On April 22, 2012, in Marlboro, NJ, thousands of supporters attended the STOMP The Monster™ 5K Run & Festival.

Stomp the Monster, Founded by Seth Grumet, provides financial and daily needed support to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers when they need it most – during their fight with the  disease.

Whipping winds and chilly rain could not prevent the thousands of dedicated and generous supporters from attending the annual event held at Marlboro’s Recreation Center. The official USATF Offical event run gave many the opportunity to show their support for the New Jersey Not-for-profit Corporation, STOMP The Monster™ , which is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization.

Many arrived prepared to “Stomp” for their sister or their Father who is battling Cancer. Others came to “Stomp” for those loved ones who lost their battle. Still others came to celebrate their survival. Every one who attended can be sure their monies go directly toward helping the families of those who need it most.

With an committed volunteer staff and dedicated Board of Directors, Seth Grumet’s vision of helping, providing and supporting struggling cancer patients and their families has become a reality.

Congratulations to everyone who attended and who helped create such a poignant day!

The days events included:

NJ Discover team Frank Dicopoulos and Tara-Jean Vitale attend the West End Fire Relief Fundraiser held at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch, New Jersey. The fundraiser, organized by the Mix Lounge and Long Branch Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Big Joe Henry of 101.5, donated 100% of the proceeds to help aid the victims of the February 13 West End Fire on Brighton Avenue. 

Restaurants that donated services to the the fundraiser.
Tre Amici, Jesse’s Cafe, WindMill, Rooney’s Ocean Crab House, Tuzzio’s Restaurant, MIX Lounge and Food Bar, CIAO Restaurant, Sallee Tee’s Restaurant, Draft House, Cake, Bake & Roll, DIVE! Coastal Bar, R&R Marketing, Anjelica’s, Salad Shack, Rook Coffee Roasters, Court Liquors, Shore Point Distributors and Dozortsev & Sons Enterprises.

NJ Discover always fulfills its name. Today in Seaside Heights, 30,000 spectators gathered on the boardwalk (two weeks ago, when we were there scouting the location, it was deserted) along with 6000 brave, dedicated polar bear plunge participants from all over the country including California, in an event which grows every year to raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey.

While Big Joe Henry from Jersey 101.5 FM broadcasted live from the Aztec Hotel, NJ Discover TV provided complete video coverage and interviews from an amazing event in an amazing state. Who else but NJ Discover? The event today raised over $1.4 million. Donations can still be made at http://www.njpolarplunge.org/

Candle Light Vigil for the Long Branch victims.

Mayor Adam Schneider and community volunteer Krysta-Lynn Landolfi are interviewed by NJ Discover Reporter Tara-Jean Vitale during the Candle Light Vigil for the victims of the February 13th West End Fire in Long Branch.

 “A Father’s Love: One Man’s Unrelenting Battle to Bring His Abducted Son Home” by David Goldman

The Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce  hosted a special event on Thursday February 2, 2012 honoring David Goldman  at Sterling Gardens in Matawan. David Goldman’s son was abducted by his wife to Brazil and his book documents a 5 year long international struggle to get his son back.  He is now an advocate against trafficking and international kidnapping.

NJ Discover team reporters Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz attend.

Goldman fought an inspiring international five year battle to be reunited with his son Sean who was abducted to Brazil in 2004. Increased awareness globally to human trafficking and international kidnapping eventually led to key U.S. government officials including President Obama, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg and Congressman Christopher Smith of New Jersey to get involved with the Goldman case. David Goldman recently wrote ‘A Father’s Love: One Man’s Unrelenting Battle to Bring His Abducted Son Home (Viking/Penguin) and is a co-founder of the ‘Bring Sean Home Foundation (BringSeanHome.org). We found David Goldman to be warm, caring, committed and incredibly accessible. He looked at me and said, “I’m simply a father who cares.”
Calvin Schwartz for NJ Discover TV

The story of Mark Levine, his life and his burger has caught national attention. Through the Ashley Lauren Foundation and 709 Restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach, Mark is being honored with the “Mark The Shark Day” Friday January 27th from noon until close. Mark’s own burger will be a special on the menu and the proceeds will benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation, helping make wishes come true for local children battling cancer. NJ Discover reporters Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz are on the scene.  Check out interviews with 709 Restaurant Owner, Chef Mike, Big Joe Henry and Ashley Lauren.

RED BANK, NJ (Nov. 2, 2011) — Flavour is the newest endeavor from Red Bank’s diverse collection of restaurants, bars, and eateries to highlight the town’s vibrant and acclaimed culinary scene. Experience exquisite dining and nightlife destinations and celebrate Red Bank’s exciting Flavours. On November 2, 2011 Red Bank Flavour celebrated this holiday season at the first annual Holiday Flavour event.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lunch Break and the newly opened Soul Kitchen.

We are a faith-inspired social services organization, founded in 1913 with a mission to alleviate human suffering. Annually, our staff provides more than 100,000 people in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties with support related to housing, food, mental health, specialized childrens’ services, addiction treatment and domestic violence services. A private nonprofit recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of the most fiscally efficient in the country, our organization uses less than 10 percent of our revenue for administrative costs. We comprise the 14th largest nonprofit in New Jersey and recently received recognition from NJBIZ magazine as an innovative nonprofit with respect to our demonstrated track record of financial stewardship and sustainability. Catholic Charities is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for staff as well as for people seeking assistance.