By Sherry conohan
Staff Writer
SHERRY CONOHAN Joining in welcoming arriving guests to the Monmouth Park Charity Ball at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands Aug. 9 were Nonnie Godvin (l), coordinator of the ball, and Roberta Fox, a former chairwoman.
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS — Despite dodging raindrops upon their arrival, the more than 200 guests who attended this year’s Monmouth Park Charity Ball at the Shore Casino were in good cheer as they greeted old friends, looked over the elegant silent auction offerings and supped on a delicious meal.
The men in black tie and the women in glamorous summer dresses and pants suits didn’t let the soggy weather on Aug. 9 dampen their enjoyment of the evening.
Honored at this year’s ball were Dr. Frank J. Vozos, executive director of Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, and Hope Haskell Jones, who has been involved with the Charity Ball since she was a young girl and now serves on the executive committee. Her father, Amory Haskell, was one of the founders of the modern-day Monmouth Park in Oceanport and served as chairman of the board from its inception until his death in 1966.
The presentation to Vozos was made by Dr. Charles Zukaukas, while the presentation to Jones was made by Judith Stanley Coleman.
When asked the importance of Monmouth Park prior to the dinner, Oceanport Mayor Gordon N. Gemma said the track supports and continues to keep racing alive and vibrant in Monmouth County.
He said he believes that the racetrack ultimately will be sold to the private sector. But that is not the question, he said, noting that it was privately owned before the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority purchased it in 1985.
The question, he said, is whether the new owner will keep racing there.
The crowd of 55,000 that turned out for the Haskell Invitational Aug. 3 bodes well for its future, he maintained.
"It’s proof you can maintain the vibrancy of racing … and keep the park alive and well," he said.
The proceeds of the ball go to a number of charities. Over its 57-year history, it has produced over $8 million for around 100 organizations.
The biggest beneficiaries over the years have been Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, which has received a total of $1,268,495, and Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, which has received $1,055,981, followed by Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, which has received $498,61.
The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey has received $436,515.