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The city’s Inaugural Asbury Park Day set off Saturday morning with the Keepers of the Dream, an all faith’s scholarship breakfast at Trinity Episcopal Church on Asbury Avenue.

Present were what Deliverance Temple Church’s Pastor Warren Hall called VIP members of the community – some homeless, some struggling, and some in need of a warm meal.

“People have judged you and me to be a certain way,” Hall said. “It is up to us to dissolve the perception that people have of us but to remain who we are.”

The culmination of an idea by former Board of Education member Christian Hall, Asbury Day’s mission is to bring a group of diverse people together to engage one another, to have a conversation about how to change what is going on in order to help the children and the youth of the community, Pastor Hall said.

Monmouth County Freeholder Serena DiMaso said she will come to the city any time she is called to do so.

“Asbury Park is being returned to the splendor that it once was,” she said. “If we work together, we can conquer all the [negative] perceptions. Asbury is a wonderful, creative place with a loving community.”

On behalf of the Freeholders, DiMaso presented certificates of appreciation for the unsung heroes in the community who tirelessly work for the betterment of the city and its residents.

They included Meridian Health’s Marion Herzog, Teri Harrison, Mike Beverly and Robin Krippa; Asbury Park Fire Department’s Tyhesha Beaty-Gates; and Asbury Park Police Department’s Byron Young, Tyron McAlister, Steve Love, and Todd Wilson.

“It’s such an honor to be here,” Officer Love said. “It’s a good thing to receive this recognition for the city and for the community because it helps people see we are officers and we are regular people.”

The 16-year police department veteran said he was proud to accept the honor.

“It’s a good start,” he said.

Organizations and churches across the city will be holding Asbury Day events, including Deliverance Temple Church’s noon to 6 p.m. celebration.

Complete with a gospel concert featuring The Holy Echoes, Candice Craddox, Mother Graham, and Dennis Grant and Sons, there will be a free buffet, clothing distribution, health screenings and services, and scholarship giveaways.

Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton said Asbury Day is a chance to “celebrate our common unity – the golden thread that holds the beautiful, extraordinary tapestry of Asbury Park together; admiring the diverse, unique fabric, essence and experiences of every individual, every culture, every lifestyle and every religion while appreciating all of the things that we share.”

Deliverance Temple Church is located at 504 Prospect Ave.

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