LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. — An estimated $35,000 was raised recently to benefit the St. Francis Community Center at Saint Francis of Assisi Church here.
The fundraiser took place at Mallard Island Yacht Club in Stafford Township, for its grand opening celebration. At $125 per person, approximately 400 tickets were sold, according to Juli Rosengarth, public relations coordinator at the center.
The friars and sisters arrived by boat, and boat rides were given to guests along nearby Barnegat Bay.
“The event itself was like attending the finest, most extravagant wedding, with fine food and drink, lots of entertainment, dancing, and beautiful views,” said Rosengarth. A drawing was held for a 10-day cruise for two along the Panama Canal.
Shown in photo above are Thomas Conway, OFM, Sr. Patricia McNiff, OSF, John Ullrich, OFM, James Scullion, OFM, Steven Kluge, OFM, pastor, Sr. Kate Murphy, and Sr. Patricia Klemm, OSF.