Kids in need get sports equipment
By DEBBIE MURA
Correspondent
Without lacrosse sticks, baseball gloves, soccer balls and other sports equipment, kids can't play
sports. That's obvious, right?
What's not so obvious is that many kids who want to play, can't — simply because their families don't
have enough money to provide the necessary equipment.
Melissa Dominach and Bailey Taft, both seventh-graders at Fair Haven's Knollwood School, realized
this when they found out that their classmates played indoor soccer in Red Bank with a lot of area
children who have no soccer equipment of their own. When the girls learned of the situation, they
immediately thought about the volunteer project they must complete in eighth grade to receive
confirmation at The Church of the Nativity. But, waiting wasn't an option.
"We decided to start the project this year because we want to help the local children now," the girls
explain on the Web site for the project they've dubbed Equipment for Kids. "We came up with a name
for our organization, designed a logo, designed a PowerPoint presentation, flier, (and) set up and
designed our own Web site."
From the beginning of the year until March 3, they collected nearly 1,500 pieces of sports equipment,
which they delivered to the Red Bank Recreation Department.
Despite the recent delivery, the girls' project is ongoing, according to Melissa's mother, Margie
Dominach, who said the girls are committed to collecting equipment year-round at least until they
finish high school.
The girls' efforts have not gone unnoticed.
"They were recently honored at the state Senate in Trenton with a Joint Legislative Resolution
recognizing their hard work and dedication," Margie Dominach said, noting that the Borough of Red
Bank has honored the girls with a certificate of appreciation.
Anyone who would like to donate sports equipment can contact Equipment for Kids by visiting the
Web site at www
.equipmentforkids.org or by
e-mailing Equipment4kids@gmail.com.
Volunteers honored
For its annual recognition luncheon, the Volunteer Center of Monmouth County puts together a
booklet filled with narratives detailing the work of the volunteers being honored.
Arlene Saltz, manager of the center, said she's always "amazed all the wonderful things volunteers
do."
The center, which represents more than 300 organizations throughout Monmouth County, will hold its
25th annual Awards Recognition Luncheon 11:30 a.m. April 16 at Branches in West Long Branch.
"Everyone is a winner. This is a celebration of the countless things volunteers do," Saltz said.
Steve Corodemus, who served in the New Jersey General Assembly for many years, will act as the
master of ceremonies as The Volunteer Center presents awards to children, adults, volunteer groups
and the business community.
Nominated by Senior Corps for her work with its Reading Buddies program, Michelle Kohl will receive
the youth volunteer award. Meanwhile, Red Bank Catholic High School's Maryknoll Affiliate Chapter
will be honored in the youth group category.
Adults being honored and the nominating organization are: Albert Plevier, the Monmouth County
Association for the Blind; Betty Scharman, the Pleasant Valley Adult Day Care Center; Erna Sotile,
Search Day Program, nonprofit school for students with autism; Judy Blaha, CASA (Court Appointed
Special Advocates for Children of Monmouth County); and Kevin Clarkson, SYNERGY, singles in
community service.
Additionally, the Seals Family is being honored after being nominated by The Arc of Monmouth. And,
in the business category, Novadebt's Outreach Group is being recognized thanks to a nomination by
the United Way of Monmouth County.
According to Saltz, the Helen Herrmann Award, the Katherine Elkus White Award and the Volunteer
Center Award will be presented at the event. Herrmann was the co-founder of the Volunteer Center,
along with Susan Whyman, who still serves on the center's advisory board. White was not only the
first vice president of the center but also a former ambassador to Denmark.
Located in Long Branch, the Volunteer Center is a program of Family and Children's Service.
A beautiful day
Regardless of what the weatherman has to say, April 6, will be "A Beautiful Spring Day," for Manna
House, a transitional home for homeless women with children
.
Dubbed "A Beautiful Spring Day," a fundraising fashion show, lunch and auction will be held noon to
4 p.m. at Branches, 123 Monmouth Road in West Long Branch. Fashions will be provided by
Coldwater Creek, and proceeds will benefit Manna House in the Cliffwood Beach section of
Aberdeen.
Tickets are $40 and can be reserved by calling (732) 233-9096.
Luck of the Irish
St. Jerome PTA will hold its 27th annual "Luck of the Irish" luncheon, fashion show and gift auction
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 5 at Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch.
Tickets are $45, and proceeds benefit the Long Branch school.
For more information, call (732) 922-4951.
Breakfast for dinner
Just a few days later, the IHOP of Keyport will hold a similar fundraiser, raising money for the
American Cancer Society by urging people to "have breakfast for dinner" from 6 to 9 p.m. April 22.
For more information about that event, e-mail Joe.Sheridan