Golden Osprey Award Winners to Be Feted
The Southern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce (SMCC) will be honoring its most outstanding citizens and businesses at the 2012 Golden Osprey Awards gala, Thursday, October 18, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Spring Lake Manor, 415 State Hwy.71, Spring Lake, N.J.
Tickets cost $75.00 each and include a two-hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres and a buffet dinner. To register or for questions, call 732-280-8800. Ad journal ($75.00 to $300.00) and sponsorship ($250 to $1,500.00) opportunities are still available.
The Golden Osprey Awards recognize business excellence, community service, chamber service, and an aspiring youth. Aqua-Land Pools, Inc, Manasquan, and Chris DeCresce, owner of Sand Bar, Brielle, and Fratello’s, Sea Girt, will receive the Business Excellence Award for outstanding business practices and contributions to the community.
Mark Balsam, branch manager, Wall, will accept the Outstanding Community Service Award on behalf of Investors Bank. Balsam said, “One of the core values of Investors Bank is making a difference in local communities by serving on boards and volunteering with such organizations as the Community YMCA, Brookdale Community College Foundation, United Way, FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties, the Girl Scouts, and Algonquin Arts Theatre. Our goal is to help make this county a better place to live and work.”
Pat Darcey, marketing director of Francis Asbury Manor, an assisted living and a senior care community in historic Ocean Grove will accept the Outstanding Chamber Service Award for Francis Asbury Manor. Francis Asbury Manor has sponsored numerous Chamber events, provided ongoing volunteer assistance, and hosted and sponsored the Chamber’s Annual Scholarship luncheons, with food preparation and service free of charge, among other contributions. Errol Ernstrom, president of American Placemats, Denville, will also receive the Outstanding Chamber Service Award for his continuing contributions to the Chamber.
Lauren Harris, Spring Lake, a senior at the Ranney School, Tinton Falls, has earned the Aspiring Youth Award as a student who excels academically and helps others in the community. Lauren is a Finalist in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program, a member of six national honor societies, and a three-season varsity athlete (Cross-Country, Swimming, Track). Outside of school, she devotes herself to helping others. She planned and was responsible for such events as food and clothing drives, and visits to more than 150 elderly people. She served as a camp counselor for children and adults with developmental disabilities and volunteered at Elijah’s Promise, a soup kitchen in New Brunswick.
Evelyn Mars, executive director of the SMCC, said, “We are so honored to have people in our community and our chamber who give wholeheartedly without any hesitation or thought of personal gain. They deserve to be recognized for their excellence in business and their dedication to others.”
The sponsors to date of the annual Golden Osprey Awards are Investors Bank (Platinum Sponsor); Aqua-Land Pools and OceanFirst Bank (Cocktail Sponsors); and The UPS Store (Printing Sponsor).