Each month, New Jersey Monthly’s Giving Back page features photos taken at various charitable events across the Garden State. The following snapshots were featured in the February Do It Yourself issue.
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1. Supporting the State’s Theaters
Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia.
The New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s 35th Anniversary Ovation Gala raised over $270,000 in support of theaters throughout the state. Tony-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, left, and Joseph P. Benincasa, second from right, accepted honors at the celebration from Carol Herbert and John McEwen of New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
2. Dancing With Dolphins
Photo credit: Nick Valinote.
The Dancing With Dolphins Benefit, hosted by wildlife preservation nonprofit Marine Mammal Stranding Center, raised $45,000 for the center. Among the 200 guests were, from left, Ken Schaeffer, Sheila Dean, Bob Schoelkopf and Peggy Richards, MMSC.
3. Scholarships for Residents
Photo courtesy of charitable organization.
Elie Rieder, right, founder of Castle Lanterra Properties (CLP), presented Bayonne resident Yolanda Toby with a $5,000 scholarship. CLP launched the scholarship program earlier this year for residents of the firm’s properties.
4. Youth Center Donation
Photo courtesy of charitable organization.
Quaker Steak & Lube in Pohatcong, a casual dining chain, donated $900 of their sales on their second anniversary to Joseph H. Firth Youth Center in Phillipsburg. From left were Nick Graf of Quaker Steak & Lube, Donna Schaare and Dawn L. Slifer of Joseph H. Firth Youth Center.
5. Serving Students with Learning Disabilities
Photo courtesy of charitable organization.
Bridge Academy in Lawrenceville, serving students with learning disabilities, received $15,000 from Investors Bank to fund projects like the interactive musical sculpture made from recycled items. Bridge Academy’s Susan K. Morris, second from left, and Kim Bruno, second from right, marked the occasion with Cynthia Ricker, left, and Linda Martin, Investors Bank.
6. Sweep the Beach
Photo credit: Lauren E. Brajer.
Ocean advocates, from left, Cindy Zipf, Clean Ocean Action; Frank Pallone, congressman; Denise Ryan, National Park Service; and Jen Nersesian, Gateway National Recreation Area, applauded the 2,000 volunteers who scoured over 70 sites from Essex to Cape May counties for debris during Clean Ocean Action’s 31st Annual Beach Sweeps cleanup.