Holiday Express Sunset Benefit Clambake: Fun Close to Summer Season

 On Sunday, September 18th, Mother Nature once again provided Holiday Express with a picture-perfect day for the 15th annual Holiday Express Sunset Benefit Clambake, on the beach at McLoone’s Pier House.   The evening was a huge success thanks to generous corporate sponsors, individual supporters, and exceptional volunteers, who helped raise more than $155,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission, which is to deliver music, food, gifts, financial support, and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Guests were treated to an evening of ocean breezes, a tasty cocktail hour, lavish buffet, and dancing.  Live entertainment was provided by the Holiday Express Band.  “This is always a great evening for a great cause and a perfect way to wrap up the summer before kicking off our 30th season of Holiday Express.  Before you know it we will be bundled up in fleece and Santa hats.  The band enjoys performing on the beach before we set out and travel over 25,000 miles to the clients we visit in NJ, NY and PA,” said Holiday Express founder, Tim McLoone.

The evening’s honorees included distinguished community leaders: Investors Bank, Joe Introna of Joe Leone’s in Point Pleasant, Jane Denny of Colts Neck, Holiday Express Volunteer, Paige Chandler of Aberdeen, Holiday Express Junior Volunteer, and Matheny Medical Center of Peapack.  Holiday Express Executive Director, Eileen Higgins and Tim McLoone recognized honorees for their support of Holiday Express.

Special thanks to Holiday Express Gold Sponsors: Investors Bank, Shore Point Distributing Company, Inc. and Phil & Marilyn Perricone who have all been staunch supporters of Holiday Express.   The silent auction co-chaired by Phyllis Peterson of Middletown and Diane Schneider of Rumson, was a huge success thanks to the generous donations of many local businesses.

Holiday Express will be visiting 100 locations from early November through December 24th.   In addition to donations, fundraising, and sponsors, the organization relies on its tireless troupe of 2,5000 volunteers to make every season a success.  “Holiday Express has a great group of volunteers; from our warehouse elves, face painters, truck drivers, and our musicians.   We would never be able to deliver the gift of human kindness to so many in the community without them,” said Eileen Higgins.

Proceeds from the Clambake will improve the quality of life for the 27,000 adults and children being served during that time. Holiday Express visits the mentally and physically challenged, the isolated, individuals in addiction and recovery programs, the underserved, those experiencing homelessness, and children with serious illnesses.

Headquartered in Eatontown, NJ, Holiday Express was established in 1993 by Little Silver resident and restaurateur Tim McLoone.   For more information and ways to support Holiday Express please visit www.holidayexpress.org or call 732-544-8010.

Photo Credit:  Holiday Express – Pictured from left to Right:  Holiday Express Board Members at the Clambake:  Paul Huegel, Tim McLoone, Molly McLoone, Beth McLoone, Maggie Gilbertson, Theresa Soya, Terel Cooperhouse, Maureen Staub, John Maglione and Eileen Moon

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