Benefit at Cabin will feature
music, comedy performances
MANALAPAN — Music and comedy will be on the bill for a benefit show to be held at the Cabin, Route 33, Howell, on Aug. 17. The event will be the second annual benefit sponsored by the Manalapan Police Department’s crisis intervention team.
Formed nearly eight years ago under the auspices of the Manalapan Police Department, the crisis intervention team consists of volunteers, one of whom is always on call to come to the aid of a victim of domestic violence.
To support their efforts in the community, the members of the crisis intervention team are producing and promoting their second benefit show.
The Aug. 17 event will feature local stand-up comedian Paul Venier and area musician Eddie Testa, a native of Freehold known for his work with the band the Cruisers. Lonny Narson of Noble Productions will host the show. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the first drink is included. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, according to Barbara-Deitz Caprioni, a member of the crisis intervention team who is coordinating the event. Advance purchase is requested. For tickets call (732) 431-5356.
Deitz-Caprioni said last year’s show — which featured Testa and Jersey shore rock and roll favorite John Eddie — raised enough money to allow the crisis intervention team members to further their training and to make donations to 180, Turning Lives Around, Hazlet; the Samaritan Center, Englishtown; and Amanda’s Easel, a children’s art therapy program.
Deitz-Caprioni said more volunteers are needed and noted that a training session for new volunteers is expected to begin in the fall.
The crisis intervention team is called into service after police respond to an incident of domestic violence and advise the victim — male or female — that a member of the team is available. If the victim chooses to speak with a team member, the volunteer will present the options that are available to the victim. The team members are not permitted to make referrals to doctors or agencies and they do not recommend what course of action the victim should pursue, Deitz-Caprioni said.
She said it is hard to say just how often the volunteers will be needed, although she noted that some times of the year seem to produce more incidents of domestic violence than others.
Deitz-Caprioni expressed her appreciation to the people and businesses that have helped to sponsor the event, beginning with the Cabin and owner Rod Cunliffe.
"I really want to thank the Cabin," she said. "Rod opened his arms to us and has gone out of his way to help. He’s offered us anything we need."
Other sponsors of the Aug. 17 event include Pepsi, Coors Light, Red Bull Beverages, Provident Savings Bank, the Pine Tavern, Dr. Neil Roth, Nancy’s Midtown Cafe, Planet Fitness, Elite Fitness, Guardian Lawn Care, Glenn’s Furniture, Express Furniture, Ginger’s Nail Palace and Capt. Morgan Rum.
— Mark Rosman