September, 2011
Bob & Maureen's 15th Annual Bike Tour
On a beautiful hurricane free Saturday, September 3rd, Bob and Maureen Swigon brought together more than 80 of their friends and family for their 15th Annual Bike and Bar Tour.
Participants traveled from as far away as Maine and Indiana, and their goals were simple- to end the summer with a fun day and to help a local organization.
The ride this year, dubbed, "Another Vicious Cycle", honored Common Ground Grief Center, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free peer support groups to kids and teens who have lost a parent, sibling, or friend. Not only did the group raise $1400.00, but they helped spread awareness about childhood bereavement.
The group started at Frankie's, in Point Pleasant, with stops in Manasquan and Brielle and ended at The Patio Bar with a great fireworks show.
April, 2011
Common Ground Grief Center Fundraiser
Sunday, April 10th at 3pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
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| Memories and Menus with Joe Leone. Click on Chef Joe Leone (above) to see pictures of the event as he helps prepare memorable dishes to honor loved ones. |
November, 2010
Volunteer Facilitator Training
Saturday, November 13th from 9-4
Sunday, November 14th from 9-4
Common Ground Grief Center Wine and Cheese Open House
Wednesday, October 6th
Common Ground Grief Center, 67 Taylor Ave., Manasquan, NJ
The event was a huge success and helped to raise additional awareness of Common Ground’s program for grieving children and teens. Guests were invited to tour the Center as well as speak with Common Ground Board members who were available to answer any questions.
Melanie Duggan, the event coordinator did a spectacular job in orchestrating all the wonderful wine and food for the evening. Her enthusiasm for the Center led her to volunteer to coordinate this event. Melanie states, “the impact of actually seeing Common Ground’s home, seeing the artwork of the children, and seeing their safe grieving place is just not the same as reading about it. This is truly a unique place for which my children and I are tremendously thankful. Being involved with organizing tonight’s event was a pleasure, and not one of the businesses who were approached to donate, hesitated for one moment. This is truly a wonderful local level of support for them.”
The event took place on the premises of Common Ground Grief Center under a beautiful tent provided by Sperry Tents, and guests enjoyed delicious food and wine supplied by local merchants; The Black Trumpet, Nino Jr’s Italian Specialty Shop, and Branches Catering.
Guests also enjoyed live entertainment provided by Turnpike Mike Palella and John Perry.
Common Ground CUT-A-THONCommon Ground Grief Center, 67 Taylor Ave., Manasquan, NJ
Hosted by Salon Baraka of Brielle
Common Ground’s first fundraiser was a shear success netting over $12,000! Through the generosity of Shannon Blackman, owner of Salon Baraka of Brielle, and her wonderful team of stylists and manicurists, over 70 heads of hair were cut and numerous nails polished. The event took place at the home of Common Ground Grief Center in Manasquan, NJ.
The sweltering heat did not prevent the over 200 children and adults from attending and participating in our “friendraiser” and fundraiser. In addition the haircuts, the silent auction, live music, tee shirt painting, broadcast by 94.3 The Point, bake sale, jewelry sale, and tours of Common Ground facility seemed to keep all interested and involved.
The silent auction, organized by Cindy Van Schoick included a vast array of gifts, including a flying lesson, sailfishing aboard a private boat, a round of golf at a private club, as well as other wonderful baskets. The bake sale was largely provided by the Brielle Women’s Club, the Brielle Garden Club, and the Cedar Village bakers, and was orchestrated by Lucille Sanzalone. The range of delicious confections, loaves, and cupcakes kept every sweet tooth satisfied!
Live music was provided by Turnpike Mike Palella and Pat Karwin, who joined forces to provide incredible sounds to all.
The afternoon could not have been made possible had it not been for the amazing organizational skills, infectious enthusiasm, and endless creativity of the Chairwomen of the event, Lynn McCabe, Cindy Van Schoick, and of course, Shannon Blackman. Numerous friends of Common Ground also assisted in making this, our very first fundraiser a day to remember.
The Board of Common Ground and the families who receive our services are forever in your debt.
The funds raised will go directly towards supporting our free peer support groups for grieving children, teens, and their families.
Common Ground OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, March 20th
12pm - 4pm
67 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ
Common Ground celebrated its opening by hosting an Open House event which took place on Saturday, March 20th from 12-4. We had a wonderful turnout and our staff and volunteers were on hand to provide tours of the center and provide information and answer any questions about our program. We were especially grateful to Donna Schuurman, Executive Director of The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, and Joe Primo, Center Director for Good-Grief in Summit, NJ for taking time out of their busy schedules to come join us that day.
