ASBURY PARK – Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County launched its annual “It Just Takes One” campaign earlier this month, an effort that will raise funds for the clubs’ after-school programs and services for youth ages 6-18, living mainly in Asbury Park and Red Bank.
The campaign is scheduled to run through Dec. 31.
Serving as the campaign’s chair is Christianna Harvey of Oceanport, who has more than 12 years of fundraising experience and has been involved in local causes since moving to Monmouth County in 2010. Harvey has volunteered for such organizations as the Junior League of Monmouth County, the Monmouth County Historical Society, and she has chaired St. George’s-by-the-River’s Canterbury Fair for the last three years.
Co-chairing the campaign is Jennifer Collins of Brick, who in addition to serving as trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, is the director of development for the Two River Theater. Collins has dedicated her career to helping nonprofits advance their mission, with a focus on development and strategy.
The campaign’s goal this year is to raise $140,000 for the clubs’ annual operating budget.
“We are proud to announce that to date, our campaign has secured $40,000 in a dollar-for-dollar match,” Harvey said. “Our board and staff are committed to this effort. All we need now is for the rest of our community to show their support. I know we can reach our goal maybe even surpass it!”
The funds raised will help sponsor kids to attend summer camp, provide quality after-school programs such as the Power Hour homework help, computer skills training, career exploration, arts and crafts, fitness and sports, character and leadership programs such as SMART Moves (a prevention program) and Youth of the Year (the Club’s premier recognition program).
“Since January 2013, there have been over 53 shots fired, 25 victims, and five homicides in Asbury Park,” Harvey said. “You can see how critical it is to offer a safe, enriching environment for the over 500 Boys & Girls Club kids who live there. The contributions made to this campaign by the community will directly impact the lives of these children.”
