SEA GIRT
COMMUNITY APPEAL
Locals Helping Locals
2025 Charities
* Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey
* Algonquin Arts Theatre
* Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County
* Common Ground Grief Center
* Fulfill FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties
* Joan Dancy & PALS (people with ALS) Foundation
* Kaleidoscope of Hope Ovarian Cancer Foundation
(in memory of MaryAnn Appostolou)
* Kindness Cafe on Main
* New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc.
* The Rae of Light Foundation (in memory of Jillian Rae Ludwig)
* Friends of the Sea Girt Library
See below for more information on each of this years chosen charities as well as links to their websites.
Alzheimer's Association
Greater New Jersey
The Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves and supports fourteen counties in Central and Northern New Jersey.
The Greater New Jersey Chapter is the premier source of information and support for the more than 190,000 residents in New Jersey who are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and their more than 361,000 caregivers. Through its network of staff and volunteers, the Chapter offers a broad range of free programs and services, funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research, and advocacy efforts on behalf of those across the region.
Kaleidoscope of Hope
Ovarian Cancer Foundation
in memory of MaryAnn Appostolou
The mission of the Kaleidoscope of Hope Ovarian Cancer Foundation is to raise funds for ovarian cancer research and increase awareness of the symptoms of this disease.
While we try to increase awareness about ovarian cancer every day, we collectively focus our efforts during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month each September. During our walks, we educate women about the disease, its symptoms and treatment options while raising money for cancer research. The funds we raise during these events are awarded to researchers using innovative ideas and technology to find an early detection test and a cure for ovarian cancer.
The Rae of Light Foundation
in memory of Jillian Rae Ludwig
The Rae of Light Foundation is a pending 501(c)3 non-profit organization established by Jessica and Matt Ludwig (local Wall Township Family) in honor and memory of their beloved daughter, Jillian Rae Ludwig. Jillian was an aspiring musician who lost her life tragically and senselessly in November of 2023 when she was struck by a stray bullet while taking a jog in a community park nearby to her college campus in Nashville, Tennessee. She was only 18 years old.
The Rae Of Light Foundation provides scholarships for students seeking secondary education and also music lessons for youth, to provide the same life-changing opportunities that inspired Jillian throughout her formative years. We also collect and distribute musical instruments to schools, churches and youth groups, and advocate for initiatives and legislation that will improve public safety. In order to raise money to fund these initiatives, Rae of Light seeks donations and sponsorships, and hosts fundraising events multiple times per year. By getting involved with the Rae of Light, you can help us help others and save lives in Jillian’s honor.
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.AAT provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering greater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.
Fulfill FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties
The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties is now Fulfill. We’ve changed our name, because we’re doing more than ever to change lives in our communities for the better.
Our new name reflects the fact that today we focus on more than food distribution. It reflects our commitment to fulfill more of the needs of our neighbors and win the battle against hunger. It reflects our comprehensive approach that goes beyond providing food and helps those in need get to a place where they can get back on their feet for good.
Ending hunger in our communities is a complex challenge, so Fulfill provides a full suite of programs to provide the resources people need to become self-sufficient.
Kindness Cafe on Main
Our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities in a supportive and uplifting environment.
Through the joy of exceptional coffee and delightful treats, we aim to
foster a sense of belonging, dignity, and purpose for both our employees
and our community. By embracing diversity and championing inclusion, we strive to break down barriers and redefine the meaning of a truly inclusive cafe experience.
Friends of the Sea Girt Library
The Sea Girt Library became an independent municipal library in January 2021. The library is now governed by a Board of Trustees. The responsibility of this governing board of trustees is to ensure that the library provides a high quality of service to the Sea Girt community. The Board of Trustees is comprised of the Mayor, the Superintendent of Schools and five Sea Girt residents (appointed by the Mayor).
Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County is open to all children ages 5 1⁄2 – 18. Our after-school program runs weekdays from 2:30-6:00 PM, with snacks and dinner being served to every member. Our teen program in Asbury Park operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in Asbury Park from 6:00-9:00 PM.
Joan Dancy & PALS
(people with ALS) Foundation
The Joan Dancy and PALS Foundation was formed in 2005 by Terry Magovern in honor of Joan Dancy, his late fiancé, after she succumbed to ALS. Our mission is to help people in our local communities afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig ’s disease, is a progressive debilitating disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy. There is no cure.
Mary's Place by the Sea
Our mission is to support women with cancer through integrative services which complement their medical treatment and empower, educate and support their healing: mind, body and soul.
The Vision of Mary's Place by the Sea is a world where every woman with cancer has a PLACE to feel whole.
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc.
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation is committed to sharing the experiences of the Vietnam War Era and its enduring legacy with future generations. Our Memorial recognizes the valor of New Jersey’s Veterans and the sacrifices of their families and communities. Our Museum encourages learning by exploring the Vietnam War Era through inclusive and objective exhibitions.