AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance program. In tax year 2017 the Monmouth district provided tax preparation services at 11 sites and prepared more than 4,000 federal tax returns, essentially all of which also included a New Jersey return. Volunteers are needed for the following roles: counselors work directly with taxpayers to prepare tax returns using on-line software; client facilitators welcome taxpayers, help organize their paperwork and manage the overall flow of service; technology coordinators manage computer equipment, ensure taxpayer data is secure and provide technical assistance to volunteers. AARP membership is not required of volunteers or clients. Tax training starts in November. Prospective volunteers may email [email protected] for additional information.
Through the efforts of Andy Slater of Morganville, vice president of advertising partnerships for Midroll Media, New York City, the Scripps Howard Foundation awarded $1,250 to Strand Ventures and the Historic Strand Theater, Lakewood, to help provide top entertainment for the community. Slater, a Strand Theater board member, said the Scripps Howard Foundation offers programs that support nonprofit organizations for which employees give their time and money. “What excited me about this,” said Slater “is that I work for a company that really supports its employees’ charitable efforts. When I saw the opportunity for the Scripps Howard Foundation to offer grants for what we are passionate about, it got me motivated to see how I could help the Strand.” Slater and his wife, Jill, actively fundraise for the Parkinson’s Unity Walk every April in New York.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares, the philanthropic arm of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New Jersey and Rockland County, N.Y., will host its fourth annual charity event, the Cares Casino Royale, at 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Palace at Somerset Park, Somerset. The event will feature games of chance, a raffle, a silent auction, gift baskets, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Individual tickets are $100, on sale at www.CARESCasinoRoyale.com, along with sponsorship opportunities. Each ticket includes $50 Coldwell Casino Cash. Funds raised will enable Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares to support 10 charities.