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DEAN'S LIST - 4/27/2008
(by Dean Naddeo - OpEd Columnist - April 27, 2008)
The fundraiser phenomenon
Judging from the surplus of signs, banners and flyers already circulating this spring, the concept of community fundraising is clearly thriving in the North Jersey area. In addition to the obvious benefit – raising money for the organization sponsoring the event – hometown fundraisers also provide important social opportunities for both young and old.
Primarily, fundraisers help unite people towards a common goal. Whether it be a church bus trip, Fire Department Wetdown or a neighborhood rallying together for a family in need, these are times when any differences are set aside, and people come together for the good of the group.
Secondly, these gatherings provide a positive social setting where neighbors can become friends, and the bonds of long-lasting relationships can be set. Since most events are family friendly, these are excellent opportunities for the kids to play, grandparents to meet, and moms and dads to let their hair down.
Probably the best example of a community that is fully committed to the private fundraising ideal is Ringwood. Nearly every week of the year, neighbors can choose from a wide selection of philanthropic opportunities. Travelers of Skyline Drive and Ringwood Avenue are regularly greeted with a smorgasbord of signage, eagerly announcing a plethora of upcoming fundraising events.
Already this spring, Ringwood residents have been able to choose from Tricky Trays, Fish-n-Chips dinners, Golf Outings, Comedy Nights, Beefsteaks and even a Chili Cook-Off. There was also a charity dinner held in April for Matt Mazzola, a disabled former resident in need of a new handicapped-accessible van.
Incidentally, there are several non-partisan events on the horizon that shouldn’t be missed: On Saturday, May 10, there will be a comedy night held at the Erskine Lakes Hilltop Clubhouse in support of the Sudden Unexplained Death of a Child (SUDC) program of the CJ Foundation for SIDS. SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child over the age of 12 months, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation has been conducted. For additional information, check out Clairesride.org or CJSIDS.com.
And on May 17, the Ringwood Educational Foundation (REF) will be holding its annual Shepherd’s Lake 5K Run. There will be 1.5-mile walk, kid's dashes and the 5k run, which is a competitive sanctioned race. This is a great chance for children and adults to work together, and all proceeds are applied towards REF’s mission of enhancing the public school experience for children.
Happily, neighbors of all walks of life perpetually turn out to support their local civic and volunteer organizations. This attendance ensures that these important institutions can continue to exist, and the intrinsic social opportunities will remain available as well.
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