EAST BRUNSWICK — Despite the bad economy, many township residents are still in a giving mood.
Mayor David Stahl saw this generosity firsthand during his Dinner for a Cause, held Oct. 16 at the new Community Arts Center, Cranbury Road. Stahl, who organized the dinner and concert to raise money for local charitable causes, said he plans to hold it annually.
The event raised about $6,000, between ticket sales, at $100 each, and through straight donations.
“It was a good outpouring of support from the community,” Stahl said. “A lot of people contributed who couldn’t make it to the event.”
The event included a dinner followed by live music from the Wannabes, who agreed to play at a reduced cost for the charity event. He said the band, whose repertoire is centered on 1960s rock music, will likely be brought back for one of East Brunswick’s summer concerts.
Stahl said the event did not quite sell out, but there were a lot of people who wanted to be there but could not because of prior commitments.
“For a first-time event, I think it went fabulously,” he said. “I was very pleased. East Brunswick has always been a very caring community.”
While some of the proceeds have been given to Middlesex County’s food bank, Stahl said there are no definite plans as to what to do with the rest of the money, except of course to use it to help local people or organizations in need. He said causes will be decided as the year goes on, and the money given out then. He noted that the township is still accepting donations for Dinner for a Cause.