June gala benefits Collier Services

Two hundred guests gathered at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge on June 23 for Monte Collier Night III, the 14th annual "A Chance to Grow Gala," which raised approximately $76,000 for Collier Services’ programs for special needs children and youth at Collier Services’ facilities in the Wickatunk section of Marlboro.

Featured speaker Andrew Christopher of Belmar, a 1989 graduate of Collier High School, told guests how Collier, his "second family," accepted him as he was, treated him with respect and encouraged him to work toward goals.

As one of the top new brokers with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Christopher credited the work ethic he learned at Collier for his success.

He reminded everyone that their support of the event meant that other youths like him would have a chance for a better future, according to a press release from Collier Services.

Another feature of the evening was the presentation of the Collier Community Service Award to Lucent Technologies. Over the last three years, Lucent men and women volunteered more than 1,300 hours of service and Lucent donated $50,000 in materials and financial support to Collier.

Lorraine Norkus of Brielle and Linda McCreedy of Colts Neck chaired the Gala Committee of Lillian Bertoldo of Colts Neck, Donna Agel of Howell, Diane Burmeister, Elly Orlando and Robert Giordano, all of Little Silver, Adele Keller and Mary Jane Gilligan of Spring Lake, Vicki Kerzic of Morganville and Karen Maguire of Brick.