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Central Ocean

Central Ocean Rotary

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Olive Garden
1277 Hooper Ave
Toms River, NJ 08753
United States of America
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πŸ”₯ Our annual 50/50 raffle is back! πŸ”₯
Tickets are just $20, and the funds raised will support our scholarship program and numerous local non-profit organizations.
This year, we proudly awarded $13,500 in scholarships to college-bound students and contributed over $12,000 to other charitable programs in our community.
If interested please message us, we accept credit cards!!!! ❀
 
Last week, we had the privilege of hearing from Joanne Ventura, who delivered an inspiring presentation on the Rotary International Foundation. Joanne explained how our financial contributions are carefully invested and how a portion of these funds returns to our district, providing opportunities to apply for district grants that directly support our local initiatives and the broader Rotary Causes. From promoting peace and fighting disease to providing clean water and supporting education, our donations make a real impact.

To learn more visit: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation 
 
Yesterday, the three Rotary Clubs of Toms River (Toms River Sunrise Rotary Club, Rotary of Toms River, Central Ocean Rotary Club of Toms River) came together once again for our annual Red Cross blood drive, and it was a tremendous success!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to donate blood and help save lives. Your generosity and support make a real difference in our community, and we couldn't do it without you. Together, we are helping to ensure a strong and steady blood supply for those in need.
See you next time!
 
Last week, we had the privilege of honoring Chris Koerner with his third Paul Harris Fellow award. For 25 years, Chris has been more than just a dedicated memberβ€”he’s been the heart and soul of our club. Whether we’ve needed guidance, a helping hand, or a place to gather (Insectropolis), Chris has always been there, ready to support us with his wisdom and generosity. His commitment has touched us all, and we’re so fortunate to have him as part of our Rotary family.❀️
 
This past Tuesday, we had the honor of hosting Marta Quinn, Director of Events and Engagement at HABcore, Inc., and a fellow Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Asbury Park. Marta delivered a passionate presentation about HABcore’s incredible missionβ€”to provide permanent, supportive, and affordable housing to veterans, families, and individuals with special needs who are experiencing homelessness in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Currently, HABcore offers a safe home to nearly 400 people, transforming lives one home at a time!
To learn more about their amazing work, visit their website: habcore.org.
 
On Tuesday, we had the honor of welcoming Ken Malagiere from the Ocean County College Foundation, who shared with us the inspiring work of the Foundation. Originally founded to uplift students at Ocean County College, the Foundation has blossomed into a vital partner with business, industry, education, and government leaders. Together, they passionately dedicate themselves to ensuring quality, affordable education and empowering students for their future roles in our community.
We are truly proud to contribute to this incredible cause with a donation that will fund two scholarshipsβ€”one for the fall and one for the spring semester. We’re thrilled to be part of this meaningful mission! πŸŒŸπŸŽ“
To learn more about upcoming Foundation events visit their website: https://www.ocean.edu/.../college.../special-events/
 
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you ❀️ to everyone who contributed to our recent school supplies drive! Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to drop off supplies to East Dover Elementary School and Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary School, and they were incredibly grateful. A special shout-out goes to our wonderful members, Jill and Michele, for personally delivering the supplies. Your support is making a real difference in our communityβ€”thank you! ❀️
 
We’d like to thank Joanne Gwin from JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River for coming to our meeting and sharing what a wonderful service they provide for the community 🍲❀️ over 75% of the meals they serve are for those with food insecurities. The JBJ Soul Kitchen is open for dinner and lunch (check their page for hours) and their β€œpay it forward” program helps sustain their mission.
 
We’d like to thank the folks at Wrangle Brook Community Garden for their wonderful work in creating and sustaining a beautiful community garden. 🌱✨ They donate hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to the local food pantries. πŸ₯¬πŸ₯•πŸ«‘πŸ₯’They have a growing bee hive too! 🐝 🍯
Look out for a festival they’re hosting in October!
 
πŸ”₯ The heat won’t stand in our way when it comes to supporting those who uplift our community! Our club gathered an incredible amount of dish soap for Each Stitch Counts. This wonderful 501 (c) 3 non-profit provides dish soap along with handmade dishcloths and laundry detergent to local food pantries in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. To learn more on this organization visit: https://www.eachstitchcounts.org/
A heartfelt thank you to members Jill Rand and Michelle Williams for braving the sweltering heat yesterday to deliver these much-needed supplies! ❀
 
At our last meeting, we were thrilled to welcome Joseph Lewis from HomeSharing, Inc.. Hearing him share insights about the impactful work this organization does was fascinating. Home Sharing, Inc. serves as a meaningful affordable housing alternative, expertly matching homeowners with individuals in need of affordable housing within our community. Their comprehensive intake and matching process is designed with care to ensure that both parties achieve the best possible outcome.
If you want to learn more about this organization, visit their website: https://homesharing.org/
 
 
Pleased to have District Governor David Neuner and former Assistant District Governor Staci Cofka present the 2023-2024 District Vocational Award to COR member Christine Girtain for her excellence in teaching, grant support for science in the Toms River Regional School District. Congratulations Christine! Well deserved ❀️
 
πŸŽ‰**Welcome to Bill Kaufmann!**πŸŽ‰
We are thrilled to officially welcome Bill Kaufmann to the Central Ocean Rotary Club of Toms River! Bill has been a dedicated Rotarian for many, many years and has recently transferred from the evening club. His wealth of experience and passion for service will undoubtedly bring exciting new opportunities and initiatives to our community. We look forward to working together and achieving great things!
Welcome, Bill! Let's make a positive impact together! πŸ’™πŸ’›
πŸ“Έ: President Laurie Singer and Bill Kaufmann
 
πŸ“šβœοΈ Our Back to School Supply Drive is here! βœοΈπŸ“š
We're excited to announce our Back to School Supply Drive to support the students at East Dover Elementary School in Toms River and Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary School! Let's come together to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed this school year.
Donation Details:
πŸ—“οΈ Deadline: Drop off donation by August 23
Items Needed:
- Backpacks
- Folders
- Glue sticks
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Pencils
- Dry-erase markers
- Hand sanitizer
- Clorox wipes
- Tissues
- Paper towels
Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact. Whether it's a pack of pencils or a new backpack, your generosity will help these young learners start the school year on the right foot. Let's fill those classrooms with the supplies they need and show our community spirit!
Thank you for your support! πŸ’™
 
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Your support can make a real difference! Help us continue our mission, every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to making a lasting impact.
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Main Scholarship Sponsors

Scholarship Supporters

Club Staff
President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Immediate Past President
Sergeant-at-Arms
Public Image Chair
Club Membership Chair
Service Projects Chair
Service Projects Co-Chair
International Service Chair
Rotary Foundation Chair