$53,000 Raised For Monmouth County SPCA

MIDDLETOWN, NJ - The Monmouth County SPCA Valentine’s Day Brunch, held at the Navesink Country Club in Middletown, had over 300 people in attendance and raised an impressive $53,000.

That number exceeded all goals and funds raised from past brunches. The money will go to help homeless animals in Monmouth County. DonnaLyn Giegerich returned for her second year as event emcee and also received special recognition for outstanding community networking. Others recognized were Nancy Barr-Brandon for her dedication to TNR cat rescue, Barbara Leary for her outstanding leadership among grade school students and Josephine Joel for her commitment to the Monmouth County SPCA while serving on their Board of Trustees for over 25 years.

Among guests were Monmouth County Freeholders John Curley, Tom Arnone, Serena DiMaso, Tom Arnone and Christine Hanlon. Longtime Monmouth County SPCA donors such as Carol Stillwell, Margrit & Jack McCrane, Linda & John Bauer and Fred Century were also present.

Some of the auction items featured exotic vacations, upscale dining experiences, spa packages, high-end accessories and gourmet treats. The 50/50 raffle acquired more than $20,000, a few thousand more than last year, and a lucky Neptune City resident was the recipient of the winnings. A new feature to the event was a mystery jewelry sale where one lucky winner took home a beautiful diamond and sapphire necklace for a mere $25 ticket! Much of the success can be held akin to the steering committee which included Peg & Jeff Blazewicz , Jacki Cimino, Susan Carney, Beatriz Fernandez, Stephanie & Mike Flynn, Marlen Kroll, Jill Livingston, Susan O'Connor, Amy Thomas and Fran Turner.

All photo credit to George Ertle Photography