35 Nonprofits Showcased at 4th Annual Summer in Winter Carnival

The event was hosted by Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes.

MANAHAWKIN, NJ – Come one, come all! Through inspiration, collaboration and a little bit of magic, the local community came together to support 35 nonprofit organizations at the 4th Annual Summer in Winter Carnival, hosted by The Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes last week.

The public event was held at The Mainland Kitchen & Pub in Manahawkin and featured local nonprofit and community organizations that share in the mission of Causeway CARes, which is to make a direct and profound impact in and around Ocean County in the areas of education, food security and quality of life.

The nonprofits in attendance included:

  • 21 Plus, Inc.
  • America’s Keswick
  • Brick Children’s Community Theatre
  • Coastal Volunteers in Medicine
  • Community Medical Center
  • CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties
  • Dine On Us
  • Family Promise of the Jersey Shore
  • Fulfill – Foodbank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
  • Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
  • Habitat for Humanity of Southern Ocean County
  • Hearts of Mercy
  • HOPE Sheds Light
  • Interfaith Health & Support Services of Southern Ocean County, Inc.
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County, Inc.
  • LivWell
  • Meals on Wheels of Ocean County
  • Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity
  • Ocean County College Foundation
  • Ocean County Library Foundation
  • Ocean County Vocational Technical School
  • Ocean County YMCA
  • Ocean Partnership for Children
  • OceanCares Foundation Support Bright Harbor Healthcare
  • Preferred Behavioral Health Group
  • Project Lakeview
  • ReClam The Bay
  • Southern Ocean Medical Center
  • St. Francis Community Center
  • Starve Poverty International
  • The Arc, Ocean County Chapter Inc.
  • The Hope Center – House of Hope of Ocean County
  • The Maximilian Foundation
  • United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties
  • Your Grandmother’s Cupboard

David Wintrode, President of The Causeway Family of Dealerships/Causeway CARes, offered a little history behind the successful event, “It was originally suggested to us as a way to celebrate our 50th anniversary in business. Once we had our first event, we knew there was no way we were going to stop,” he said. “There is so much networking and important information being shared among all the various organizations here. Entertaining the children and watching them have a great time is just an added bonus.”

“My favorite part of the carnival is connecting with other nonprofits that do such incredible work for Ocean County residents,” said Kristine Novakowski, Executive Director of Northern Habitat for Humanity. “It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their missions and form partnerships. I am so grateful to Causeway CARes for creating this fun-filled, meaningful event that brings local nonprofits together within our community.”

The Ocean County College Foundation was also thrilled to be part of the event. “We are so grateful to the Wintrode Family Foundation and Causeway CARes for hosting the Annual Summer in Winter Carnival and connecting so many community members,” said Kimberly Malony, Director of Alumni & Advancement at The Ocean County College Foundation. “This event is always so well attended by local nonprofits that want to share information about their services while also attracting hundreds of local families to come out and enjoy a fun afternoon. Mr. Wintrode and the entire Causeway organization are so generous with how they support our community. They genuinely hope to brighten the lives of those around them. Whether someone was interested in learning more about local service organizations or enjoying endless chicken fingers and a magic show, it was an event not to be missed!”

21 Plus, Inc. was excited to share their mission and some of their fresh produce with the crowd. “We were very grateful to be included and had a blast showing off and sharing samples of 21 Plus Main Street Greens lettuce, arugula, spicy mustard greens and more,” said Diane Hutton-Rose, Executive Director of 21 Plus, Inc. “The response was terrific and a few people became members of our Main Street Greens Community Supported Agriculture Program.”

“My favorite part is having all these amazing nonprofits in one place and giving them the opportunity to collaborate with each other, spread their mission, ask for volunteers and receive donations,” said Joseph Stroffolino, Director of Advertising and Marketing at The Causeway Family of Dealerships/Causeway CARes. “Looking to the future, we hope the Summer in Winter Carnival will become an ongoing tradition in our community. With four years running, I’d say we are off to a great start.”

The day included carnival games, traditional boardwalk food, a magic show and various children’s activities like face painting and arts and crafts. The Southern Regional Key Club kindly donated their time to help make it all happen. Special guests included Story Faces, Caricatures by Akbar, Magic Al, Fortune Tellers, TapSnap Photos and DJ Meatball. The afternoon was topped off with raffle drawings and prizes signed by NFL Star Mike Gesicki. The 50/50 cash raffle raised over $2,000, which was split three ways between Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, OceanCares Foundation and Ocean County Vocational Technical School.

About Causeway CARes
Causeway CARes’ mission is to make a direct and profound impact in and around Ocean County in the areas of education, food security and quality of life. Founded in 2004 and funded by the Wintrode Family Foundation, Inc., Causeway CARes strives to make the community a better place to live, grow and thrive. To learn more, visit CausewayCARes.com.

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