OceanFirst Foundation of Toms River has awarded $30,000 in grants through its Home Runs for Heroes program to nine charities that serve members of the military.
The program, now in its second year, is a partnership between OceanFirst Foundation, WOBM-AM and WOBM-FM, and the Lakewood BlueClaws, according to a press release.
Home Runs for Heroes grants provide financial support to charities that meet the emergency basic needs of veterans and local servicemen and servicewomen — active and retired — and their families during difficult times. The program ties each position on the baseball field (not including pitcher, but including a designated hitter) to a charity, with each home run by the BlueClaws at First Energy Park, Lakewood, earning a $1,000 donation to the corresponding charity.
“Last year’s program was a great success, and we are delighted that the 2010 season surpassed last year’s 24 home runs with a total of 30 home runs, resulting in a $30,000 donation by OceanFirst Foundation. We thank the BlueClaws organization and WOBM AM and FM for giving us the opportunity to work together to bring much-needed relief to local military families with special needs,” said Katherine Durante, executive director of OceanFirst Foundation.
With the baseball season at an end, OceanFirst Foundation announced $30,000 in grants to the following organizations: American Recreational Military Services (ARMS), $2,000; American Red Cross, Jersey Coast Chapter, $4,000; Army Emergency Relief, Fort Dix, $8,000; Army Emergency Relief, Fort Monmouth, $1,000; Catholic Charities (Emergency Services), Diocese of Trenton, $3,000; Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society/ Lakehurst, $3,000; Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society/Naval Weapons Station Earle, $1,000; New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council, $2,000; and Vet- Group, $6,000.