Fundraiser in Church Gym to Help Shore Town

It might look like you just walked in off the boardwalk.

Madison residents wearing clothes from their favorite beach towns are invited to a fundraiser in the gym of St. Vincent Martyr Church this month to raise money for the Union Beach Disaster Relief Fund.

The event, scheduled for 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, will include a cash bar, light fare, and live music by Jumping the Gun and House Rockers, according to a flier for the fundraiser.

Thomas Haralampoudis, a school board member and member of the committee that is organizing the event, said it will be "the relief party to end all parties."

"Madison residents are stepping up again to help those in need," he wrote in an email. "The fact that we all lived through this catastrophic storm and directly felt its impact is all the more reason for those of us that can to help our neighbors this time around the state of New Jersey."

Money raised will go toward the Union Beach Disaster Relief Fund. Madison has partnered with Union Beach to focus its relief efforts there. The event is hosted by the Interfaith Council of Madison in coordination with the Madison-Union Beach Partnership.

Haralampoudis sent an email to his contacts describing the damage in the town after participating in Madison Junior School's recent trip to assist with cleanup efforts there, and highlighting a video of the trip.

More than 200 homes were destroyed, 1,000 homes suffered storm damage, the K-8 school will remain closed for the year, and all of their police cars were destroyed.

"We have helped and they have thanked us, but we can do more," he said.

The committee for the fundraiser is chaired by Bob Rocco, and members include Monsignor George Hundt, Allison Adams, Ted Dore, Terrence Gilligan, Haralampoudis, Bob Heitsenrether, Mike Lami, George Mandala, Jim Monaghan and Mike O’Dell.

Those attending are asked to RSVP to MadisonHelpsUnionBeach@gmail.com

For those who cannot attend the fundraiser event but can make a donation:

Checks payable to:  "Union Beach Disaster Relief Fund"

                                 Please include your email address on your check.

Mail checks to:     ATTN Union Beach Hurricane Sandy Relief

                      C/O       Odell & Critchley, P.C.

                                     333 Main Street

                                     Madison, NJ  07940