Stay Up To Date In Our Community
Causeway Gazette The
www.CausewayGazette.com
Proudly serving Manahawkin and surrounding communities
May 2021 • Number 85
UNITED WAY RECEIVES CAUSEWAY DONATION By Kaarina Romero, Causeway We are happy to continue, due to overwhelming community response, with our 2020 campaign – “CauseWheels” Monthly Vehicle Donation Program - to help our neighbors and positively impact Ocean County. In 2019, Causeway had two requests for vehicle donations to local nonprofit organizations. We were able to accommodate each of these requests. This prompted an idea to follow up 2019’s 50th Anniversary $10,000 Monthly Grant program. We are proud to announce our May winner, United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. About United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (UWMOC) is a local nonprofit based out of Wall Township that has served our community for over 50 years. Originally founded in 1967 as United Way of Monmouth County, UWMOC was formed in 2016 by a merger with United Way of Ocean County (founded in 1969). The two United Ways had always worked closely together, especially rebuilding homes that were
Jim Sigurdson, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels; Kelly Denelsbeck, Director of Transportation Services for Meals on Wheels, Toni Pitts, UWMOC Development Manager; Carol Stillwell, UWMOC Advisory Board Member; Patti Harvey, UWMOC VP of Development; Robin Griggs, Volunteer; Kaarina Romero, UWMOC Director of Marketing & Communications; Brian Massey, UWMOC Board Member; Deena Harmon, UWMOC Chief Financial Officer; Christine Jagerburger, UWMOC VP of Community Impact; Jennifer Hakim, UWMOC Community Impact Manager; Lori-Anne McLane, UWMOC President & CEO; Jackie Liguori, UWMOC Director of Volunteer Engagement; Sandy Broughton, UWMOC Board Member; Dave Wintrode, President of The Causeway Family of Dealerships; Chris Varner, Used Vehicle Merchandising Manager; Corey Gellis, General Sales Manager; David Wintrode, General Manager; and Joe Stroffolino, Director of Advertising and Marketing.
damaged by Superstorm Sandy, so it was a logical step to combine
resources in order to better fulfill the organization’s mission. United Way serves the residents of both counties equally by building initiatives that address common goals. UWMOC’s mission is to bridge the gaps to education, financial stability and health for every person in Monmouth and Ocean counties. In the wake of the pandemic, this work has never been more important. United Way is unparalleled in its power to convene partners, providers, volunteers and resources to address the needs of communities in crisis, much like it did in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. COVID-19 has been a new and unexpected challenge for everyone, but United Way was built for this. COVID-19 Response & Donation Drives
WHAT'S INSIDE SEE PAGE 2 Sports Beat SEE PAGE 3 It’s Never Too Late To Graduate SEE PAGE 4 Top Tips For Women Who Do It All SEE PAGE 5 Free Oil Change Coupon SEE PAGE 6 Certified Pre-Owned Ford and Lincoln Specials SEE PAGE 7 Donna’s Angels Thanks Causeway’s Kindness SEE PAGE 8 Causeway Customs SEE PAGE 9 Certified Pre-Owned Honda Vehicles SEE PAGE 10 IONIQ Named Best Hybrid And Best Plug-In Hybrid SEE PAGE 11 Kids Corner Activities SEE PAGE 12 Family Promise
The
Causeway Gazette For information or to advertise in The Causeway Gazette please call 609.713.6706 or visit www.CausewayGazette.com email: CausewayGazette@gmail.com
Editor: Joe Stroffolino Assistant Editor: Kaitlyn Strohmeier Publisher: Melissa Hill Creative/Comp: Keith Stewart, Theresa Maye, Andy Rosenthal Marketing: Bryan Whelan © 2021. All rights reserved.
In April 2020, UWMOC organized a COVID-19 Recovery Fund to address the unmet needs of our community caused by this crisis. Thanks to generous donations from individuals, corporations and virtual fundraisers, United Way distributed grants to a total of 11 local organizations. These funds enabled some nonprofits to reopen and adhere to safety protocols, and also helped 512 households financially impacted by COVID-19 with their basic needs. In addition to funds raised to support our community, UWMOC coordinates donation drives through its Volunteer Center to help ensure that our residents’ basic needs are being met. United Way is bridging the gaps to non-food household supplies that are not available to purchase through government aid such as SNAP, including paper goods and diapers. Drives for senior comfort bags, books and winter coats also help alleviate the basic needs of our neighbors.
The vans donated to United Way will be used to deliver donations like these senior comfort bags to Meals on Wheels of Ocean County. Pictured is Jim Sigurdson, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels.
Once again, we want to send out a HUGE thank you to our friends Meals on Wheels of Ocean County. Executive Director Jim Sigurdson has now donated NINE vehicles to Causeway. Jim knows we will find the perfect non-profit that will put each vehicle to good use. UWMOC held its 2020 Warmest Wishes Coat Drive to provide coats to local youth. Over 6,300 winter outerwear and holiday items – including 2,669 coats – were given to schools throughout our region to help keep kids warm over the winter months. In addition to hosting the Warmest Wishes Coat Drive, UWMOC was also a partner in “Operation Warm Up Jersey Shore”. Thanks to the South
Jersey Funder Collaborative that included the Causeway Family of Dealerships, 3,200 children in Ocean and Monmouth counties received new coats for the winter. The vehicles generously donated by Meals on Wheels of Ocean County and the Causeway Family of Dealerships will help facilitate and expand these drives by giving UWMOC a safe and reliable way to pick up and deliver donations of various items to our neighbors in need.
MAKE A GIFT You can help improve the education, financial stability and health for everyone in our community and give hope for a brighter tomorrow. Visit uwmoc.org/give for a variety of ways to make an impact. GET INVOLVED Make a difference in our community by volunteering your time and talent. Get involved with UWMOC’s donation drives or visit their Volunteer Portal to find virtual or safe in-person opportunities in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Learn more about volunteering at uwmoc.org/ volunteer. FIND HELP Need help finding the services you are eligible for right now? Have you been financially impacted by the pandemic? FREE services are available for Ocean and Monmouth County residents through UWMOC’s Financial Success Center Network. Contact us today to connect with trained staff who will help determine the benefits you are eligible for, work on a budget and directly connect you with community resources. For a list of services and more information, visit uwfinancialsuccess.org or call 732-414-6745.
See CAUSEWHEELS, Page 8