Annual Report Our Mission
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2016 FRIENDS of the Monmouth County Park System, Inc. ANNUAL REPORT OUR MISSION The Friends of the Monmouth County Park System, Inc., is a member-based, 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that provides financial support exclusively for Monmouth County Park System enhancements, including: • preserving historical and natural resources, • providing recreational opportunities for urban youth, and • providing activities for individuals with disabilities within the community. 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christopher Brett, President • Mariann Musella, Vice-President Sandy Mulheren, Treasurer • Audrey Falzo, Secretary Joseph Azzolina, Jr. • Marcia Blackwell • Christopher Carton • Heather Kimball Colella Gail Cullen • Christopher Curcia • Hon. John D’Amico, Jr. • Amy Fitzgerald • James Markey Chris Mosley • Julie Mullen • Dr. Paul Peduto • Marilyn Staron Hon. Louis F. Locascio, Legal Counsel • James J. Truncer, Ex-Officio EMERITUS BOARD Elwood L. Baxter • Joanne Mullen • Daniel Ward Seitz PAST PRESIDENTS Marilyn Staron • Heather Kimball Colella • Gregory Hunt • Roberta Sheridan • Mark Zelina • Thomas Sannelli • Elwood L. Baxter • Daniel Ward Seitz Frank M. McDonough EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maria Wojciechowski STAFF Kathleen Walker FAMILIES & FRIENDS OF THE PARKS CREATE LASTING TRIBUTES TO LOVED ONES Thompson Park Honorary/Memorial Tree Grove Families and friends may plant trees in the Thompson Park Tree Grove in memory/ honor of loved ones. In 2016, the following trees were dedicated: • Alagheny Serviceberry from Michelle Aguilar in memory of Nickolas K. Frangos Pam Husik in memory of Louise Amelia Day Nancy McCandless in memory of Bill McCandless James O’Mealia in memory of Ann Ruffin Natalie Sequeira in memory of Christopher L. Tanis • Dawn Redwood from Jane Wye in memory of Mason S. Wye Deep Cut Gardens Co m m e m o r a t iv e Tr e e With this program, families and friends may add leaves to the Deep Cut Gardens Commemorative Tree in memory/ honor of loved ones. In 2016, the following leaves were donated by: • Heather Kimball Colella in memory of Christine Baker • Susan Malmi in memory of Robert A. Malmi Bench Donation Program Park benches allow families and friends to establish a lasting memorial/honorary tribute to loved ones by placing a bench in designated areas in the Monmouth County Park System. In 2016, the following benches were added: • In Deep Cut Gardens From Vincent Silverio & family in memory of Kathryn Silverio • In Holmdel Park From Angela Pfister in memory of Jeanette S. Cevasco From Mary & Harry Jane Smith From Diane Wyzga & family in memory Gabe Wyzga • In Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park From Michael Tomaino & lifeguard staff in memory of Spike Fowler • In Turkey Swamp Park From Jahangir & Cheryl Dowlatshahi in memory of Arefeh Roshani & M.S. Dowlatshahi 3 PARTNERSHIPS Grants – $13,000 Rails to Trails Conservancy– The Friends of the Parks received $5,000 for bollards for the Union Transportation Trail. Friends of the Navesink Highlands– The Friends of the Parks received $8,000 for a memorial tree at the Mt. Mitchill Scenic Overlook in memory of Claude Rabache. Public Employees Support the Friends of the Parks through MCPECC & NJSECC – $1,864 The Friends of the Parks are proud to be an approved 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that participates in the New Jersey State Employees Charitable Campaign (NJSECC) and the Monmouth County Public Employees Charitable Campaign (MCPECC). These two programs enable county and state employees to make a contribution to the Friends of the Parks through payroll deductions. – $ Matching Gifts 245.50 Employee matching gift programs are a great way for donors to increase their donations made to the Friends of the Parks. In 2016, we received $245.50 in matching gifts from corporations whose employees generously donated to the Friends of the Parks. Thank you to the Merck Foundation, McGraw-Hill Companies, and the Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts for generously donating on behalf of Ann Marie Mantz, Erin McNamara, and Carl Neff. 4 SPECIAL PROJECTS COMPLETED Wolf Hill Disc Golf Course Station Hooks – $356 Disc golf is the hottest rage in tournament team sports. Disc golf is based on the game of golf, substituting Frisbees and chain baskets. Like traditional golf, courses have obstacles and the lowest score determines the winner. The Friends of the Parks purchased the original course equipment in 2014 and were honored to help improve the course with the addition of station hooks at each basket. Wolf Hill Recreation Area is located in Oceanport. – $ Historic Services Costumes 484 The Friends purchased a historic swimsuit to be worn at Historic Longstreet Farm that depicts the style for that time period. - – $ Historic E Series 2,500 The Park System has a rich history. Not only is it important to preserve, but to make it available for the public. The Friends hired a researcher to write the e-series for Brookdale Farm, Thompson Park, and Navesink Military Reservation, Hartshorne Woods Park. Mt. Mitchill Scenic Overlook Tree Replacement – $7,993 The Friends of the Navesink Highlands granted $8,000 in memory of Claude Rabache to replace a white swamp oak at the Mt. Mitchill Scenic Overlook. Interpretive Exhibit Fabrication for Battery Lewis – $18,000 Funding was provided for historic research, design, fabrication and installation for Battery Lewis for interpretive exhibits in Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands. Battery Lewis was part of North Atlantic Coastal Defense to defend New York Harbor from German invasion during WWII. The Friends of the Parks hired a professional exhibit designer to research and develop interpretive displays. Fabrication began in 2016. Installation is expected in 2017. ANNUAL DISTRIBUTIONS Camp Scholarships & Programs for Urban Youth – $14,614 The Friends of the Parks continue to support the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) by providing 20 scholarships for children from Monmouth County’s underserved communities such as Asbury Park, Neptune Township, Neptune City, and Long Branch. These campers are able to participate in week-long summer camps (including door-to-door transportation), summer concerts, boat tours, farm tours, a trip to see the Harlem Globetrotters, holiday parties, and programs at the Park System’s Coastal Activity Center in Asbury Park. Proceeds from our Annual RAP Appeal support this effort. Employee Education & Training – $6,489 Continuing education is an important component to keeping an organization vital. Monmouth County Park System employees were able to attend national training seminars and in-house training seminars for continuing education thanks to Friends of the Parks funding. Volunteer Events, Trail Tools, National Trails Day Luncheon, and Holiday Cards – $2,053 The Friends of the Parks are proud to show our appreciation for the volunteers of the Monmouth County Park System. We sponsor the National Trails Day Luncheon on the first Saturday in June, provide dessert at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in March, and pay for Thanksgiving cards and postage. In addition, the Friends of the Parks were proud to purchase new tools for the volunteer trail team. These dedicated volunteers maintain over 125 miles of Monmouth County Park System trails. Holiday Trip, Semi-Formal, and Day at the Beach for Individuals with Disabilities – $1,848 Each year the Friends of the Parks sponsor the Therapeutic Recreation Semi-Formal at Tatum Park, Middletown. The group also attended a beach outing and Disney on Ice. The Friends of the Parks paid for admission, refreshments and transportation for participants and chaperons. 6 EVENTS Friends of the Parks Annual Membership Meeting – $500 Two River Community Bank sponsored a buffet breakfast for the Friends of the Parks members who attended the 2016 Annual Membership Meeting, held at the Hominy Hill Golf Course Clubhouse, Colts Neck. The morning consisted of a business meeting and Park System presentations. A Monmouth County Park System Naturalist discussed the habitats of North America’s creatures of the night – bats, and Monmouth County Park System’s Historic Sites Supervisor Gail Hunton gave attendees an overview of the Park System’s new acquisitions and upcoming projects and renovations. Annual Golf Outing – $18,685 The Friends of the Parks Annual Golf Outing was held at Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck. The outing began with a continental breakfast, followed by 18 holes of golf on the Robert Trent Jones designed championship course. This par 72 course is rated as one of the top 25 public courses by Golf Digest. The outing included a putting contest, lunch, prizes and auction items. The winning team in 2016, was Doug Sterner, Roger Bartsche, Chuck Wolf and Joe Spinapont. / – $ Monmouth County Fair 50 50 Raffles 4,851 The 2016 Monmouth County Fair was an abridged affair due to inclement weather. Six people shared $2,214 in daily drawings, and three lucky winners shared the Super 50/50 drawing of $5,275: • 1st Prize, Suzanne Klinger • 2nd Prize, William H. Potter • 3rd Prize, Daniel Weissman Strut Your Mutt – $6,520 Energetic crowds came out for the Annual Strut Your Mutt Halloween Parade and Costume Contest at Thompson Park Day. Spectators cheered for their favorite costume-clad dogs and their human partners. Trophies were awarded for: most original, funniest, scariest, prettiest and best canine/human combo. The contest was sponsored by Garden State Veterinary Specialists, Tinton Falls. The audience was also treated to a demonstration and meet-and-greet with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. 7 SUPPORT AND REVENUE Monmouth County Parks Events Revenue 11% Investment Income/(Loss) 0% Contributions 89% ORGANIZATION EXPENSES Management and General Expenses 16% Fund Raising Expenses 9% Program Asset Released Expenses from Permanent 71% Restriction 4% 8 DONORS AND SPONSORS The Friends of the Parks could not operate without the generous support of donors and sponsors. They allow us to fund special projects and programs that enhance the Monmouth County Park System and enrich the experience of the visitors to the parks. $ + $ - $ 5,000 250 499 Friends of the Navesink Highlands, Inc.