$100k raised for Sandy relief at Stone Pony
Monmouth GOP, Democrats come together for the first time
Monmouth County’s Republicans and Democrats united to fundraise for the first time in their history yesterday at the Stone Pony, and have collected $100,000 and counting for Sandy relief.
“We took the governor’s and the president’s lead by forgetting about parties and doing what needs to be done,” Joe Grillo, executive director of the Monmouth County Democrats, said today.
The New Leaders Council New Jersey, the Monmouth County Republicans, Monmouth County Democrats, New Jersey Young Republicans and New Jersey Young Democrats sponsored the event. The response from attendees was positive, Grillo said.
“People thought it was a great example for the rest of the state and the rest of the country, especially with what’s going on in Washington right now,” Grillo said. “The storm didn’t affect just Republicans or Democrats or Independents. It affected everyone.”
About 1,000 people from throughout New Jersey attended the event, Grillo said, which went from 1 to 7 p.m. yesterday, Dec. 30. Toast restaurant donated food for the event.
Travelling from North and South Jersey and in between, many attendees boosted the city’s economy by staying in local hotels and eating at the city’s restaurants, Grillo said.
“I definitely saw some local businesses getting some much-needed business from our concert, which was good,” he added.
Funds raised will be donated to New Jersey Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, which is being run by Governor Chris Christie and his wife, Mary Pat. Donations are still being accepted. Checks can be mailed to NJ Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund c/o FMA, PO Box 477, Springfield, 07081.
Kevin McArdle of NJ 101.5 was the event’s emcee. Bands like the B Street Band, the Pat Roddy Band, Joe Orlando and the Cryers, Vinny Pastore and the Crazy Horse Band and Back Up Jackson performed.
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[Top photo: The B Street Band performs. Photo at right: Monmouth GOP chair John Bennett (from left), New Leaders Council chair Justin Braz and Monmouth Democrats vice chair Mary Foster presenting a check to Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. Photos courtesy of Joe Grillo.]
