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Local restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach and Joe Leone Introna, of Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties & Catering of Point Pleasant Beach and Sea Girt, have vowed to sleep on the Asbury Park boardwalk until they raise $50,000 in support of the soon to be constructed Rights of Passage home in Asbury Park.

A partnership between Covenant House New Jersey and Interfaith Neighbors, Rights of Passage is a local program that will offer men ages 18 to 22 a temporary home as they transition out of homelessness. Located along Prospect Avenue, the home will feature five bedrooms with en-suites a communal living room and kitchen, secured storage, and bicycle racks.

“So many people see young people on the streets and don’t know what to do about it,” said Covenant House Executive Director Jim White. “That’s why what Joe and Marilyn are doing is so powerful. Not only are they making a personal sacrifice by committing to sleep on the boardwalk for our kids, but with this kick-off event they are rallying the whole community to the cause of homeless youth.  We could not be more grateful.”

The kick-off event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Langosta Lounge prior to the pair’s personal quest to sleep on the boardwalk in support of homeless youth in the area.

“We decided to partner in this event to bring support and awareness to Monmouth County homeless teens,” Leone said.  “All the funds raised at this kick-off event at Langosta Lounge will go towards helping young people who have been robbed of the gifts of home and family.  I’ve seen firsthand how supporting a sleep out can help to raise funds and awareness, and I’m excited and honored to get involved in such a personal way.”

The kick-off will feature live music and complimentary food provided by Leone and Schlossbach. The $15 donation at the door will go directly to providing housing for New Jersey’s homeless youth and a candlelight ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. outside of Langosta Lounge on the boardwalk.

“I am so excited to be part of this campaign,” Schlossbach said.  “No young people should have to live on the street, sleep under the boardwalk.  I hope the whole community comes together on May 16 to help us kick-off this campaign to fund the new home that Covenant House and Interfaith Neighbors are building for homeless kids.”

For more information, visit covenanthouse.donordrive.com/event/bringthemhome.

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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