Causeway CARes joined OceanFirst Foundation and The Citta Foundation to co-host a Candy COATed Trunk or Treat event.

TOMS RIVER, NJ – In a heartwarming display of unity and generosity, Causeway CARes partnered with fellow community foundations, the OceanFirst Foundation and The Citta Foundation to co-host a Candy COATed Trunk or Treat event on October 26. Held at the Hooper Ave location of OceanFirst Bank in Toms River, this event was a sweet success and a shining example of the power of community collaboration.

On a picture-perfect October afternoon, 17 partner organizations came together to participate with creatively decorated trunks and distribute candy to the community. In addition to Causeway CARes, participating organizations included Ocean County Vocational and Technical School, The HOPE Center, Interfaith Family Services, Ocean County Parks & Recreation Department, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, St. Francis Community Center, Ocean Partnership for Children, the Toms River Police and Fire Departments, O.C.E.A.N. Inc Community Action, Bridge of Books Foundation, and many more!

Trick or treaters had the opportunity to visit trunks decorated with superheroes, clowns and carnivals, haunted houses, pizza parties and more. The event was not just a gathering to celebrate Halloween, but a gathering of the community committed to helping others. Approximately 350 costumed attendees reveled in the festivities.

One of the central missions of this event was to provide warmth to those facing the upcoming winter season without adequate protection from the cold. The three foundations donated an estimated 350 winter coats through Operation Warm. In addition to the coats, 150 food boxes filled with non-perishable items were donated by Fulfill and distributed to those in need.

“Community is about coming together to support one another, and this event truly exemplified that spirit,” said Dave Wintrode, President of the Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes. “We are grateful to our partner organizations for joining us in making this event a huge success.”

Katherine Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation, says that nonprofits must unite its resources together in order to create a greater impact in the community. “Partnering with Causeway CARes, the Citta Foundation and Operation Warm allows us to extend our impact even further into he community,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure collaborating with the team at Operation Warm and the other local community foundation team members providing children with warm winter coats and nutritious meal boxes from Fulfill for their families as we move into the colder months ahead. We know this joint venture was successful in providing warmth, hope and confidence to the children and young adults in our community.”

The “Candy COATed Trunk or Treat” event showcased the power of collaboration between different organizations and the community they serve. It emphasized that together, Causeway CARes and the other partner organizations can create meaningful change and provide vital support to their neighbors.

About OceanFirst Foundation
OceanFirst Foundation empowers organizations to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Foundation’s priorities include Health & Wellness, Housing, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development and Education. Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded more than 9,000 grants totaling more than $45 million to nonprofits and schools within our footprint. Learn more at oceanfirstfdn.org.

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.