The Community YMCA to Honor Eatontown Residents at Annual Benefit Sept. 27 Celebrating 140 Years of Service

Eatontown residents Lynn and Steve “Biddy” Bidgood will be honored for their positive impact on the community at The Community YMCA’s Annual Benefit on Saturday, September 27, at Camp Arrowhead in Marlboro.

The Annual Benefit will celebrate The Community YMCA’s 140th anniversary of service in Monmouth County and the many volunteers, donors, community organizations and members that have supported the Y’s mission to ensure that everyone - regardless of age, income or background - has access to life-changing YMCA programs and services.

The Bidgoods will be honored with the Y’s Distinguished Citizen Award, presented to those who demonstrate outstanding civic and volunteer leadership in our community. The Eatontown residents have dedicated much of their personal and professional lives to local community service. Through their charitable efforts, the Bidgoods have raised over $1 million for worthy local organizations - including the Y - and have helped improve the quality of life for many of their fellow neighbors. Steve Bidgood is Managing Partner of Salt Creek Grille in Rumson and has served as a member of the Y board for over 10 years. Lynn Bidgood works part-time at the Y’s Red Bank facility and volunteers for the American Red Cross.

The Borough of Red Bank will be presented with the Community Partner Award, which honors organizations that support the Y’s efforts in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA was founded in 1874 by Red Bank business leaders and clergy eager for young men to have a safe haven where they could improve their spiritual, mental, social and physical well-being. The Y and the borough have been working together ever since to help individuals and families in Red Bank live healthier. Currently, the Y and the Borough are collaborating on the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign to provide residents with opportunities for active living.

Event Chairman Gustav “Gus” Fingado, IV, of Shrewsbury, said the Y will also recognize the following volunteers, past and present, who’ve made a significant impact on the nonprofit’s 140 year history:

· Chester Apy of Red Bank, a former Monmouth County Assemblyman, who was elected President of The Community YMCA in 1974 at the centennial annual meeting. He played a pivotal role in the growth of the Y during the 1970s.

· Harry Greenwood, Middletown, served two terms on the Y Board of Directors in the 1950s and 70s and helped raise over $800,000 in a capital campaign that funded a major expansion of the Y’s Red Bank facility.

· Richard Maser of Long Branch and CEO/President of Maser Consulting, has a 25-year history of supporting the Y. A former member of the Board of Directors and Board of Managers for the Y’s counseling and social services, he has helped raise over $1 million to support the Y.

· Dan Matarese, Marlboro, served as chairman of the Y’s Camp Board of Managers for three years and has contributed to the growth of The Community YMCA’s two outdoor day camps. The owner of Danco General Contracting, he currently serves on the Board of Directors and has been involved with the Y for six years.

• Chris Mosley, Marlboro, is president of Complete Security Systems and has served a three-year term on the Camp Board of Managers, providing leadership to the expansion of outdoor recreation for the Y. He also served as co-chair of last year’s Annual Benefit and has volunteered for the Y for six years.

· Dr. James W. Parker, Sr., deceased, organized the Westside Y in Red Bank in 1931, and his son Dr. James W. Parker, Jr., also deceased, carried on his father’s legacy, continuing to solidify the growth of the Westside Y for 27 years.

· Jay Patock, of Oceanport, owner of Patock Construction and long-time supporter of the Y, took the lead in reconstructing The Children’s Learning Center in Matawan in 1993, which has become the main hub of childcare services for the Y.

· Thomas Register, Red Bank, has helped expand the Y Achievers initiative and other outreach programs designed to prepare young people for college and the workforce. The owner of Del Rose Cleaning Company, he has been involved with the Y for eight years.

The benefit will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails in the Carr Pavilion featuring music by Pat Roddy and Chris Giunco. Dinner by Merri-makers Caterers will follow, along with dancing to the music of Tim McLoone & the Shirleys . The evening will include a look back at the Y’s 140 years of serving the greater Monmouth County community, plus silent and live auctions and a 50/50 cash raffle.

Support for the benefit will help the Y ensure that everyone – regardless of ability to pay, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through Y programs such as afterschool care, youth sports, health and wellness, swim lessons, summer camp, teen leadership and counseling and social services.

Individual tickets and sponsorships for the 140th Anniversary Journal are still available by calling the Y at 732.671.5505, ext. 119 or visiting www.TheCommunityYMCA.org/Benefit.

About The Community YMCA

The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, health and wellness, leadership, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling and summer day camp. With a mission to serve all, more than $660,000 in reduced and free membership fees and programs is provided by the YCares financial assistance program to individuals and families in need. For more information, visit TheCommunityYMCA.org.