United Way will honor volunteers

TOMS RIVER - United Way of Ocean County will celebrate the end of its successful 2006-07 annual campaign on Sept. 19 and honor the outstanding volunteers and supporters who made it all possible.

The celebration and 2007-08 campaign kickoff will take place at the Toms River Country Club, Toms River, from 9-11 a.m., sponsored by Perlmutter Family of ShopRites, New Jersey Natural Gas, B.D. Movers and Gangi Graphics.

"Our campaign success makes it possible for United Way of Ocean County to fund local programs provided through our partner agencies' services that meet the most critical needs of our community," said Anu Gupta, executive director of United Way of Ocean County.

Highlights of the celebration will include the presentation of The Warren G. Christenson Award for Volunteer of the Year to Jennifer McMahon from Perlmutter Family of ShopRites. This award salutes the outstanding accomplishments of an individual who has contributed exceptional volunteer service and dedication to United Way of Ocean County.

Also presented will be The Constance K. Weaver Award to Sue Sedivec of Big Brothers Big Sisters which recognizes a nonprofit-agency staff person who has distinguished himself or herself as an invaluable contributor to the overall efforts and programs provided by a United Way Partner Agency.

In addition, the OceanFirst Foundation will be presented with the Benefactor Award. United Way of Ocean County has been extremely fortunate to be the beneficiary of numerous grants over the years from OceanFirst Foundation.

Additional recognition will be given to several individuals and business organizations in Ocean County for their continued support which include Exelon, UPS, WOBM Millennium Radio, Cowan Gunteski and Company and St. Francis Center. Also being honored are Nancy Eriksen and Michael Godknecht from Exelon, Maria Sessa from JCP&L and Lisa McComsey from Flying Turtle Marketing.

The money raised provides funding to United Way partner agencies which address the needs of Ocean County residents and include, but are not limited to, emergency food and clothing; shelter to the abused, neglected and homeless; senior services; youth programs; counseling to children and families; crisis intervention; substance abuse counseling; and support to individuals with disabilities.

To purchase tickets for the event or for more information about United Way of Ocean County, call Madalaine Rice at (732) 240-0311.