Humanitarian to be honored

The American Cancer Society will honor Robert Kash of Freehold Township at the ninth annual Gala of Hope, “Hope Lounge … A Sleek and Sophisticated Nightclub,” slated for March 14 at The Mill at Spring Lake Heights. Kash will be the American Cancer Society’s inaugural recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year award.

According to a press release, Kash was selected to receive the honor in recognition not only of his long-term support of the American Cancer Society, but also in acknowledgment of his generous support of various local causes.

Kash’s community service involvement includes serving on the Board of Trustees for the CentraState Healthcare Foundation, he is a member of the Board of Special Strides, a local therapeutic riding academy for handicapped children, he sits on the Freehold Township Planning Board, and serves as a member of the Freehold Center Partnership.

Kash has been a generous donor to various charities including the YMCA of Western Monmouth County and the Boy Scouts of America. He is the president of Great Restaurants, and owner of the Metropolitan Café in Freehold Borough and Nonna’s in Marlboro.

Tickets for the March 14 cocktail party are $150 per person; sponsorship opportunities start at $2,000. Underwriting opportunities are also available, starting at $3,500. Supporters of the event are also invited to purchase Stars of Hope in honor or memory of loved ones; the stars, which will be available for $50 each, will be displayed at the gala.

The event will feature a live auction, silent auction, and a diamond champagne raffle sponsored by Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry of Manalapan. The winner of the champagne raffle will receive a half-carat diamond.

Since its inception, the Gala of Hope has raised more than $1 million, according to a press release. The event is organized by a committee of volunteers from western Monmouth County under the guidance of the American Cancer Society staff.

Funds raised by the event will help to support American Cancer Society research, as well as cancer education, advocacy and patient services programs in Monmouth and Ocean counties. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or additional information, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.