Ocean City’s Night In Venice Pageant Committee presents a $7,000 donation check to American Legion Post 524. NIV Committee members from left, Kathy Lavin, Cathy Finnegan, Sharon Capizzi, Pat Gillian, Susan Cox and Mary Anne Jones. American Legion 100th Anniversary Concert Committee members include (back row) John Van Stone, Mike Hyson, Bob Marzulli and Frank McCall. (Photo courtesy Doug Otto)
Ocean City’s Night in Venice Pageant Committee paid tribute to the American Legion’s century of helping veterans and their families by presenting a $7,000 donation to local Post 524 during a special luncheon celebration.
The NIV Pageant Committee, formed in 1988, annually chooses three or four local charities to receive funds raised by the 12 Miss Night In Venice contestants as part of their pageant campaigns.
“The reason we selected Ocean City American Legion Post 524 as one of our major donation recipients this year is because of the amazing work they do with veterans, veteran families and young people,” said Miss NIV Pageant Committee Chair Pat Gillian.
Throughout the year, the local American Legion sponsors a wide range of community projects, such as: The Walk for the Wounded, The Run for the Fallen, The Veterans Rest & Relaxation Program, The Coffee Express (sending packages of care to deployed servicemen and women worldwide), The Veterans Home in Vineland, The Veterans Recognition Program at United Methodist Communities at The Shores, New Jersey Boys’ and Girls’ State, and The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA.)
“I thank the NIV Pageant Committee for this generous donation, which will help our local American Legion organization continue its work on behalf of veterans throughout the coming year,” said Post 524 Commander Bob Marzulli.
