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It was a huge turnout of 725 people at the Asbury Lanes on Sunday for the “Greetings from AUS-Bury Park” benefit to raise money for those impacted by the Australian wildfires.

The amount raised of just under $51,000 was beyond organizers’ expectations. The money will be donated to the Australian Red Cross.

“We are truly overwhelmed with the generosity and support of the Asbury Park community to aid the relief efforts in Australia,” said David Bowd, who leads Salt Hotels, the management company that operates Asbury Lanes and The Asbury hotel for waterfront redeveloper iStar.

“We raised over an amazing $50,000 for The Australian Red Cross. This was a combined effort that included generous donations and an entire city coming together to support our friends from Down Under. We could not be more grateful or proud, ” Bowd said.

The proceeds were raised through raffle tickets, door tickets and texts to donate. In addition, in the spirit of solidarity with the Aussies, over 200 Aussie Pies sold, over 300 vegemite sandwiches made and 50 pounds of Sausages on the Sizzle were served.

Generous donations to the event were made by iStar, Wellmont Theatre, Danny Clinch, Jon Giswold, High Maintenance Studio 62, Maggie Mazza, SRS, Interfaith Neighbors, City by the Sea Vet, Bouncing Souls, Asbury Park restaurant Tour, Brian Holland Legacy Foundation, Heirloom Kitchen, Salt Hotels, Giglios, Live Life Moving, Asbury Lanes, Asbury Hotel, Tandem Cycle, Electric Tattoo, Optic Wine, WDHA 105.5, Smith Group, Stumpys, Talulas, Patraie Studio, Starland Ballroom. AP Music Foundation, AP Cotton Candy, Russo, Heaven, The Bowery Presents, Staled Ballroom, Nita Ideas, Kim Maries, Telegraph Hills, Cafe Volan, Maiden Coffee, Sweet Dani B Cookies and Twisted Tree Cookies.

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