FCS (Family & Children’s Service), Monmouth County’s oldest, private, nonprofit social service agency, will honor former FCS board chairwoman Mary Ann McDonald and long-time community partners Bruce Thompson and Thompson Memorial Home, and Gloria Nilson at its 2016 Leading Lights Gala, Oct. 29 at Navesink Country Club in Middletown. The Leading Lights Gala, named for the beacons used in navigation to indicate safe passage for vessels entering shallow or dangerous waters, is the agency’s largest annual fundraising event. Money raised helps support essential FCS programs and services, including adult protective services, home care, homeless prevention services and literacy and nutrition programs for children in underserved communities.
“Much like Leading Lights, FCS helps the most vulnerable in our community navigate daily challenges and live their lives safely with as much dignity and independence as possible,” says FCS CEO Delly Beekman. “Similarly, the individuals we are honoring this year are also Leading Lights in the community. They have been instrumental in advancing the agency’s mission and vision to provide compassionate care, intervention and education to people during challenging times in their lives. We are proud to recognize them in this way.”
The 2016 Gala committee, led by honorary co-chairs Paul and Judy Stach, has planned the evening. In addition to dinner and dancing to the music of Tim McCloone and The Shirleys, guests will also enjoy a live and silent auction featuring a variety of donated luxury items, including original oil paintings, fine jewelry, catered dinner parties, tickets to professional sporting and entertainment events, and vacation packages.
To receive an invitation to the Leading Lights Gala, contact FCS Director of Development Diane Gribbin at 732-22-9111, ext. 134 or email at [email protected]. To learn more about sponsorship, underwriting and ad journal opportunities that help fund the FCS mission and recognize the honorees, visit the FCS website at www.fcsmonmouth.org.