The organizers of the Marlboro Blues and BBQ Festival raised money for veterans whose lives were negatively impacted by superstorm Sandy in 2012. The fund recently provided furniture for Edward O’Neill, pictured, at his new residence in Middletown. FRANK GALIPO The rain refused to stop during the afternoon of Dec. 23 as several men hauled furniture into Edward O’Neil’s secondfloor apartment in the McGuire’s Grove housing complex in Middletown.
O’Neil, who is a Vietnam War veteran, moved into the building five months ago after he lost his home in Atlantic Highlands to superstorm Sandy’s wrath.
A few weeks ago, he turned to the committee that organizes the Marlboro Blues and BBQ Festival for help. In 2013, the event raised about $18,000 for veterans who were affected by Sandy in October 2012.
O’Neil was the first person to benefit from the fundraising initiative when Jeff Cantor, a Marlboro councilman and the founder of the festival, and his team of volunteers secured new furniture for the veteran’s new home.
They braved the rain to deliver a new washer and dryer, a kitchen table and chairs, a nightstand and a dresser to O’Neil and his wife. The contribution totaled about $3,000, Cantor said.
“I am just blown away by how many people are still not in their homes and are still dealing with complete adversity from the flooding that happened [during Sandy], the storm, the insurance money that never came through and the [Federal Emergency Management Agency] issues,” Cantor said.
“I am devastated by that, so the fact that we could give back to people who are local means so much. And that’s what the Blues and BBQ Festival is all about — giving back to those who worked hard for the country and are in need,” he said.
For O’Neil, the assistance came after a long and difficult road. After Sandy destroyed his Bay Avenue home in Atlantic Highlands, he lived in a camper for about a week before moving in with his stepson in Tinton Falls.
When he and his wife finally landed the Middletown apartment, they had few items with which to furnish the space. Some of the things they did have — like the plastic, Sandy-damaged kitchen table that O’Neil got from a fellow veteran — were not up to par.
The aid of the Marlboro Blues and BBQ Festival folks proved critical, he said.
“I think what these guys are doing is great. It’s fantastic,” O’Neil said. “I wish there would be more help for veterans around the area and all over the country actually, especially for the guys who have been wounded.”
Proceeds from the festival, which takes place every September near Marlboro’s recreation center, usually go toward the Wounded Warrior Project and other national charities, Cantor said. But Paul Schlaflin, a Marlboro resident who sits on the event committee, prodded the organizers to keep their donations in the surrounding community after Sandy struck.
While cash raised from the festival might not flow far from Monmouth County this year, its trail will not end with O’Neil.
The group plans to pay one month’s rent for the family of a former Marine who lost their home in the storm. Volunteers will make repairs to two veterans’ houses in the Sandy-battered borough of Union Beach. An 88-year-old veteran who served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War will also see firsthand the fruits of the blues festival.
“He and his wife have been in a rental since the storm. They have a modest amount to rebuild with, so we are going to initially take care of the demolition of the old house,” Schlaflin said. “We hope to be of assistance to them as they try to rebuild.”
Chris Petruzzelli, a local contractor, will donate time and equipment for the demolition. Thornberry’s Appliance & TV in Red Bank sold the washer and dryer at cost. The Home Warehouse in Ocean sold discounted floor models and will continue to be involved in the initiative, Schlaflin said.
Money that is raised at the 2014 Blues and BBQ Festival will once again support veterans whose lives were uprooted by Sandy, he said.
“I wish we could help every veteran who contacted us with everything they need, because the need is great,” Schlaflin added. “It is very easy to believe Sandy is over and done with, but the devastation remains for so many people.”