2007 AT A GLANCE
By Maria Wojciechowski, Executive Director

The varied list of projects funded by the Friends during the past year reflects the diversity and richness of our county parks. Some projects were educational, promoting a better understanding of the history of our community. At Longstreet Farm in Holmdel, a new orientation exhibit brought to life farming in the 1890s. At Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck, the original 1960 era sketch of the course by renowned designer Robert Trent Jones was restored and preserved.

Some projects sought to promote a better understanding of the natural world around us. At the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center in Howell, upgrades were made to an interactive exhibit depicting the effect of encroaching development on the environment and the water system.

Other projects brought the beauty of our parks to those in need. Camp scholarships were provided for urban youth. Financial support was provided to participants in the Therapeutic Recreation Program.

These projects, and many others, increased the enjoyment of visitors to our county parks in 2007. It is due to the commitment of our members that these projects can continue in the upcoming year.

As the Friends organization adapts to meet the changing needs of the Park System, it depends on the unwavering support of generous individuals like you. Support comes in many forms: the gift of time from those who volunteer at our fundraising events; the gift of financial resources that fund our projects; and the gift of goodwill as we spread the word about the importance of parks and recreation in the lives of all citizens.

I encourage you to continue on the Friends’ journey, energized and empowered by a mission that is more vital than ever, as we make our County’s world-class recreation resources among the best in the nation.

In 2007, The Friends Funded…

$34,000 for the Longstreet Farm Orientation Exhibit at Holmdel Park, Holmdel.
$5,000 for Walnford Mill and Raceway Masonry Repairs, Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold.
$5,000 for upgrading the “Streams of Consciousness” Exhibit at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell.
$3,500 for restoration and preservation of Robert Trent Jones original drawing of Hominy Hill Golf Course, Colts Neck.
$15,590 for 22 recreation scholarships so that children from our urban communities could participate in weeklong summer camps (including door-to-door transportation), boat tours, farm tours, and programs at the Park System’s Coastal Activity Center, Asbury Park. Proceeds from our 9th Friends Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) Annual Appeal support this effort.
$1,555 for program fees for Recreation Assistance Program for Summer Performances in the Parks.
$1,200 for African History Celebration keynote speaker.
$2,000 funding assistance to fund unique experiential and educational programs for urban youth at the Coastal Activity Center Program, Asbury Park.
$1,250 for the Therapeutic Recreation holiday trip, making it possible for approximately 25 participants and chaperones to attend Disney on Ice – High School Musical.
$750 towards program costs for the Third Annual Therapeutic Recreation Formal Dinner Dance at Tatum Park, Middletown.
$100 for the purchase of wristbands allowing participants from the Therapeutic Recreation Summer Program to spend a day at the Monmouth County Fair.
$1,500 for Volunteer Appreciation Holiday Cards.
$350 for National Trails Day Lunch.

In 2007, the Friends Received…

$12,800 grant for Longstreet Farm Orientation Exhibit from the New Jersey Historical Commission.
$10,000 from the FirstEnergy Foundation for the Monmouth County Fair.
$9,500 in memorial donations.
$6,000 for Timolat Farm from Monmouth Conservation Foundation and Cecile McCaffery.
$5,000 from Garden State Veterinary Specialists for Strut Your Mutt Doggie Costume Parade.
$4,700 in unrestricted donations to be used toward Park System projects, exhibits and programs.
Approximately $4,618 from individuals and families in support of the memorial/honorary bench donation program. Benches were placed at Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown; Manasquan Reservoir, Howell; Thompson Park, Lincroft; Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold.
$3,500 from New Jersey Natural Gas for the printing costs for the Friends Annual Report.
$3,000 Charter Sponsorship from Storr Tractor for the 15th Annual Friends Golf Tournament.
$2,835 from individuals and families in support of the Honorary/Memorial Tree Grove located in Thompson Park, Lincroft.
$2,300 for Tony’s Place, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch from Peggy and Dave Bertorelli and Communications High School Student Government Association.
$1,525 from Jersey Shore Running Club, Inc., Huber Woods Horseman’s Association, High Tech High School Environmental Club, T.E.C, and Charles W. Malekovich to be used for trail maintenance.
$1,000 grant for use at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center from funds raised by the Swimming River Bass Masters Tournament.
$565 for the 9/11 Memorial, Mt. Mitchell Scenic Overlook from the Asbury Park-Wall Elks 128 and Timothy Gray.
$500 from When Doody Calls, Inc. for Strut Your Mutt Doggie Costume Parade.
$491 from employees enrolled in Monmouth County Public Employee Charitable Campaign and New Jersey State Employee Charitable Campaign.
$335 in honorary donations.
$300 from Rumson-Fair Haven Bank & Trust Company for the Friends Annual Membership Breakfast.
$250 from Freehold Animal Hospital for Strut Your Mutt Doggie Costume Parade.
$150 from FirstEnergy Foundation Employee Power Grant program honoring the efforts of Roberta Sheridan.
$125 from employee matching gifts programs.

In 2007, The Friends Raised…

$16,435 from the annual membership appeal.
$1,757 at the Earth Day Celebration held at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center.
$12,750 from Donna 5K. Lane Memorial Walk/Run.
$23,922 from the 15th Annual Friends Golf Outing.
$6,761 from the 9th Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) Annual Appeal.
$10,618 total in combined prize money from the 50/50 and Super 50/50 raffles at the Monmouth County Fair.
$7,335 in registration fees and sponsorships for the 4th Annual Strut Your Mutt Doggie Costume Contest at Thompson Park Day.
$915 from Ballads in the Woods Concert.