PO Box 1502 Wall Township, NJ 07719 crimsonknightsfoundation.org facebook.com/crimsonknightsfoundation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wall’s Crimson Knight Foundation to Postpone 2nd Annual Awards Gala Wall, NJ (March 14, 2020) Wall Township’s Crimson Knight Foundation (CKF) has decided to postpone their Awards Gala due to concerns surrounding the current Covid-19 health crisis. The ceremony is now scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 2nd at 6 PM. We are hopeful that this delay will provide time to address the current crisis and permit all attendees to enjoy the evening. All purchased tickets will be honored for the new date. We feel this decision is in the best interest of our guests and honorees, all of whom we hold very dear, but we regret any inconvenience this date change may cause. If you have already purchased a ticket but are unable to attend, please contact [email protected] to arrange a refund. ​ ​ The awards are presented to persons whose outstanding accomplishments in their professional and vocational fields have had a lasting impact on the Wall Township schools and community. They recognize a Wall Township High School alumnus for exceptional achievement in their field, a community member for their leadership and dedication to Wall Township, and a faculty member for excellence in service to the Wall Township Public Schools. Three outstanding members of our community have been chosen to receive the following awards: ● Distinguished Alumni Award: Dara Brown, News Anchor, NBC News ​ ​ ​ ● Excellence in Community Leadership Award: Dr. David Stout, President, Brookdale ​ ​ ​ Community College ● Meritorious BOE Employee Award: Thomas Ridoux, Wall High School Athletic Director ​ ​ ​ Our Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Dara Brown (Wall Class of 1983) is an NBC News anchor for breaking news and weekend coverage on MSNBC. As a child, Dara began a theatrical career at the age of 10, working in NYC’s Milliken Show. National tours include "ANNIE" and "GYPSY" with Angela Lansbury, Broadway showcases, two musicals in Japan, commercials, voice overs, and TV shows including Guiding Light, and Law and Order: SVU. Her caricature hangs in Sardi's Restaurant. Dara joined NBC in 2000 to pioneer webcasts for msnbc.com. She has spent the past 20 covering world news and politics for MSNBC TV, Early Today, First Look, TODAY, CNBC and teamed with Al Roker for TWC's Wake Up With Al. The Excellence in Community Leadership Award award is being presented to Wall Township resident and Brookdale Community College President, Dr. David Stout (Wall Class of 1992). Dr. Stout was selected to serve as Brookdale Community College’s 7th President in May 2018. Prior to his selection, Dr. Stout served in various roles at Brookdale, including Vice President for Student Success, Dean of Enrollment Development & Student Affairs, Dean of the Freehold Campus, Department Chair and Professor of Psychology & Human Services, Student Development Specialist, and Learning Assistant. As President, Dr. Stout has enacted strategies to predict and influence enrollment trends, address facility needs, analyze and control expenditures, update major institutional strategic plans, build financial reserves, and develop programs that address the needs of Monmouth County residents. Thomas Ridoux is being awarded the Meritorious BOE Employee Award as the Wall High School Athletic Director. He has been an educator for 28 years - 5 years at what was then Monsignor Donovan High School and 23 years at Wall Schools, serving 12 years as a History Teacher. He coached 35 straight seasons overall while teaching (Girls Tennis, Girls Basketball, Softball, Boys Tennis). Moving out of the classroom, he served for one year as Social Studies and Family Life Supervisor in 2004 at Wall High School before moving over to Wall Intermediate School where he served as Assistant Principal for 6 years.From there he has gone on to serve for 9 years as the Athletic Director where he is currently enjoying the day to day challenges of helping our coaches to build each of our 33 varsity level high school sports and Supervising our Health and Physical Education teachers. He is an active member of our state athletic directors association (DAANJ) and a member of the Shore Conference Executive Committee where he's the voting representative from the B-North division. Lou Russo and Liz Jeressi, of “Lou and Liz in the Morning” at 94.3 the Point, will host the evening’s program. For ticketing and sponsorship opportunities, please go to 2020ckfgala.eventbrite.com or send a ​ check payable to: Crimson Knights Foundation, PO Box 1502, Wall, NJ 07719. If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected] ​ About the Crimson Knight Foundation The Crimson Knights Foundation (CKF) is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit foundation created to support excellence in primary school education in the Wall Township Public School District. The CKF funds programs and purchases over and above what the school district provides to maintain the excellence of facilities and opportunities in the Wall Township Public Schools. In addition, the CKF supports restoring, maintaining, and building Crimson Knights pride. All donations are tax deductible. EIN: 81-1899141 Press Contact Gary Pollack, Fundraising and Gala Chair Crimson Knights Foundation [email protected] .