’s about the enduring legacy of giving back and the power of collective action to make a difference.

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Our latest tax return: 2022 Form 990
View our 2023 Annual Impact Report
EIN: 22-6063135

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Maureen Lloyd, RN, BSN, MSN, is the Co-President of the Board of Trustees at the Monmouth Park Charity Fund. As a board member, she has played a key role as Chair of the Kentucky Derby Celebration, the Fund’s signature fundraising event, which helps raise and distribute vital support to nonprofits in Monmouth County. Maureen also serves on the advisory council of Lunch Break and has been actively involved with various nonprofit organizations, serving on boards and fundraising committees.

Senior Vice President & Private Wealth Advisor

Maria Farhat Tanzola, joined UBS in 2012 culminating 30+ years in Private Wealth Management. Maria leads the team in delivering all aspects of wealth management and planning to Ultra high net worth families. She provides insightful execution helping to relieve her clients of the worries and burdens of their wealth. Maria is a founding member of UBS Sustainable Investment Advisory Council and was the creator of ImpactNJ, an investment strategy focused on supporting the rebuild efforts of New Jersey communities. Her team at UBS has been recognized by Barrons and Forbes as a Top Private Wealth Management Team.in the country.

As a very committed member of the community, in addition to Monmouth Park Charity Fund, Maria spends much of her personal time involved with many non-profit organizations such as The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore (Executive Board), Chair, Hackensack Meridian Foundation-Women’s Heart Fund and was most recently honored as a Woman of Distinction of the Girl Scouts of America. She also was awarded the Silver Gull Award by the Monmouth Ocean Development Council.

Anita Roselle is the quintessential community advocate. She is a tireless leader in the many charities she had devoted herself to in our community.

She chaired the ARC of Monmouth’s Winter Glow Ball for 25 years, transforming it to the “Event of the Year” to attend.

She served on the Board of Trustees for Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center.  She was a board member of Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  During this time, she also chaired, for eight years, the Brookdale Community College President’s Ball along with Monmouth University’s Scholarship Ball Ad Journal and was chairwoman of Parent Fund Raising.  Anita also was a chairwoman on the Boy Scouts Joshua Huddy Award Dinner.

Anita continues to serve as a board member to the Parker Family Health Center, Hackensack Meridian Health’s Women’s Heart Fund, of which she was a founding member, and the Monmouth Charity Park Fund.

She and her husband, Joe, continue to be scholarship donors to Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University.  They are supporters of Count Basie Theatre and she serves on the Gala Committee.  Anita has chaired for many years the VNA Auction Committee for their annual Summer Gala.

She has received many honors for her leadership:

  • Eastern Chamber of Commerce “Spinnaker Award”
  • National Conference of Christians and Jews Humanitarian Award
  • 2000 Brookdale Community College “Woman of the Year” Award 
  • 2000 FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties “Humanitarian of the Year” Award
  • 2001 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore “Woman of Distinction” Award 2003 Monmouth Council of Boy Scouts “Joshua Huddy Award”
  • 2006 Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center “Woman of the Year” Award
  • 2007 Dama of the Order of Merit of Savoy

Barry Shapiro is a resident of West Long Branch. He has served over the years in many capacities in support of a variety of organizations. He is past chairman of Ronald McDonald House of Central NJ, past president of temple Beth Torah, and is currently on the board of the Robert Kilgour endowment fund on endowment fund of congregation Torat-eland, and he is Vice President of Monmouth Park Charity Fund.

Linda Sirico is currently MPCF Board Secretary and Co-Chair of our 2023 Kentucky Derby Day Celebration.  Linda has over 20 years of experience in the Healthcare Industry. She currently is the Director of Business Development for a leading senior healthcare company. Linda also has an extensive background in real-estate and mortgage transactions and is an active referral agent for both.  Her passion for helping others leads Linda to make successful connections for many in the business and nonprofit communities. Linda has a passion for giving back, providing support to nonprofits, among many; Wounded Warrior Project, Senior Citizens Activity Network—SCAN, and for many years she has orchestrated a holiday toy drive for Lunch Break. 

Linda along with her husband Tom live in Spring Lake, and are active in business networking throughout Monmouth County. They are both founding members of the Monmouth Park Charity Fund Winner’s Circle.

Matthew Holman brings over 15 years of financial expertise to his role as Treasurer of the Monmouth Park Charity Fund, where he helps guide the organization’s mission to support non-profits in Monmouth County. With his extensive background in auditing, consulting, and internal controls, Matthew ensures the charity’s financial operations are well-managed, fostering transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds to local agencies.

In addition to his work with the charity, Matthew is the lead Partner in the Advisory Department of Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. (HFA), a regional public accounting firm serving New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. His experience in governmental auditing and financial consulting translates seamlessly into his work with the Monmouth Park Charity Fund, where he plays a vital role in overseeing budgetary processes and ensuring the organization meets its financial goals.

Matthew holds a B.A. in Accounting from Franklin and Marshall College and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA). He holds certifications in Internal Control, Cyber-Security, and Client Advisory Services.

Outside of his professional life, Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, exploring their beach town, and indulging in his passions for tech, craft beer, and trop rock music.

Denise Anderson, Ph.D. is a communications/marketing consultant for the higher education and non-profit sectors, establishing brands from logo design to the execution of a comprehensive strategic marketing campaign. An adjunct professor at Rutgers University teaching public relations and integrated marketing, she also volunteers at the USO and Fulfill. 

Raymond R. Curnew, Jr. is the CSO and partner at Fortune Title Agency, Inc. He is a graduate of Temple University and has over 20 years of experience in the real estate and insurance industry. In his spare time Raymond enjoys riding his motorcycles and donating his time to various charities.

A longtime Rumson resident, Warren is an avid supporter of many local causes, including Monmouth Medical Foundation, the Beauty Foundation Cancer Care, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, ARC Foundation, Meridian Health Care, Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Cleanup, American Cancer Society, Women’s Philanthropic Fund, and Visiting Nurses Association.

Currently CEO of American Real Estate Management, which owns and operates the Self-Storage chain known as American Self Storage, Warren and his family are committed to improving the lives of families facing hardship.

Tom is the Director of Customer and Community Relations for New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG). With a B.S. in Architecture from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, Tom started with NJNG over thirty years ago in the Facilities Management Department before heading up the company’s newly formed Economic Development Department in 1995 and in 2000 was asked to head up the company’s Customer and Community Relations Department.  Tom serves on over 20 nonprofit boards and numerous committees in the Monmouth, Ocean and Morris County areas.  He is responsible for community outreach, manages the NJNG Charity and is the liaison with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.  He and his fantastic staff handle numerous programs ranging from home ownership and energy assistance to volunteer and educational initiatives throughout NJNG’s service area.

Tom and his wonderful wife Regina are blessed with three terrific children, Tom Jr., Christopher and Olivia.  They volunteer often and appreciate all who lend a hand to help others. 

John has philanthropic ties deeply rooted in Monmouth County including a number of charitable organizations such as Parents with a Plan, where he is leading the development and financing of supportive housing.  He served as President of the Board of Lunch Break, a well-known community organization where he and his wife, Robin were recently honored with the Heart to Hand Award, they were co-chairs of the Captial Campaign and led the Construction Committee. John has 30 years experience in the real estate industry as a developer and an executive.  He was CEO of the Premium Outlets division of Simon Property Group.

A longtime Monmouth County resident, Stephen resides in Fair Haven with his wife and two young children.  Stephen is a partner at the law firm of Riker Danzig LLP where he leads the firm’s Trusts & Estates practice.   MPCF’s broad impact among the many organizations that serve the variety of needs of Monmouth County’s residents drew Stephen to volunteer on the board.

Gina Petillo, from Little Silver, has a thirty-five-year commitment of philanthropy and giving back to her community.  Her focus has been with local non-profits such as The ARC of Monmouth, Hackensack Meridian Health, Parker Family Health Center, Fulfill, The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Impact 100 of the Jersey Coast, The Mercy Center, and Monmouth Park Charity Fund. She enjoys her grandchildren, traveling and playing golf in her spare time.

Jeanne Wall owns Hometown News, publishing TAPinto community news in Monmouth County since 2017. Before her current role, Jeanne was a Vice President of a PR firm in Manhattan and brings 15 years of experience creating and executing strategic communication and media relations plans for Fortune 500 companies and C-level executives. Besides the Monmouth Park Charity, Jeanne is a board member for The Middletown Arts Center, Holmdel Chamber, former founding board member of Hope for Children Foundation, and Friends of Holmdel Open Space. Jeanne lives in Holmdel with her husband and four children. 

Debi Heptig joined Monmouth Park Charity Fund in 2015 as Director of Operations.  She is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career spanning decades in senior non-profit management. Serving as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters for 19 years and 5 years as Director of Development for the American Red Cross, she brings a wealth of experience in all facets of non-profit management.

Throughout her career, Debi has also lent her expertise to various other non-profit organizations, including Long Branch Concordance, Ocean Monmouth Legal Services, Hope Sheds Light, and the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. Her professional journey has been guided by a steadfast belief in the power of non-profits to effect meaningful change in communities.

Debi treasures spending time with her son Dr. Michael Heptig, his wife Chelsea, and their children Michael, Matthew, and Lilliana.  She is also a 500 hour registered yoga instructor focusing on instruction for people with chronic illness. 

Residing in Little Silver, NJ, Erica brings extensive experience in fund development and special events from her work with NYC-based nonprofits, including Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, and The Mount Sinai Medical Center.

In recent years, Erica has focused on raising her three children, Lucy, Caroline, and CJ. She is an active community volunteer, serving as a PTO trustee for her children’s school and a Girl Scout troop leader. She also enjoys cheering on her children at their soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse games, and swim meets. Erica is eager to help MPCF expand our supporter base and collaborate closely with our Director of Operations, Debi Heptig, as our organization continues to grow and increase our community giving grant programs.