Ocean County Fundraising Events

(There was no Hometown View on Tuesday, 2/24/09)

The 4th Annual Phil Citta Memorial Fundraiser at the Office Lounge & Restaurant last week was the most successful one yet and resulted in a $21,000 donation for cancer research at Community Medical Center. The all-day event in the name of the former Office Lounge owner has become an annual fundraiser with money coming from restaurant profits, tee shirt sales, auctions and more. Citta died in 2004 from pancreatic cancer and his family’s commitment to fighting the war against the disease led to the establishment of the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical Center. The four Office Lounge events have raised over $70,000 and next year’s is scheduled for February 17th which just happens to be Phil’s birthday.

This Friday the Ocean County Sherriff’s Department, PBA Local #379 Civic Association will sponsor a fundraiser at the Beachcomber Restaurant in Seaside Heights to help the family of 14-year old Connor Ryan whose father is a Lieutenant with the Department. Connor was diagnosed at birth with a genetic disorder that causes tubers and tumors to grown in his brain, heart and other major organs and results in him suffering some 5-15 seizures each day. He has undergone several surgeries and while there is no cure for the disease the family continues to seek the best possible treatment and they have incurred a large amount of debt. Friday’s event from 5-10pm will feature fun, food, drinks, raffles, auctions and more. Those interested in supporting Friday’s fundraiser or wanting to make a donation to the Ryan Family can contact Detective Scott Frey at (732) 600-8102.

The freshman class at Toms River High School South will sponsor a benefit basketball game tonight at Toms River Intermediate South featuring the zany antics of the Harlem Superstars. Their opponents will be what’s called a “South Dream Team” and the game tips off tonight at 7pm. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10.00.

Also tonight is the semifinals of the Shore Conference Boys Basketball Tournament at the Ritacco Center. CBA faces Freehold in the 6pm opening followed by Neptune and Monmouth Regional. Both games will be broadcast on our Shore Sports Network, including 1160 WOBM AM.