O.C. Education Foundation Fundraiser Promises Memories

By MADDY VITALE Each year the Ocean City New Jersey Education Foundation (OCNJEF) hosts a Red and White Social in the fall to benefit the district schools and provide a night of memories for friends and families, including past and present alumni. The event will be at Josie Kelly’s Public House on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 and will include a buffet, baskets, raffle for $1000 and "red" and "white" drink specials. The Billy Walton Band will perform at 9 p.m. to cap off the evening. “The "Red and White Social" will be a fun event and are thrilled to see so much support from the community, businesses and teachers as well,” said Jennifer Shirk, co-chairwoman with Heather James of the event. “Scott Renier, a teacher in the Intermediate School even donated his DJ Services for the night.” Each year the foundation hosts the fall fundraiser in the fall over Homecoming weekend and one in the spring. The foundation is comprised of about 30 members and is actively seeking sponsors to help support the initiatives. Each year the OCNJEF hosts two fundraisers and accepts donations from the community. The money goes to teachers in the form of mini-grants to purchase items used in the classroom. Everything from iPads to desk cycles have been purchased by the district with the funds. Proceeds of the will benefit the wellness initiatives in the school district. In the spring, during a foundation fundraiser, also at Josie Kelly’s, the foundation raised funds that were dedicated to wellness programs. Some OCNJEF grant recipients pose for a photo in the spring at the Ocean City Primary School. The Ocean City High School already had a wellness center in place last year. However, the Intermediate School did not. Shirk noted that the foundation helped make one possible. "Our foundation played a large part in helping fund the Wellness Center in the Intermediate school. There aren't many schools in the state that are able to offer something like that to their students," Shirk, who is the vice president of the foundation said. “We would like to continue to help sustain it and even fund other programs centering toward mental health wellness." She pointed out that wellness centers provide safe and comforting environments in the school. “Students can go and talk about a variety of issues including stress, grief, dating, home life or other mental health needs," she added. “We are our very proud of the Ocean City School District for all it does for its students and in bringing to the forefront the issue of mental health wellness." Heather James, OCNJEF board member and co-chairwoman of the foundation fundraiser committee, said the members are looking forward to the second annual Red and White Social. "This event is very special for many reasons. It's a time for past and present Ocean City School District family and friends to catch up and have a great time, whether they are an alumnus or a parent or teacher of a student,” James explained. “It's also an event that will give our foundation the opportunity to raise money to support our mission – to enhance the educational experience of all Ocean City school children.” OCNJEF Vice President Jennifer Shirk, left, with sixth grader, Lexi James, and her mother, OCNJEF board member Heather James, at Back to School Night at the high school. (Courtesy Jennifer Shirk) Like Shirk, James pointed out that the goal is to continue to provide assistance with wellness initiatives in the district. “We would like to continue to outfit this designated space in the schools to provide students with a comfortable environment - someplace for them to recharge, not their phones, but their minds, or reach out,” she said. She added that in addition to helping with wellness initiatives, the foundation continues to donate funds for drug and alcohol awareness programs, “Friday with Friends” and teacher/staff grants. "We are very lucky to live in a community with so much support - not only financially, but with people offering resources for our children to have a successful school experience," James said. “We are grateful for our sponsors. We have some new ones this year and many who have continued to support us over the years. We couldn't do it without them." For more information visit www.ocnjef.com or call Heather James at (609) 425-6245.