Collier Youth Services Raises Close to $500,000 at Annual Celebration of Collier Gala

June 4, 2026 – Spring Lake, NJ – Collier Youth Services raised close to $500,000 at its annual fundraising gala, Celebration of Collier. The funds will support the many therapeutic, educational, residential, and recreational programs provided to assist New Jersey's most at-risk youth. The evening also marked the 50th anniversary of Kateri Day Camp. Kateri Day Camp is an all-day summer camp for children from economically disadvantaged households throughout Monmouth County.

This year's event honored both Bob McDaid, the CEO and owner of iPlay America & Renaissance Properties, and Karen Stackhouse, the Director of Kateri Day Camp. They were recognized for their long and impactful dedication to Collier Youth Services and Kateri Day Camp.

Nearly 300 attendees gathered under the stars on a remarkably beautiful night at the Spring Lake Golf Club. The evening included dinner, a silent auction, and heartfelt keynote speeches by Jameson Loudin and Pablo Samuel. Both Loudin and Samuel are alumni of Kateri Day Camp, and they shared the significant impact the camp has had on their lives.

After attending Kateri Day Camp for 8 summers, Loudin worked as a Counselor-in-Training and a lifeguard there. He is currently a proud businessman with vested involvement in Hot Bagels Brooklyn's Finest, a thriving bagel store and deli in Red Bank. Samuel began attending Kateri in 1977 at age 9. He subsequently became a Junior Counselor, then a Counselor, and ultimately, the Camp Director. He later became Principal at Collier High School, where he met his wife. He is now the Director of Technology in the Trenton School District, which serves nearly 14,000 students. Both credit Kateri Day Camp with changing the trajectory of their lives through the experiences and connections they made there year after year.

Elizabeth Culligan, President of the Foundation Board, reflected on the evening. "This evening was a powerful reminder of why Collier's work matters so deeply. Bob and Karen are among some of our most ardent supporters, and we are so grateful to them.” 

Sr Debbie Drago, Executive Director, Collier Youth Services, said, “Seeing nearly 300 of our supporters come together, many of whom were moved to tears by Jameson's and Pablo's stories, reaffirmed that our community understands what's at stake for these young people. Nearly a century of changing lives, and nights like this ensure we'll be doing it for a century more."

About Collier Youth Services: Collier Youth Services, a CARF-accredited non-profit organization founded in 1927, is dedicated to supporting at-risk youth. Collier’s programs include Collier Middle School and High School, the Collier Residential Program, Collier Transition Program, and Kateri Day Camp. Collier is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable youth and young adults from across New Jersey. In a safe, nurturing environment, Collier provides comprehensive educational, residential, and recreational programs. To address the significant trauma that many have experienced, Collier provides therapeutic services that address emotional, social, and mental health needs. Our mission is to provide at-risk youth with the opportunity to grow toward their full potential in an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, dignity, and hope. Grounded in deep respect for the worth of each individual, Collier believes that everyone has the capacity for change. We see, and strive to honor, the intrinsic promise of each individual and family.

To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.collieryouthservices.org