Inlet Tug O' War Raises $14K In Point Beach For Make-A-Wish Foundation

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — Point Pleasant Beach officials presented a check for $14,589 to the New Jersey chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, fund raised at the fourth Manasquan Inlet Tug O' War.

The Tug O' War, held Oct. 9, drew hundreds of spectators in Point Pleasant Beach, which Mayor Paul Kanitra and Council President Douglas Vitale said was a tribute to the work of the Point Pleasant Beach Recreation Committee.

Michael Dominick, assistant vice president of marketing and communications for Make-A-Wish's New Jersey chapter, said the money will have an impact on the lives of children with serious diagnoses.

"Every day there are more kids going home with a cancer diagnosis," Dominick said as he accepted the check at the Dec. 13 council meeting. "We get to bring them three simple things: strength, hope and joy."

The event included an appearance by Sam Prince, whose wish to announce the New York Giants first-round pick at the NFL Draft in 2022 became an internet sensation.

"He came and riled everyone up," Vitale said, which he said helped spur the Point Pleasant Beach tugging teams to victory. "It's a great event. It's a friendly rivalry."

The event raises money in both Point Pleasant Beach and in Manasquan for Make-A-Wish, as well as for the two towns' recreation departments.

Vitale and Kanitra praised Lauren Schule and Ryan Simunovich, who represented the committee, and all the volunteers for the recreation committee's efforts at the Tug O' War and throughout the year.

"You have a thankless job, the number of events you turn out," Kanitra said.