Annual Wine & Martini Tasting to Benefit Covenant House New Jersey

FEATURED PHOTO: In addition to the event, and to further public awareness about the charity’s mission, Salt Creek Grille raises a flag with the charity’s logo at the waterfront restaurant’s site year round. A presentation of the flag was made to board members of Covenant House and volunteers in January. Left to right: Steve Bidgood, co-owner Salt Creek Grille; Liz DeBeer; Sue Monteiro, Nancy Incremona, Allyson Forte, Marie Noglows, Kevin Ryan, Covenant House President; Sal Maita; Rob Habel; and Mark Shopene.

The Salt Creek Grille is hosting its Annual Wine & Martini Tasting Fundraiser on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at its restaurant in Rumson, which will benefit Covenant House New Jersey. All proceeds from the event – 100 percent – will go to support Covenant House’s Asbury Park New “Rights of Passage Program.” Covenant House is a not-for-profit organization providing critical services to homeless, runaway and trafficked youth between the ages of 18-21.

Salt Creek Grille’s co-owner and philanthropist Steve Bidgood established the annual fundraiser during its fifth year anniversary. Over the next 14 years, the event has raised $1 million to support local charities serving children’s needs. Covenant House is Salt Creek Grille’s fifthteenth charity.

Covenant House strives to break the cycle of chronic youth homelessness and bridge the gap of support in the lives of at-risk youth; Covenant House has developed three core services known as the Continuum of Care: Street Outreach, Crisis Care, and Rights of Passage. In 1989, Covenant House began its work in New Jersey by providing basic services to homeless youth on the streets of Newark and Atlantic City. By 1992, the Community Service Centers opened in both Newark and Atlantic City. The first Asbury Park site was opened in March 2012. Today there are 32 Covenant House locations across the United States, Canada and Latin America, and the organization reaches nearly 80,000 young people each year.

“Our Covenant House family in New Jersey is so grateful to Steve and our friends at the Salt Creek Grille for celebrating the 20th Anniversary in this special way,” said Covenant House President and CEO Kevin Ryan, who is also a Fair Haven resident. “By supporting our outreach efforts in Asbury Park, they will stand side by side in spirit with our staff as we reach out to young people trying to survive on the streets.  The funds raised will bring help and hope to kids just when they need it the most in their lives.”

“My philanthropy is a tribute to my mother who showed us the many rewards gained from volunteering,” explained Bidgood. “When it came time to celebrate Salt Creek Grille’s anniversary we decided to do our part by using our facility, our expertise and our business relationships to support our local charities. There is no better way to celebrate 20 years,” said Bidgood.

The event is supported by donations from Salt Creek Grille, its vendors, and local businesses that provide food, wine and other services. As in past years, several wine vendors will pour over one hundred premium wines to taste and a spirits representative will concoct specialty martinis for guests to sample. Guests are always impressed with the lavish amounts of delicious offerings including hors d’oeuvres, pasta, carving stations, desserts and more by Salt Creek Grille. In addition, local food businesses are represented including an artisanal cheese table donated by Sickles Market, Little Silver, and a raw bar provided by Lusty Lobster, Highlands. The Bobby Boyd Trio entertains the event’s attendees with live jazz music. A lively live auction is held featuring a local DJ entertainer and NJ 101.5’s Big Joe Henry as auctioneer.

Past charities that benefitted from the event include: 180 Turning Lives Around; Michael’s Feat; Kortney Rose Foundation; Hope For Children Foundation; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Count Basie Performing Arts Academy; Community YMCA; K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital (Meridian); Parker Family Health Center; Kidz Kare (Monmouth Medical Center); SPUR; COSAC; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; and Tuberous Sclerosis.

To purchase tickets, contact Marie Noglows by calling 732.778.4597 or emailing marie.noglows@comcast.net For sponsorships, contact Sue Monteiro at 973.286.3543 or smonteiro@covenanthouse.org. Tickets are $150.