Jim Bourque, executive director of United Way of Monmouth County, accepts a donations to the September 11th Fund from Holmdel High School student Leigh Scheps and her mother, Lynn Scheps.
In the aftermath of the World Trade Center tragedy, Holmdel High School sophomore Leigh Scheps felt the need to do more than just talk about the events with her family and friends.
"Families of people I go to school with in Holmdel, families of people I attended Hebrew school with, families of kids I go to camp with, and families of girls I dance with have been changed forever," said 15-year-old Leigh. "I needed to do something to help. I wanted to get involved and help the families in Monmouth County directly," she said.
After discussions with her parents, Leigh decided that the best way to help would be to raise money for United Way for the benefit of those living in Monmouth County. She decided to raise the funds by putting on a show featuring the dance talents of her fellow students. Leigh asked her mother, Lynn, owner and director of Bayshore Academy of Dance in Holmdel, to help organize the show.
"Mom felt that it should not be her dance studio show, but rather a community dance show using dance companies outside her dance studio as well as some studio numbers that I just happen to be in," Leigh said. "My dad came up with the title, "United We Dance," in memory of the victims and in honor of the heroes from Monmouth County."
Leigh and her mother presented funds totaling $3,020 to James Bourque, executive director of United Way of Monmouth County.
"We can’t thank you enough for all your efforts," Bourque said. "This donation will certainly help to ease the pain of those suffering from this horrible tragedy."
According to a press release, United Way of Monmouth County has dispersed $1.78 million to 134 families in Monmouth County through the four partner agencies — Community YMCA, Western Monmouth YMCA, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and Catholic Charities. By Dec. 31, each eligible family was scheduled to receive another $10,000 from the Cash Assistance program set up by the Sept. 11 Fund. Donations are still being accepted and may be sent to United Way of Monmouth County, 1415 Wyckoff Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727; or call (732) 938-5988.