In a great show of support during the challenging COVID-19 health crisis, community members came together on Oct. 6 to raise more than $50,000 that will enable more young girls to thrive with Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.
More than 80 golfers and supporters gathered at the Rumson Country Club for the annual Girl Scout Golf Classic charity event, presented by Investors Bank and OceanFirst Bank, according to a press release.
Originally scheduled for June, the golf tournament was postponed due to the pandemic. But with safety measures in place, golfers enjoyed a round of golf, followed by an open air dinner reception to raise support for the area’s largest nonprofit organization devoted to girls, according to the press release.
Forty local businesses and individuals also supported the event as sponsors, reflecting the “caring spirit” of the local community, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore CEO Eileen Higgins said.
“It has been a difficult year for Girl Scouts and our entire community,” Higgins said. “We could not be more thankful for the generosity of our sponsors and golfers. Their support will make it possible for more girls from all backgrounds to develop lifelong leadership skills through Girl Scouting.”
Higgins said proceeds from the event will fund membership fees for girls whose families may be experiencing financial difficulties. Support will also underwrite development of new virtual and in-person leadership programs and activities to keep nearly 10,000 girls connected in the pandemic.
“Now more than ever, Girl Scouts need time together in safe environments to strengthen their overall well-being and to be supported in achieving their leadership goals,” Higgins said.
Serving as event co-chairs were Nina Anuario, senior vice president at OceanFirst Bank and first vice chair of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Board of Directors, and Victoria Magliacane, senior vice president at Investors Bank.
Families interested in learning more about Girl Scout membership, financial assistance or programs may visit www.GSFun.org or call 800-785-2090.
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves nearly 10,000 girls between the ages of 5 and 18 in Monmouth and Ocean counties, according to the press release.