FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Twenty children were able to join an early grade reading initiative this summer thanks to the Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce and local sponsors.
The chamber and sponsors raised the necessary funds during the annual Caring with Karaoke event, held in March, at Asbury Park’s Stone Pony. Proceeds from the event were used to send children from lower-income families to the United Way of Monmouth County’s early grade reading initiative.
The initiative partners with Keansburg, Red Bank and Freehold Borough school districts and Barnes & Noble stores to educate children from kindergarten through third grade. Participating children enjoy reading-related field trips and receive thousands of donated books.
Caring with Karaoke attracts hundreds of attendees each year. This year’s event included a karaoke contest, a silent auction, live music and various prizes. Proceeds from ticket sales, combined with the chamber’s own contributions, paid for children’s participation in the reading initiative.
Each year Caring with Karaoke is organized by the chamber’s Young Professionals Group and participating sponsors. This year’s sponsors included Wegmans of Ocean Township, New Jersey Natural Gas, Paul-Mark Printing, Servpro of Freehold, Xplosive Entertainment, The Lakewood BlueClaws, The Stone Pony, CentraState Healthcare System, Wicked Thread Embroidery, Sam’s Club of Freehold, The Curchin Group, LLC, Signarama of Manalapan, Eric Braun Photography and Holmes & McDowell, Inc.
Local 501(c)3 nonprofits are invited to sponsor next year’s Caring with Karaoke event. Applications are being accepted now through the chamber’s website at http://www.greatermonmouthchamber.com/.
The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to promote business, enhance economic development, and serve as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in local communities. The chamber’s vision is to provide opportunities for business growth and prosperity, to offer quality service to members, and to serve as a resource leader for business and the community.
