RED BANK – More than 500 people came to cheer for the winning softball team at the Lunch Break Annual Community Picnic Softball Classic Tournament and Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 20 at Count Basie Field in Red Bank.
Joining Lunch Break for the softball classic was producer, screenwriter and supporter Jon Stewart, who began the tournament by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, according to a press release.
The highlight of the afternoon was the Back to School Drive and Backpack Giveaway during which almost 400 children received school supplies and backpacks that had been donated by generous community members, according to the press release.
Once again, past champion New Jersey Natural Gas returned home with the Lunch Break tournament trophy, and was the overall victor in the 2022 Community Picnic Softball Classic lineup including teams from HABcore, Morgan Stanley, Manasquan Bank, Monmouth Cardiology Associates, HBK CPAs and Consultants and Lunch Break.
Mike Ayers and James Plummer were umpires for the series. Sheldon Edmond sang a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“Everyone is always a winner at the Lunch Break annual Community Picnic, especially our community members in need,” said Director of Administration and Special Events Millie Jeter, who organized the return of the community event, which had been on hiatus since 2019 because of COVID-19 safety restrictions.
“We could not have done it without the tremendous help from volunteers, Team Healthy Together for Lunch Break, the staff and the support of our donors, and local businesses and corporations, who helped to bring smiles to the faces of our families,” Jeter said.
In addition to the softball tournament, attendees at the free community event were treated to more than 750 healthy meals provided by Eat Clean Bro, sweetgreen and Lunch Break, snow cones, fun and games, including a video truck, crafts, tai chi, a toy and gift raffle, and a bicycle and scooter giveaway, according to the press release.
Also included in the day’s festivities were 21 nonprofit healthcare vendors and the Healthy Together for Lunch Break team. In accordance with Lunch Break’s nutrition and community wellness initiatives, vendors provided preventive healthcare and nutrition information, as well as health screening opportunities.
“We are grateful for the continued commitment from our incredible board, volunteers, staff and supporters who, year after year, make this event a wonderful opportunity to be in community with the community,” said Jeter.
Special thanks to area corporations, businesses and individuals who supported this year’s event: Red Bank Recreation Team; Deborah Herr and the Shadow Lake Ladies; Athletes Alley, Shrewsbury; Metrovation; Target; Nice Guy Tent Rental; Robin Thornton, Jerome Livingston and Millie Jeter, bicycle and scooter donations; Music by Wallace; Gould Family, snow cone machine; and Chantiel Love, signs.
Lunch Break is an organization that freely provides life’s basic necessities of food, clothing, fellowship, temporary housing and life skills for the greater Monmouth County community.
For 2023 Community Picnic sponsorship opportunities, contact Millie Jeter at 732-747-5788, ext. 3102.
Lunch Break freely provides food, clothing, social services, fellowship and life skills to those struggling with financial insecurity as a path to well-being and self-sufficiency, according to the press release.