By: centraljersey.com
MONROE – Monroe Township Patrons of the Arts Inc. has been awarded $2,500 to support arts and entertainment programs by OceanFirst Foundation, of Toms River.
The grant will provide art-oriented programs, workshops and performances that will benefit residents of Monroe Township and neighboring communities.
Driven by its mission to foster, support, educate, inspire and promote artists and appreciation of all cultural arts in Monroe Township, Monroe Township Patrons of the Arts Inc. was designed to raise funds that would directly offset the costs of bringing arts programs to the community.
Maria Naumik, founder and spokesperson, said, "We are extremely grateful for OceanFirst Foundation; its mission to supports arts and culture in the region. Support from the OceanFirst Foundation will help our organization to continue its mission of providing high quality, diverse and innovative cultural arts programs."
OceanFirst was founded in 1902. The bank’s commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central New Jersey meet their financial needs has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation.
The foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst market area.
In 2009, OceanFirst Foundation contributed more than $1.2 million to community initiatives and since its inception has contributed more than $20 million to more than 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties.
Monroe Township Patrons of the Arts Inc. was founded in 2001 and fosters supports, educates, inspires and promotes artists and appreciation of all cultural arts.

