BY MICHELLEROSENBERG
Staff Writer
HOLMDEL — The township has appointed its Business Relations Committee in an effort to raise money that will help to uphold and increase the quality of life in Holmdel.
The committee will work with local businesses and executives to develop programs that will raise money for township projects and ease the tax burden for residents, according to a press release distributed by the committee. It will hold events that are sponsored by the local businesses, and donate proceeds to expensive projects like a new township library, improvements of the recreational facilities at Cross Farm Park and Roggy Stadium, and a veterans memorial, which are all projects in consideration, according to the press release.
"It’s going to be more than fund-raisers," said committee member Steve Orbach. "We want to make it meaningful to help the community of Holmdel."
At this time, the committee is formulating projects, but events probably won’t be held until the end of this year or the beginning of next year, said Robert Evanson, committee chairman.
"Right now we’re just lining up ducks," Orbach said. "Maybe having a movie and music night with business sponsorships."
The committee was formed in January by Mayor Larry Fink, who appointed all of its members and asked Evanson to be its chairman.
In addition to Evanson and Orbach, other committee members are Sylvia Allen, Alan Bateman, Jerry Buffalino, Arthur Frank, Lauren Fryefield, Dorene Ignatiou and Joe Solfaro. Deputy Mayor Janet Burke sits as township committee liason along with the mayor.
"I’m very impressed with the seriousness of everybody and how well we are working together," Orbach said.
The committee had its first meeting in April and currently meets once a month.
"We’re all excited about doing something positive and helping out in the community," Evanson said. "It’s very rewarding."