The Dittmar Agency, a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency in Freehold, has begun a holiday tradition aimed at giving back to their communities. In lieu of exchanging gifts, the staff has chosen to make cash donations toward a charity. Each staff designated a charity of choice and put their pick in a hat. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey was selected in a random drawing. Founded in 1983, the Make-AWish Foundation of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Fulfilling a child’s wish provides a joyful and meaningful experience that benefits the child and the family.
DCH Freehold Toyota has been named a Certified Toyota Mobility Dealer by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS).
“DCH Freehold Toyota joins an exclusive but growing group of Toyota dealers certified to assist the physically challenged so that they can enjoy the mobility others take for granted,” said Jim Lentz, executive vice president of TMS. “Our ‘Moving Forward’ theme is more than just an advertising tag line. It’s a commitment to our customers, especially those with special needs that require the installation of adaptive equipment.”
DCH Freehold Toyota qualified for this certification by:
• Establishing a relationship with Monmouth Vans of Wall Township, a specialist in understanding mobility issues and the appropriate adaptive equipment available to meet the transportation needs of physically challenged customers.
• Appointing Gunther Wu as Mobility Champion sales manager. Wu completed training in order to be more knowledgeable in offering transportation solutions.
• Ensuring that select Toyota models with adaptive equipment are on display on the showroom floor.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. established its consumer Toyota Mobility Assistance program in 2001. The program provides Toyota new vehicle customers with cash assistance of up to $1,000 of the cost of adaptive equipment for Toyota vehicles. Eligible equipment includes wheelchair restraints, wheelchair-accessible ramps, power swivel and lift seats, steering devices and hand controls.
Amboy Bank announced that all 26 offices of the bank collected food and household items for food banks in their branch area during November. Every Amboy Bank office manager selected a food bank to collect for in their community. In many cases Amboy Bank has a strong relationship with the organizations, including Elijah’s Promise, the Old Bridge Food Bank and the Samaritan Center. Gregory Scharpf, Chief Retail Banking Officer, credited the support of the bank’s generous clients and neighbors for making the program a success. Items were distributed to the charities in time for Thanksgiving.
The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group will host Caring with Karaoke, a charity event to benefit the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at Cue & Brew Billiards and Sports Bar, 1212 Route 34, Matawan. Admission is $10 and includes food, karaoke, billiards, contests (including a Girl Scout Cookie eating contest) and prizes. Underwriting opportunities are available. Email event@greatermonmouthchamber. com. Current underwriters include Diana Moore of Servpro of Freehold; Cue & Brew, Matawan; Jeff Olen of Vacation Like You Stole It; and Paul-Mark Printing, Freehold.
The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will host its 81st annual meeting and installation of officers and directors on Jan. 12 at the American Hotel, Freehold. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by luncheon and program at noon. The cost to attend is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. James W. Hughes, professor and dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, will be the guest speaker. He will give his analysis of the regional and state economy. M. Claire French, Monmouth County clerk, will conduct the installation of officers and directors.
Dr. Russell Brokstein, a chiropractor in Freehold, is once again sponsoring his annual food drive for people in Freehold, Marlboro, Manalapan, Colts Neck, Howell, Jackson and surrounding areas. People can drop off food for those in need by stopping by his office, Hometown Family Wellness Center, 9 Broadway, Freehold, until Dec. 31. Food will be donated to the local food pantry. Details: 732-780-0044. As a thank you, the doctor will offer a complimentary consultation (regularly valued at $185) to those dropping off five canned food items.
Sapphire Tans (formerly Hollywood Tans) is holding its annual food drive through Dec. 31. All items collected will be donated to the Freehold Open Door Food Pantry and the Howell Emergency Food Pantry. Find “wish lists” by visiting www.SapphireTans.com. Bring in a food item on Saturdays and Sundays during the food drive and receive a free tan upgrade. Food may be donated at the Freehold location, 3 Village Center Drive, Raintree Towne Center, Route 537, Freehold Township, or the Howell location, 4870 Route 9 south (Village Square at Howell). Details: 732-863-0017 or 732-730-8221.
Mandee Shops announced that its stores will be the exclusive partner this holiday season for Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity dedicated to providing shoes to people in need. Now through Dec. 24, all 120 Mandee stores, including the store at 4051 Route 9 north, Howell, will be collecting donations of gently worn shoes. As a thank you for participation, each customer who donates will receive a 20 percent off discount coupon toward an item of their choice.
Items for the Business Briefs may be faxed to 732-780-4192.