FEATURED PHOTO: Representing the Monmouth Park Charity Fund on CM’s cover this month are (left to right) Maria Farhat Tanzola, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF; Maureen Lloyd, President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF; and Carol Stillwell, Proud Supporter of MPCF. | CREDIT: Carmela Caracappa Photography

Having raised nearly $9.9 million for those at risk or in need in the community, the MPCF is a reliable partner for local charities that have come to count on its financial support through Traditional Legacy Grants and several other grant programs. But 2020 is proving to be a year like none other, and the MPCF now finds itself in need of help more than ever before.

“With the cancellation of our Kentucky Derby (event) we are appealing to our supporters to pivot their sponsorships and reservations and make a straight donation to Monmouth Park Charity Fund,” said Debi Heptig, MPCF Director of Operations. “We have $115,000 toward our goal of $265,000. The success of this effort will determine our ability to distribute grants in 2020 so this is a truly important campaign for us, and for the 50+ local charities that count on our grants to run their programs.”

MPCF’s 17th Annual Kentucky Derby Party was postponed from May to align with the new September date for the Kentucky Derby race, but with the current state of the pandemic the event has been cancelled entirely. An elegant affair that draws more than 400 attendees annually, it is one of the most anticipated events each year in Monmouth County. Known for its Derby Hat Parade and Contest, raffles and auction, and specialty cocktails and cuisine, it is a true Derby celebration often attended by the sitting Governor and other notable figures. But more than a fun and exciting party, the day at the races is the main fundraiser for MPCF. Last year a new record was set with more than $417,000 raised, and those funds provided 99% of the 58 grants that were awarded by MPCF to local non-profits.

“In Monmouth County there is a diverse group of populations that use non-profit agencies to get their medical and mental needs met, food to put on their tables for family members, and an array of support services,” shared Maureen Lloyd, President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF. “In recent months, with the pandemic not seeming to leave us alone anytime soon, these agencies have been working around the clock. Our goal at MPCF is to continue our legacy of giving even during this dire time. We ask the community to continue to support MPCF! Although we have had to cancel our biggest event, we still are asking our past donors, attendees, and sponsors to support our goal of raising more than $265,000 by donating to our organization in the next few months so that the non-profit agencies we support through grants will be able to receive their check at MPCF’s Annual Tea in late October and carry on their service to our most vulnerable citizens.”

The Kentucky Derby Party and the fall Breeders Tin Cup Team Challenge for Charity are the two main fundraising events hosted by MPCF each year, while the Winner’s Circle Society Membership Reception and the Roberta O. Fox Annual Distribution Tea are held to honor members and award grants. On average, 80 non-profit agencies apply to MPCF each year for funding. A review committee determines which organizations receive grants, with typically 50 awarded annually. By bringing the leaders of various non-profits together in one room, the Annual Tea fosters a way for greater needs to be met.

“I was Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters for 20 years,” shared Heptig. “Every year all the (non-profit) agency Directors would attend the Annual Tea. It was our day to receive much needed funding, and it was our day to shine and share. So many of our most vulnerable in the county need a myriad of services, at the Tea we talked and figured out ways to do more by working together.”

The Annual Tea is an afternoon of giving and collaboration that sets the work of the Fund apart from what many other charities are doing, but it’s also a day of great emotion.

“One of my favorite parts of working with MPCF is presenting our Legacy Grants at our Tea,” said Maria Farhat Tanzola, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF. “Every recipient shares how the grants help their constituents and often there isn’t a dry eye in the room.”

An all-volunteer leadership, the Fund is run by a Board of 18 trustees and one staff member. With Monmouth Park Racetrack donating office space for the organization, 83% of all monies raised go directly to financial support of human service programs throughout Monmouth County. Strategic partnerships with New Jersey Natural Gas, the Grunin Foundation, CentraState Medical Center, and Hackensack Meridian Health have afforded even more opportunities for giving.

“Since learning of their mission, I have always been proud to support the Monmouth Park Charity Fund. The vision of MPCF to aid Monmouth County charities so they may carry out their diverse objectives in assisting the most vulnerable in our community aligns perfectly with my core beliefs and values,” said Carol Stillwell, President of Stillwell-Hansen and proud supporter of MPCF. “Many of the charities that benefit from MPCF are organizations that I already serve and truly speak to my heart, making MPCF a natural and ideal fit for my philanthropic endeavors.”

Beyond attending or supporting MPCF events through purchases or direct donations, as of 2018 a $500 individual donation offers membership into the Society. The Winner’s Circle Society, chaired by Sandy Mullaney and Anita Roselle, is a new initiative of the organization where members participate in determining how and to whom an annual grant called the Transformational Grant will be distributed. The first grant of the group was awarded this summer to The Arc of Monmouth for $13,750. The Society is currently 51 strong, and MPCF is looking to bring on 50 new members in time to complete its 75th Anniversary in July of 2022 as part of its planned year-long celebration.

For more information, to donate, or secure membership, please visit MPCharityFund.org.

The History of MPCF

In 1946 a group led by the late Amory L. Haskell of Middletown began a restoration of Monmouth Park Racetrack, which had been abandoned for 50 years. Under the new leadership of then-President Haskell, the Monmouth Park Jockey Club was born. In an effort to show their gratitude to the residents of Monmouth County for their assistance in making the dream of a revitalized racetrack a reality, Haskell and his partner, Philip H. Iselin, assembled a committee of 15 area women to plan a charity ball and carnival to be held at Monmouth Park. It was decided the money raised from the first charity ball in 1947 would be given back to the community by way of support for local charitable endeavors, a tradition that is honored by The Monmouth Park Charity Fund to this day.

Betty Iselin, wife of Philip, became the first president of the Charity Ball Committee, an office she held for 50 years. Haskell’s daughters, the late Anne Haskell Ellis of Middletown and Hope Haskell Jones of Rumson, were a vital part of the fundraising committee for more than 30 years. Hope Haskell Jones continues to be an active member of the Monmouth Park Charity Fund.

For many years, the Committee worked with the support and cooperation of the Monmouth Park Racetrack administration and enjoyed the many courtesies available to them. The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority purchased Monmouth Park in 1986 and continued to support the activities of the Fund. Today, Monmouth Park Racetrack is managed by the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NJTHA) and the organization continues the tradition of honoring the work of the MPCF.

 

The daily burdens thrust upon families who are battling pediatric cancer are many, and the Ashley Lauren Foundation (ALF) is an independent, New Jersey-based non-profit organization that depends on the support of the community to address those needs. This is its mission, and it is one that Monica Vermeulen, Founder and CEO of ALF, aims to fulfill regularly. Even though the pandemic has caused all fundraising events to be cancelled, ALF is finding new ways to bring in funding. But they could really use support from the community, and there are two very specific ways you can help – buying raffle tickets and/or a box from Delicious Orchards. Here’s a great chance to win some money and do some good. Tickets are now available for a 50/50 raffle that will be drawn on September 30 in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Tickets are $25 each, and they will be selling up to 1200 tickets. One half of the proceeds of the 50/50 Raffle to winners will be divided as follows: first place – 80%; second place – 10%; and third Place – 10%. Need to send a gift? Enjoy delicious treats? You can do both and help the kids. Delicious Orchards of Colts Neck is partnering with ALF. Vice President Chris McDonald explained, “Delicious Orchards is excited to team up with the Ashley Lauren Foundation to help raise funds during these difficult times. Due to several events having to be rescheduled or canceled we came up with a way to safely raise funds for a tremendous organization. We have created a Special Ashley Lauren Bakery Box that will be sold online only. For every box that is sold $20 will be donated to the Ashley Lauren Foundation! This box will be available for a limited time, so please place your order today. This sweet Bakery Box contains a Delicious Orchards Brownie, Apple Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and of course a dozen of our Famous Apple Cider Donuts. Send to your Family, Friends, and Clients and help support this wonderful organization. You can place your order by visiting deliciousorchardsnjonline.com.”

“The Ashley Lauren Foundation has been continually assisting children and their families throughout these very difficult times,” shared Vermeulen. “We have been receiving many new referrals on a weekly basis in addition to the many, many families we have already been helping. These children are fighting for their lives and need as much help as possible. Just because we have a pandemic, the cancer that each child has does not stop! In fact, it makes life more challenging for these families because many of the parents are now out of work and their bills are piling up, rents, mortgages, and utilities cannot be paid, food is needed, travel expenses back and forth to hospitals are needed and so much more. It doubles and triples the adversity that they are going through. These are the practical needs, but these children, in addition to suffering from this disease, are confused about what is going on. They need your help.”

In addition to paying bills for the families, ALF makes sure they are still bringing smiles to the children, which is so desperately needed. They deliver toys, send birthday gifts, plan birthday drive-bys, and anything else that can be done to bring some sense of happiness and normalcy. For more information, please visit AshleyLaurenFoundation.org, or call 732.414.1625, or to donate directly you can now Venmo your donation to account @TheAshleyLaurenFoundation.

FEATURED PHOTO: MCHA Executive Committee: (l to r front row) Kathy Jones (2nd Vice President), Lisa Klem Wilson (Treasurer), Ross Millhiser (Vice President Emeritus); (l to r back row) Sandy Mulheren (1st Vice President), Michael Parent (Assistant Treasurer) | CREDIT: Lynne Ward

 

Many participants gathered in their own gardens to safely ‘bloom where they are planted’ while honoring a cherished tradition and joining in a virtual toast to MCHA and its mission to preserve and celebrate the history of Monmouth County.

For more than four decades, MCHA has hosted the annual Garden Party on the last Sunday evening in June. Beginning as an intimate gathering featuring homemade hors d’oeuvres passed by young volunteers and décor plucked from members’ own gardens, the event grew to a much-anticipated summer institution welcoming close to 400 guests to enjoy beautiful vistas from many of the grandest riverfront homes in Monmouth County. This year, due to the current public health crisis, MCHA was not able to host the customary summer soiree. Instead, the Association invited attendees to come together with family and close friends in their own gardens and backyards, while observing social distancing, and then tune in to the Zoom Bloom to share their love for history and the Garden Party with the community.

The Zoom Bloom program featured a greeting from Linda Bricker, President of the MCHA Board of Trustees, welcoming all, exploring the storied history of the Garden Party, and expressing appreciation to the Committee members, trustees, staff, and contributors who continue to help shepherd the Association through this challenging time. Executive Director Meg Sharp-Walton then took to the screen, highlighting the rich 120-year legacy of MCHA and the crucial role history plays in understanding and navigating the challenges the country faces today. Going on to spotlight the Association’s esteemed collection and historic sites reflecting 350 years of American heritage, diverse exhibitions ranging from the paintings of 19th century artist Micah Williams to Springsteen: His Hometown, and innovative programs including a garden project based on Thomas Jefferson’s horticultural records and the newly launched Remembering Covid-19 campaign to gather and archive personal reflections on the pandemic, Sharp-Walton also stressed the vital part supporters and contributors play in ensuring MCHA can continue this important mission. Attendees then joined 2019 Garden Party Honoree and past Interim Director Charles “Chuck” Jones in a toast to the Garden Party and the future of MCHA.

For more information and way to donate to MCHA, please visit MonmouthHistory.org.

FEATURED PHOTO: This is where caption text will go for featured photo. As a general note, captions should also be inputted into the caption section within the media library to help meet ADA compliance. CREDIT: Photographer Name (hyperlinked to their website or whichever landing page they prefer).

Did you know that government subsidies do not cover the cost of soap and other essential toiletries? Stacy Wiener learned this when volunteering at the Bradley Pantry where she witnessed families requesting soap and shampoo along with food. She found a way to distribute soap to the underserved population in a way that is kind, and preserves the dignity of the recipients. Stacy put her talent for knitting and crocheting to good use and created Soap S.A.C.K. (Supporting A Community with Kindness) three years ago. The concept is simple. Festive soap sacks are crocheted or knitted, filled with a bar of soap, and completed with a tag containing a heartfelt message. They are then distributed to food pantries, housing centers, veterans clinics, social service agencies, relief efforts and charities. What started as a local effort has blossomed into a national and international phenomenon. Meet Stacy Wiener to learn how a simple idea in Monmouth County gained traction around the world.

CM: How did S.A.C.K. initially get the sacks made and distributed, and how has it grown?

Stacy Wiener (SW): When I started S.A.C.K. in 2017, I was the only one crocheting/knitting sacks and purchasing the soap to fill them. After reaching out to several local knitting/crocheting groups and explaining the S.A.C.K. mission, they began to make soap sacks for me. However, I was the only one who was donating soap sacks to shelters, pantries and social service agencies, primarily within Monmouth County. A local story was picked up by USA Today two years ago, and within hours, I was receiving emails from all over the country asking me if they could do the same for shelters and pantries in their communities. As you can probably guess, I said YES!! Now there are volunteers in EVERY state as well as Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia. More than 100,000 soap sacks have been donated globally! I am so incredibly lucky to be part of this important mission of extending kindness, one sack at a time.

CM: Tell us about your family and whether they are involved in helping.

SW: My son, Aron, 18, just graduated from the Engineering Academy at Red Bank Regional and will be attending University of Pittsburgh as a Chemical Engineering student.  My husband, Bob, retired from Johnson & Johnson two years ago. We have two coonhound pointer dogs—Choliy and Molae. Aron coordinated a soap drive at RBR during his junior year. Bob is the “back office guy” (his words) for S.A.C.K. He has been solely responsible for the paperwork to get the 501c3 status, trademarking the logo, setting up and maintaining the website, etc.

CM: What are some of the challenges of S.A.C.K.?

SW: I am always in need of soap. It has been especially challenging since COVID—personal hygiene is more important than ever.

CM: What would be your dream way of advancing S.A.C.K.?

SW: I want to continue to inspire people to be part of the S.A.C.K community…and have soap sacks donated all over the world, so a corporate sponsorship, or an appearance on television, or other way to reach a large audience and advance the cause is my dream.

CM: Do you have any hobbies when not working on S.A.C.K?

SW: Besides knitting and crocheting, I love to read and walk the boardwalk. I live two blocks from the beach—I am definitely a Jersey Shore Beach Girl.

CM: Favorite quote?

SW: “Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.” Kevin Heath

CM: How can CM readers get involved?

SW: We appreciate the help! Readers can visit SoapSacks.com for sample patterns and information. They can coordinate soap drives, donate to S.A.C.K. through the website, donate soap through Amazon, (where we also have a Wishlist) as well as donate craft store gift cards to help offset the cost of yarn. We are also on Facebook (@SoapSACK) and Instagram (@soapsacks).

The Monmouth Film Festival (MFF), New Jersey’s renowned and critically acclaimed international film event is known for showcasing the finest independent films from all regions of the globe. Additionally, the Festival has spotlighted celebrities including Kevin Smith, Sinbad, Michael Cera, Micahel Kelly, Sandra Oh, amongst others, as well as presented and hosted exclusive panels with leading industry professionals from top networks including Viacom, Disney/ABC, Hulu, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Blue Sky Studios, and others.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, the Monmouth Film Festival has expressed sincere regrets that the traditional theatrical experience they have utilized since 2016 (at the Two River Theater in Red Bank) will not be possible this year. However, it has given them the opportunity to branch out and stream the sights and sounds of these incredible films right into your homes and hands. This new and exciting format will allow for the HD high-resolution streaming of ALL this year’s movies and at no cost to the public.

“We are proud of our roots as an integral non-profit arts organization here in Monmouth County, New Jersey. New Jersey, as many across the country have learned, has gotten hit hard over the past months from Covid-19, it’s been equally as heartbreaking as it has been devastating to our communities and quality of life. So we had to do something special this year to give back to our community and help rebuild people’s spirits, creativity, and overall mental well being, without them needing to leave the safety of their homes. We have voted to make this year’s 2020 ‘Hybrid’ Monmouth Film Festival completely FREE of charge. All movies, streams, interactive panels, and workshops will be accessible by simply registering on our website, all for free,” said Monmouth Film Festival Founder and President Nicholas Marchese. “Yes, we rely on funding from our community to help us grow and return each year, but more importantly we rely on our community itself! They’ve always been there for us, so this year we are here for you.”

In addition to the online festival offerings, the Monmouth Film Festival is working closely with public safety and medical professionals to create an opening night (outdoor) Red Carpet event at a location in Red Bank (TBD) on Friday, August 14 at 7:00 pm. This event is catered toward this year’s featured filmmakers, as well as industry professionals and artists who are looking for an opportunity to safely network and connect while enjoying some great food and brews from our friends at Triumph Brewing Company. Please keep an eye on the MFF website for further details.

An exciting lineup of more than 65 films, short and feature-length, can be found by visiting the Monmouth Film Festival website. Note: Some streams may have limited or capped viewing capacity, so please be sure to register as soon as possible for streams and films you don’t want to miss. Virtual interactive panels and workshops will be presented from the website this year, open to real-time questions and feedback from the audience via chat.

The complete 2020 Film Festival Program is available at MonmouthFilmFestival.org.

Feature Films include Grizzly II. Revenge (George Clooney, Charlie Sheen, Laura Dern), Give Or Take (Jamie Effros); documentaries Mentally Al (Al Lubel), In Case of Emergency, and Miracle Fishing.

A rich selection of New Jersey Films, short and feature length, are also featured in the festival this year, like Bruce Springsteen: Hometown.

We are confident that this will still be a year to remember, while also being the safest and smartest option for our community at this time. Your stories are more important now than ever and we want to continue to host a platform for artists to network, connect, learn, and grow.

Visit MonmouthFilmFstival.org for a complete schedule.

FEATURED PHOTO CREDIT: Cathy Padilla

After twenty years in the corporate world, Laura leveraged her teaching and mentoring skills to open Class 101 Monmouth County in Hazlet to help families and students navigate the college admissions process. Laura is passionate about helping high school students find their future, and shared information and tips about college planning and applications.

CM: How does Class 101 help students and families?

Laura Ciccone (LC): Simple – we make college planning simple! We are the first comprehensive college planner in our region.The admission process has become so complex it is hard to know WHERE and WHEN to start. As a mom to a high school-aged child, I know how time consuming and frustrating the process can be. As parents, we do not want to be nagging our kids for three to four years to keep on top of planning for college. At Class 101, we work with students 1:1 to connect all the dots and make the process enjoyable for families – no nagging involved!

CM: What are students/parents most surprised to learn about the college admission process?

LC: For parents, it is how much has changed. Back in the day, we started the process at the end of junior year/beginning of senior year, received all communication via US mail, either hand wrote or typed our application, applied to a couple of schools and visited those schools maybe once before accepting. Today, students apply to an average of six to ten colleges, write anywhere from one to fifteen essays, and visit their top colleges two to three times. For students, it is how many colleges are actually out there. I spend many months with my students helping them find which of the 4000 colleges are a good fit for them.

CM: What is the benefit of working with Class 101 during the college planning process?

LC: For 23 years, Class 101 has been providing personalized, 1:1 services to help students and families navigate everything from identifying a college major to developing a college list to the presentation of their college applications. Our expertise and passion have helped more than 6,500 students attend over 400 colleges and universities, and earn more than $482 million in scholarships!! We are here to manage and guide you through the process, so your family can spend time together on what really matters.

CM: When should students start planning activities for college?

LC: Ideally freshman year. I know, kids are just learning how high school works! But your college application is a summary of ALL your high school years, not just junior year. Freshman and sophomore years are all about laying the foundation. I frequently get calls from juniors in January, asking what they need to be doing before applications open in August. It is hard to go back in time to create a good foundation. <h5″>CM: With the current pandemic, how has college planning changed? LC: Unfortunately, the Class of 2020 is taking the brunt of pandemic impact. We are seeing many recent graduates decide to attend college closer to home, either community colleges or state schools, than originally planned. For the Class of 2021 and those thereafter, not much has changed – we continue to help them find the right college fit – academically, personally and financially.

CM: Favorite quote?

LC: “Do something today your future self will thank you for.”

CM: What one tip should readers remember about the college application process?

LC: Early engagement in the process is a game changer! When it comes to maximizing college and scholarship opportunities, the earlier the better.

CM: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

LC: I love to travel but definitely do not do it as often as I would like right now. Work and kids keep me busy at the moment. When I am not working you will usually either find me on one of the many east coast soccer fields watching my daughter play, or entertaining family and friends in our backyard.

Your pets can be celebrities too.

Send in a photo to info@communitymagazinenj.com!

Get social with your pet celebrity! #CMPetCelebs

TZ: What is your proudest achievement in business?

SI: Being named in the Who’s Who in Men’s Hairstyling in 1970 after winning second place in Hairstyling for the State of New Jersey in 1968. Also, cutting a client’s hair until he was 104 years old.

TZ: What was your biggest challenge?

SI: There was no hairstyling for men in Monmouth County in 1963. We were the first to introduce it. We heard someone in Patterson was doing it and we went to him and to NYC for training. It was not easy at first. Men resisted the change. We held classes at Red Bank High School and once the mothers saw their sons with new haircuts, they started sending their husbands. The phone rang off the hook! There was also no hairspray for men. One of our clients was a chemist and made the product for us that we used.

TZ: What has changed with cutting hair through the years?

SI: Many stylists only use clippers. I still use scissors as a way to get a better cut and layering for my clients.

TZ: What has been your philosophy in business?

SI: My motto has always been to treat people with respect. As a result, clients are more like good friends than customers