Impact100JC - Impact 100 Jersey Coast

Judie Saunders: Beyond the Grant Member Spotlight

By Janet Mazur Cavano

When did you join Impact 100 JC and how did you hear of us?
Toward the end of 2017 when I was living in Holmdel, I was flipping through the town’s paper, “Community Magazine,” I saw an article about an event at Bell Works featuring a group of women doing wonderful things in their communities. My friend Carolyn Burtnick, (the publication’s editor, also a member) had been raving about Impact, so the first chance I got, I attended a reception and I joined!

I decided this is something that has all of the right elements – philanthropy, a direct impact on the community, the power of women pooling their money together – yet it felt intimate.

How involved have you gotten?
I just didn’t want to passively write a check, so I signed up for a Focus Area Committee (FAC) – Children and Family. The women on the committee were so well-organized and that was super helpful to me, as this was my first time doing anything like this. There were women from so many professional backgrounds and it was such a great thing to hear them speak as we weighed out all the options.

What is your favorite Impact memory or success story?
I was the FAC site captain and visited several of the applicants. It was so insightful to pull back the curtain, take a deep dive, and see the mechanics behind the machine.

It was also gratifying to work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), one of our 2019 grant recipients, to coach them on presenting themselves at the annual meeting and beyond.

You’re also involved in the Diversity and Inclusion initiative at Impact. What changes would you like to see in the organization and how can we accomplish this?
At the annual meeting, I’d like to see the room filled with diverse individuals, women of all colors! I’d like to see more African American women represented in the grantees, too.

In the push for more diverse membership, I’d be open to something like taking on a student from an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) and offering her a junior membership, something that we would help to subsidize.

I am also open to really learning what the word diversity means. When I think of diversity, I may think of individuals of color but also of those with learning differences, physical differences or even the challenges faced by Native American women.

In addition to practicing law, with offices in both New York and in Red Bank, you serve on the board of a long-established area non-profit, Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank. Can you tell us a little about that?
The Parker Family Health Center is named after two African American physicians, Dr. James Parker Sr. and Dr. James Parker Jr. father and son, who served the Red Bank community together for more than 80 years. Both attended Howard University, as did members of my own family.

I am a member of the board and the governance committee. We meet frequently and work with area non-profits – it’s an extremely active board. The fun part though is being able to directly work with the center, through fundraising, or more recently, doing what we needed to do to keep the clinic running during the entire pandemic! We made sure the community got the services they needed.

It inspires me that we are carrying on the legacy of those two Black doctors who founded the center, back during a time when those doctors could not get privileges to any local hospitals. Instead, they were seeing patients in their office in the early morning hours or making house calls! That is wildly inspiring and resonates for me personally – 95 percent of the advanced degree holders in my family are from Howard University, as were the two founders. That’s why I am always excited to do anything I can to help Parker.

They offer 100 percent free health care and have a really good group of committed volunteers.

(From their website: The Mission of the Parker Family Health Center is to operate a free health care facility where Monmouth County residents who do not have health insurance or the ability to pay for medical care can be treated with dignity and compassion.)

What keeps you sane?
About five years ago, I started meditating. I was raised in a conservative religious home. I’m very versed in religion and theology — but I’m not fluent in spirituality. Whenever I feel unmoored, or uncertain, deep breathing is my parachute out of madness. My ‘gateway’ was the book, “New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle.

What’s the best life advice you’ve received?
This quote from Kahlil Gibran sits with me and shapes my parenthood journey:

“Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.”

We are mere observers. We need to sit back.

What’s a fun fact about you – something people might not know?
I run marathons! I went from casually running to reading a “Runner’s World” magazine and getting so inspired I just said ‘I’m gonna run a marathon!” I’ve done a couple – the New York City Marathon and the Marine Corp Marathon in DC. It’s the training that kills me!

What is the most recent book you read?
I am just finishing up, “Your Money or Your Life,” by Vicki Robin

Judie lives in Avon-by-the-Sea, N.J., with her husband and two teen-aged sons.

Hot Off The Press: Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA) of Monmouth County Grantee Update

By Joanne Colella

We continue to be inspired and impressed by the determination and adaptability of our grantees to continue their vital services amid the challenges of COVID! In early September, Impact 100 Grantee Liaison volunteer Judie Saunders received an update from Cindi Van Brundt, Executive Director of our 2019 grant recipient, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Monmouth County. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care to ensure they don’t get lost in an overburdened legal and social service system, receive the services they need, and find safe, permanent homes.

Cindi reported that CASA has benefited greatly from the new development hire that was funded by Impact 100 and is creating a new virtual fundraising campaign, using personalized webpages to solicit donations for special fundraising challenges.

CASA is on schedule with volunteer training, which is being done virtually. The sheriff’s office also implemented socially distant measures to accommodate the fingerprinting process during COVID so that volunteers could be fingerprinted, matched with a child, and supervised by CASA team leaders.

Since COVID restrictions also prevent in-person visits, CASA advocates have maintained frequent contact with their assigned kids through video conferencing. The volunteers have become adept at finding creative ways to establish relationships and keep the children engaged and motivated, including using puppets for the younger ones, reading books, and tutoring with flashcards.

CASA volunteers have stayed connected with weekly virtual meetings which have also included stakeholders from other organizations with whom they communicate so they can continue to coordinate services for the children and families. More recently, CASA has held some socially-distant volunteer meetings outdoors in a park, providing a refreshing opportunity for in-person contact. You can see a video from one Thompson Park meeting here:

This was their first socially distanced Air and Share. They were delighted to finally see so many of their volunteer advocates in person again!

Due to the COVID-19 state budget crisis, funding for the CASA program has been cut from the State of New Jersey’s supplemental budget, forcing CASA to cut staff and services while continuing to be a voice to speak on behalf of New Jersey’s most vulnerable children – and making the funds that the Impact 100 members provided through our grant even more vital than ever before! We applaud CASA for all of their hard work and survival during an unprecedented crisis and will continue to highlight their ongoing need for funds and support from the community.

“It has been a time of great learning and appreciation for us to know that there are so many dedicated professionals and volunteers who, even though they are struggling with their own personal issues, continue to work so diligently on behalf of our kids,” said Cindi, “and for Impact 100 members, we hope it’s rewarding to hear about these achievements that their grant has made possible!”

Remember to save the date for the Impact 100 Annual Meeting on November 17, 2020 when you’ll see more updates from CASA in our brand new 2019 Grantee Update Videos which will be premiered that night! In the meantime, learn more about CASA and our other grantees here and check out their Wish List here!

Hot Off The Press: Asbury Park Music Foundation Grantee Update

We are so excited to share this update from the 2019 Grant Recipient Asbury Park Music Foundation with you all! It is incredible how much they’ve accomplished so far with their Impact grant despite the very challenging circumstances.

The APMF #BeatBus is our mobile classroom; since schools have been closed and classes have become virtual, our students are learning differently, but they’re still ‘on board,’ even if we can’t be there with them in person.

While the program launched a month behind schedule due to more logistical requirements than anticipated and slower hiring of additional staff due to delayed background checks due to COVID, it quickly accelerated once launched and they even completed one creative project planned for 6 weeks in less than two weeks!

As Program Director Ryan Gaumond shared, “while we initially planned on rolling out remote learning in the later development of the program, COVID-19 has since pushed us to quickly start integrating blended learning practices immediately. This challenge has turned into a huge advantage for our program. Engaging students in remote collaborative projects is helping to minimize feelings of isolation and alleviate the stress caused by COVID.”

Check out this impressive list of accomplishments made possible thanks to Impact funding you all awarded!

Students received a standing ovation at the Paramount Theater for their “We Are Rising” Video/Live Production, which reached +1500 audience members. The collaboration project with the AP schools for Black History Month featured:
– Historical Lesson of Asbury Riots
– Collaborative, student-created musical composition across schools
– Field trip recording session at Lakehouse Recording Studio
– Hands-on music video shoots, including an on-location field trip to Asbury Lanes

Tribute to Class of 2020: Students completed a graduation video and are in the development of APMF’s first virtual music production. This video is one example of a student project that evolved due to COVID. Asbury Park High School was planning a virtual graduation and wanted to present a tribute to its students through media. Following is the URL of the student-produced video created for the community.

Watch the tribute here!

Project-Based Curriculum has been developed. Accelerated the expansion of the program’s curriculum to include more topics such as Virtual Reality, 3.D. modeling, Augmented Reality, and Interactive Design. This expansion into new technologies was originally anticipated for year 2 but was accelerated into the program given the challenge of teaching audio tech, which is hard to do virtually and was originally intended to support live music performances.

Audio, Video, Technology & Classroom equipment has been purchased. COVID has put a halt on some aspects of the intended programming, however, students are back in the classroom and are also being encouraged to work on project deliverables outside of class time, while offered remote support by their instructors.

The Asbury Park Music Foundation space has been redesigned including room painted and modular workstations installed. Both APMF and Boys and Girls Club are ready to host classes when social distancing rules are scaled back.

Professional volunteers have been identified at key businesses in Asbury Park to integrate into project-based lessons. In response to restrictions due to COVID, local musicians are being integrated into online collaboration projects.

Student recruitment goals have already been surpassed! A collaboration with the AP schools attracted a large base of 20 students who were onboarded into projects prior to COVID and further outreach is now underway thanks to the transition to online learning (an additional 10 students to date).

Wonderful World Project: With the reopening of the APMF space last month, their Music Business & Technology program is now being offered both virtually and in-person! They’re able to offer the program thanks to the grant that they received from Impact 100 Jersey Coast earlier this year! WATCH NOW!

Karen Harris: Member in the Moment

Meet Impact 100 Jersey Coast Member Karen Harris

By Janet Mazur Cavano

Meet Karen Harris
Many of our members don’t just volunteer their time with us. Some become involved with local non-profits they’re led to through their work at Impact 100 Jersey Coast. This is exactly what happened with Karen Harris. On a site visit to Horizons, an organization offering summer enrichment programs to underprivileged children, she witnessed a joyful scene.

“The kids were so happy and engaged and getting exposed to so many things – building boats, learning to swim, visiting museums,” Harris recalled. “Horizons gives these children experiences they would never have.”

Helping Horizons
Impressed with what she saw, Harris was determined to do something more. So, she introduced Horizon’s director to the president of Christian Brothers Academy (CBA), where her son was a student. Her hope was that the two could forge a connection.

Since then, CBA’s Lincroft campus has become another site for Horizon’s programs and also supplies volunteers. Harris describes this “a beautiful thing that joins two communities together.” Likewise, Harris has donated cruises on her 40-ft sailboat, Cigne, to Horizons during fund-raising campaigns.

Taking Horizon families on cruises, she said, “were some of the best sails I’ve had all year! It was incredible to do that and raise money. The families were just terrific and the kids kept calling me ‘Captain.’

180 Turning Lives Around
Her community involvement doesn’t stop there. For the last ten years, Harris has given her time to 180 Turning Lives Around, Monmouth county’s anti-domestic violence organization and the recipient of Impact 100 JC’s inaugural grant.

The organization hits home. As a survivor of domestic violence who left an abusive marriage 18 years ago, Harris felt it was imperative to empower other women. To demonstrate firsthand that a woman can go on to lead a healthy, fulfilling, violence-free existence.

Interestingly, she reports receiving far fewer crisis calls while volunteering during the pandemic. This bears out with national statistics, which indicate a drop in calls for help, but not necessarily a drop in abuse cases.

“We know this is because they’re stuck in a house with their abuser,” Harris said. “When all this lifts, (the Pandemic) we’ll see a tremendous amount of revelation. It’s been too quiet.”

To clarify, 180’s services are still very much available. While the hospital and police in-person accompaniment have been suspended, survivors will still have the opportunity to connect with an advocate on the phone. Likewise, the hotline is still staffed round the clock. (see details below)

To a woman reading this who may be experiencing domestic or sexual violence, Harris offers these words: “One in four women are victims,” she said. “But remember, It’s not you! It’s the poor choices your perpetrator is making. And there IS help!”

To further benefit 180, Harris will again participate in the 16th annual Ms. Race, an all-women sailing regatta that takes place August 22 and is hosted by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club. Not only does the event raise money but also, heightens awareness for women in the sport of sailing, which has traditionally been dominated by men.

“It’s all about empowering women – that’s the common thread,” she added.

Harris lives in Red Bank and owns a recruiting company, Targeted Talent. She has been an Impact member for the last three years.

You can immediately reach 180’s hotlines for 24/7 support as follows:

Domestic Violence: 1-888-843-9262
Sexual Violence: 1-888-264-RAPE
2nd Floor Youth Call and Text Helpline: 1-888-222-2228
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233

Claire Knopf: Beyond the Grant Member Spotlight

Meet Impact 100 Jersey Coast Member Claire Knopf

By Janet Mazur Cavano

Where do you live?
Rumson

When it comes to philanthropy and service, your resume is beyond impressive! You’ve volunteered on multiple local organizations from chairing the Monmouth Medical Center Foundation to sitting on the board of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore and more. With all this on your plate and more, what on earth motivated you to join Impact 100 Jersey Coast in 2016?
I credit Bonnie Torcivia, a founding member of IMPACT 100 Jersey Coast, who was aware that I had been involved with several organizations in our community. She urged me to join. I was told that IMPACT 100 is a proven, credible, effective, national movement and how easy it is to simply write a check (the only requirement for membership) to affect change for a qualified non-profit organization.

Beside the ease of membership, what else do you find appealing about Impact?
I am definitely in favor of the prototype that invites all women to join and can volunteer on any committee she chooses or, not at all. That’s great – no one feels left out because all members are offered a position in the organization. There’s no “in crowd”. Everything is transparent.

What about Impact’s effect on the community?
I was aware of the needs in our community; or so I thought. I know of many organizations; or so I thought. When I attend an IMPACT meeting, I learn about organizations I know nothing about. Applications are open to all non-profits at the Jersey Shore and the grants really do affect peoples’ lives. All the funds go directly to the grants.

What drives you to be so active in philanthropy and service?
As a child I learned that service is important. Many of my extended family have been involved in their community; one a Councilman; another the son of a mayor of a large city. My family history of cancer also drives me. Having experienced my grandmother, mother, and father dying young from various cancers, and having an aunt and four cousins as survivors, I knew I needed to help.

Tell us about your favorite Impact memory or success story.
I am so impressed with how Impact reacted to COVID-19 – the fact that every member was asked in a timely and diplomatic way to contribute (to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund). It was done seamlessly and successfully.

What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received?
Upon my college graduation, which my father did not live to see, my uncle told me, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” (Seneca the Younger, b. 65 AD).
For me, this really ties into education. It’s so important that children are educated and have access to health care and quality food.

What is your superpower?
I don’t have a super power (laughs). I’m honest. I have integrity. I have compassion. I have the ability to motivate. I also treat each challenge as if it were a for-profit organization and in a professional manner.

How are you managing during quarantine?
I’ve had 13 people living in my house since March! The house looks like a coworking space with everyone working in their own corner. We’ve learned not to pressure each other to be together all the time; everyone needs their own space. Everybody is healthy — that’s what’s most important.

Claire and her husband, Woody Knopf, have three grown children.

Blog: Onward & Upward

IMPACT 100 MEMBERS LOOK ONWARD AND UPWARD AT FIRST-EVER ZOOM MEETING

By Joanne Colella

The COVID-19 pandemic did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm and inspiration shared by 56 women who attended the organization’s recent Zoom event, held on June 11. With a theme of Onward and Upward, the first-ever virtual meeting provided an opportunity for new and returning members to engage with one another, hear updates about Impact 100 initiatives from the leadership team, ask questions, and weigh in on future events.

Onward & Upward Event

The event was cheerfully moderated by Casey DeStefano, Enrichment Chair, who set the tone for the fun, upbeat evening. Impact 100 Jersey Coast Co-Founders Deirdre Spiropoulos and Heather Burke each shared opening remarks, leading off with Deirdre’s eloquent recognition of the pain and loss being felt by African Americans throughout our country and right here in our own community. “Impact 100 Jersey Coast hears that pain and sees that loss, and commits ourselves to truly understand what institutionalized, systemic racism is and how it affects all of us,” she said. “As a grantmaker and collective of givers, we believe that black lives matter. Impact 100 is not only committed in words to playing an active role to end institutionalized racism, but we’re committed in action. We stand ready to deploy our grant funds this fall to support local organizations working to create a more just, equal, and fair future.”

We are off to a Strong Start!

Heather gave an update on Impact 100’s recent donation of $17,650 to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund, which was raised through members’ donations from part of their annual dues. “These dollars, excitingly, are already being deployed as part of the immediate response effort here in Monmouth County and across the state,” she stated. “In this first response phase, the fund has already made 150 separate grants, totaling $3.2 million, to recipients across all 21 counties of New Jersey. There is still so much work to do, but we are off to a strong start and we should all take great pride in being part of this collaborative effort, which is really in keeping with our mission to multiply our impact by coming together.”

Deirdre also shared images of Impact 100 members recently assisting on the frontlines and sidelines, making an impact in ways both big and small. Those images inspired the creation of the Members in the Moment campaign, highlighting members who are involved with various community efforts and sharing their stories. “This is not the time to be shy or humble,” she stressed, urging everyone to share their stories. “It’s so important that we hear these stories and really share how the women of Impact are making an impact. Stories of hope and positive action are what we need right now.”

For the benefit of those new to Impact as well as a reminder to returning members, there was a graphic of the organization’s annual cycle. March 15 is when membership donations are due and the annual grant fund is announced. April is the time for the membership reception and celebration, with an update from current grantees. From June through October, grant applications are submitted, the grant review process is conducted by FAC committee volunteers, and finalists are selected. Throughout the entire year, members are recruited and the grant fund grows; this year’s astounding total of $456,000 was lauded with a virtual toast. The annual meeting in November is the culmination of the year, with grant finalists making their presentations, members voting, and the four grant recipients announced.

Thanks were given to outgoing Membership Chair Allison Mayo, followed by remarks by incoming Membership Chair Lori Missig, who said, “It takes an army to get to 456 people. We are exploring new ways to reach women in a virtual setting and please continue to tell friends, family members, neighbors, and any other women you know about Impact. We are now accepting new members for the 2021 class.” Membership team volunteers have the chance to be ambassadors for this amazing organization and to meet other great women in our community.

Grants Chair Rowena Crawford-Phillips was excited to be kicking off our fifth grant review season, saying, “Thanks to all of you, it is absolutely fantastic that we’ll be funding four projects with grants of $114,000 each. We know from our grantees what a total game-changer that amount will be for them and it really highlights how unique a giving circle like ours is in the grant-making world.” A total of 106 Impact members volunteered to serve on grant review committees this year. Rowena also explained that as soon as the pandemic hit, one of the priorities was to check in with 2019 grantees and be as supportive as possible. This year promises to be a challenging one and it is expected that all or most site visits may be virtual. There were 61 applications this year, which was very encouraging since the committee didn’t know what to expect. On the one hand, nonprofits are really hurting, but on the other hand, the grant application process is quite robust and time-intensive, particularly for nonprofits dealing with so much. The grant committee felt that it was important to keep the process the same, except for one change: proposals would be accepted not just for expanded and new projects, but also to strengthen and sustain existing projects, which would be important for nonprofits just struggling to keep their doors open and continue what they currently do in the face of COVID.

Volunteer Coordinator Eileen Greenlay spoke about the great benefits of the “job” of being an Impact 100 volunteer, with rewarding results, flexible work arrangements based upon each woman’s skills and availability, and the joy of spending time with talented and fun coworkers, meeting new friends and professional contacts. Events Co-Chair Kristin Gruberg joined in by saying, “So far, what a year this has been! It’s interesting to be in charge of getting people together when technically we’re not supposed to be getting together.” The decision was made to cancel the Summer Soiree, which is usually in August, but the committee is exploring other ways to stay connected via Zoom and other virtual platforms. “November 17, 2020, will be our big night, so save the date!” she exclaimed. “We are still working through details on what the evening will look like, but you can expect an amazing and exhilarating night as we each cast our vote and choose our 2020 grant recipients. You personally will truly feel the impact of your individual donation and know how much you’re helping the community.”

A poll was conducted during the Zoom meeting, asking members to weigh in on what would be their first choice of the type of online activities to attend, what topics they would be most interested in, whether they were more likely to attend in-person or virtual events in the coming year, and what time of day would be preferable. “We are not making any decisions on the spot,” Kristin assured everyone. “We want to take time to hear from you and a lot will change over the upcoming months with events in general. We will continue to gather more information to help us plan in the months ahead.”

At the end of the festive and informative Zoom event, members had the chance to participate in a ten-minute Q&A session and were reminded to be sure to check the Impact 100 website, social media, and emails for lots of terrific information and important updates, including Impact’s COVID response and hands-on volunteer opportunities. The final moments of the evening were dedicated to asking members to offer the one word that comes to mind when they think of Impact 100. The responses were immediate, with words such as Unity, Inspiring, Caring, Impactful, Together, Gratitude, Hopeful, Empowerment, Influential, Dedicated, and Compassionate. For the members of Impact 100 Jersey Coast and those they assist, the organization is surely all of those, and so much more.

Rose Anastasio: Beyond the Grant Member Spotlight

Meet Impact 100 Jersey Coast Member Rose Anastasio

By Janet Mazur Cavano

Where do you live?
Manasquan

What do you do for living?
In my first career, I was an assistant vice president at Merrill Lynch. I was also an independent consultant and did design and coding work on Wall Street. Today, I don’t have a 9 to 5 job, but I do hold a certification in holistic health. I’ve coached for many years, working with individuals on how to eat well.

I’ve also battled Lyme Disease and I often get calls from people who’ve been diagnosed and don’t know what to do or how to feel better. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the disease and many doctors don’t know how to treat it. I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through, so I will help who ever I can!

You’re also involved with the Lyme disease community on a bigger level; can you tell us more about that?
I am actively involved with Global Lyme Alliance. It’s a large non-profit “dedicated to conquering Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses through research, education, awareness and patient services.”

I mostly fund-raise for them and chair a “Taste for a Cure” wine-tasting event in Monmouth County, for the last three years. I also attend seminars, meetings and sit in on research symposiums.

How did you first become involved with Impact 100 JC?
I was invited to a recruiting luncheon by a founding member, Paulette Roberts. Deirdre (Spiropoulos, president and co-founder), sat down with six of us and explained the organization. I was so inspired by the wonderful work and I knew immediately I wanted
to be a part of it and I wrote a check right there. That was three years ago.

What inspired you about the organization?
I just believed in the mission. I like the concept of women coming together and helping people in a local community. There’s nothing else out there like it!

When did it dawn on you that Impact was making a difference?
Not until I attended my first annual meeting did I realize there was so much need in our community. What an emotional and inspiring night, especially when the grant applicants were presenting their pitches!

I had no idea Impact was filling such a void!

Being able to say that I am a part of something like this, something so much bigger than myself, and that we can change the course of so many people’s lives — it’s very empowering!

What would you tell a woman who is considering joining?
If you want to be a part of something remarkable, share the experience with other like-minded women, change the lives of people in our area and have a voice in directing where the money goes — join! It’s a pretty compelling argument!

What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received?
I was recently sitting next to a doctor at a seminar and he said, “To stay healthy, you have to stay away from people who bring negativity into your life and don’t respect your friendship. It’s a pure waste of your time and energy!” I agree!

Tell us something about you that not many people know. A fun fact.
I’ve been a golfer for the last 10 years, on and off, and three years ago, I was the women’s club champion at my golf club!

What’s the most recent book you read?
“Let There be Water” by Seth M. Siegel. It’s about the creation of a water system in the desert areas of Israel and how people all take responsibility for its use. It’s an “off the beaten path” read, but it just caught my fascination!

Marilyn Schlossbach: Member in the Moment

Meet Impact 100 Jersey Coast Member Marilyn Schlossbach

By Janet Mazur Cavano

Meet Marilyn Schlossbach

Meet Marilyn Schlossbach, our first Member in the Moment spotlight. Mariylyn has been an Impact 100 JC member for 3 years. She is using her network to make an impact during COVID-19.

How? Marilyn owns a non-profit Food for Thought. They started the “Meals & Masks” program. First came Masks – her organization connected with a mask manufacturer and donated 6,000+ masks to local EMT, police departments, hospitals, churches, and senior centers.

Next came Food – Food for Thought partnered with Asbury Park Dinner Table and Fufill NJ to provide relief meals to those most vulnerable during this time.

Thank you Marilyn and Food for Thought for all that you are doing in this pandemic!

Learn more:
Food for Thought >>foodforthoughtap.com
Asbury Park Dinner Table>>asburyparkdinnertable.org
Fulfill NJ>>fulfillnj.org

Devin Carrick: Member In The Moment

Meet Impact 100 Jersey Coast Member Devin Carrick

By Janet Mazur Cavano

Devin Carrick

What happens to all those Girl Scout cookies when a pandemic strikes in the middle of sales season?

Forced to abandon community booths and direct sales during the governor’s stay-at-home order, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore created an innovative solution: They started a relief fund and donated cookies to essential workers.

Impact 100 Jersey Coast member Devin Carrick, the director of sales and recruitment for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, played a critical role in the initiative. “It’s nice to give back to the people who are giving so tirelessly,” Carrick explained. “One first responder said getting a box of Girl Scout cookies is like getting a box of love!”

Carrick is no stranger to tirelessly giving back. On Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, she was driving around the county picking up bags and boxes of donated goods from people’s porches for a local food drive.

In addition to her role on Impact’s Membership team, Carrick also serves as president of the Monmouth County Young Democrats. Of the Girl Scout cookies, she points out that not only will the funds subsidize projects and programs for scouts in Monmouth and Ocean County, but the initiative also models a valuable lesson.

“It gives the girls a new opportunity to be resilient and to learn new ways of marketing,” she said. ”It also offers them a new perspective. Plus, we just wanted to keep the cookies moving!”

When people make an online donation, volunteers safely deliver the cookies to the essential workers. To date, an astonishing 50,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies have gone to local hospital personnel, first responders, and other essential workers. They donated another 10,000 boxes to Fulfill, the food bank of Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Visit gsfun.org/cookierelief to learn more.

Linda Lautenberg: Member In The Moment

When COVID-19 struck, Impact 100 Jersey Coast member Linda Lautenberg knew she HAD to do something to help out in her community. But what?

At the first virtual meeting of her business school alumni group, she happened to learn about the newly-formed Front Line Appreciation Group (FLAG). The group’s mission is simple: feed the front line medical workers and equally important — keep the local restaurants in business. Two Morris county NJ women started the organization, which has since expanded to more than 100 nationwide chapters.

Immediately, Lautenberg knew it was a perfect fit and started recruiting helpers and soliciting donations from the community, thus forming the Holmdel-Middletown chapter.

“When I heard about FLAG, I thought, ‘I can do this!’,” she said. “It really resonated with me.”

Clearly, it resonated in the community too. Between the end of March and Memorial day weekend, the group raised $54,321 and delivered 4,650 meals from 20 local restaurants to staff at Bayshore and Riverview hospitals, area nursing homes as well as police, fire, and first aid personnel in Holmdel and Middletown, even doctor’s offices with testing facilities. Not only this but the group dropped off grab and go snack carts to front line workers with purchased and donated items as well as 1,000 hand-sewn masks! Topping it off were hundreds of colorful hand-made thank you cards created by local school children and delivered to front line workers.

As Lautenberg describes it, the experience “gave everyone an outlet.” FLAG documented its drop-offs via social media, allowing the community to see exactly where their donations were going and to keep up the momentum. In addition, their efforts raised the profile of the shuttered restaurants, “reminding people that those restaurants are still there, doing take out!”

A member of Impact 100 JC for the last four years, Lautenberg currently chairs the Children and Families Focus Area Committee. She credits a team of four other women, including Impact 100 JC member Doreen DeMarco, with FLAG’s success.