During a recent meeting of the Howell Board of Education, members of the Howell Optimist Club presented the board with a donation of $4,000 to be used toward the eighth grade trips to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel.
“Our Optimist Club’s No. 1 priority is helping the children of this community,” said club President Chris Estevez. “Raising the funds to help with events and programs such as this are essential as part of our commitment to the children of Howell. With this donation, we have given these kids an opportunity to expand their horizons and learn hands-on about a very important piece of American history.”
According to Estevez, the money was raised through a number of club fund-raisers held throughout the year.
School board President Mary Cerre-tani said, “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank the Optimist Club for its extremely generous donation, which will enable the students to attend this very worthwhile trip. The time and dedication that the members of the Optimist Club devote to the children of Howell is greatly appreciated.”