BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Green Knoll Grill in Bridgewater will host a Somerset Regional Animal Shelter fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m.
The fundraiser will include a debate between former Bridgewater Council President Filipe Pedroso and former Somerset County Undersheriff Tim Pino.
There will also be a post-debate rock concert by New Power Soul.
Pedroso and Pino are both past executive members of the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter Committee.
The pair will discuss local and county issues that affect the public as part of the event at the Bridgewater restaurant at 645 Route 202/206.
Lisa DiChiara, owner of Green Knoll Grill, said the event is meant to center on civic discussion and support for the shelter.
"For decades, Green Knoll Grill has been more than a restaurant - we've been part of the heart of this community, and we believe real leadership brings people together rather than dividing them through anger and fear. We are proud to host a night focused of respectful conversation and giving back to the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter - because community is strongest when we choose decency, compassion and unity," said DiChiara.
Pedroso described the event as a chance for a public exchange of ideas.
"I'm looking forward to a transparent, thoughtful debate with Tim Pino - someone who has served our community with distinction and dedicated 30 years to Somerset County. Bridgewater residents are feeling the squeeze from the mayor's relentless, historic and unprecedented tax hikes and our county leadership feels increasingly out of touch. Tim and I bring different ideas, but both agree it's time for real solutions that put Bridgewater and Somerset County Taxpayers first," said Pedroso.
Pino also said he welcomed the debate and pointed to the fundraiser's community setting.
"To have the opportunity to debate Filipe Pedroso, someone whose knowledge of local and county politics is second to none, is really an exciting challenge for me," said Pino.
"Family-owned businesses like Green Knoll Grill represent what our community is all about and I can't think of a better venue to celebrate discussing solutions to some of the most pressing issues residents are dealing with on a daily basis," said Pino. "Being a longtime Police K-9 handler- and animal lover like Filipe is- I want to thank New Power Soul and JJA Productions for also taking part in this special fundraiser to benefit the shelter!"
For more information about the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter fundraiser, visit facebook.com/greenknollgrill or instagram.com/greenknollgrill.
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