RED BANK — HABcore will hold The Sawdust Festival on Friday, Oct. 21, beginning at 7 p.m., at Branches in West Long Branch.
Two friends to HABcore will be honored this year: Edward McNamee and his family and Holiday Express.
The Sawdust Festival will take on an old western theme and wearing jeans, boots and cowboy hats is encouraged.
A display of the artistic talents of HABcore’s residents and board will be featured, and music will be provided by Tim McLoone & The Shirleys. The winner of the Super 50/50 will be announced. Tickets are $150 and include a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, open bar and a full dinner. There will be live and silent auctions. Auction prizes include vacations, theater tickets and restaurant certificates.
Since 2006, McNamee, a HABcore trustee, has been steadfast supporter. Every year, Ed and his wife, Laurie, open their home to HABcore for the Jazz by the River fundraiser. In addition, his daughter, Christa, has lent her talents to the development of the HABcore website and other marketing materials.
Since 1993, Holiday Express has been a fixture of good will in the community, staging concerts and parties during the holiday season for those less fortunate. including many HABcore residents.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the programs and services of HABcore Inc., a nonprofit that serves people who are homeless in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Estimates put the number of homeless in this region at more than 1,200 people, according to a press release from HABcore.
The organization, for more than 23 years, has been serving people in the community who need shelter by providing temporary and permanent housing in a family setting, with supportive services, to low-income people who are homeless, disabled or unable to care for themselves.
For more information about HABcore, its programs and the upcoming festival, visit www.habcore.org or contact Ellen Davis, development director, at 732-544-1975.