Generous Support Is Changing The Landscape Of Berkeley Heights Veterans Memorial Park
Community members are already seeing the changing landscape of Veterans Memorial Park in Berkeley Heights thanks to the generosity of individuals, organizations, local businesses, corporations, and foundations. Since the launch of its fundraising campaign “Operation: We Remember” in September with a charity softball game between the Berkeley Heights Fire and Police Departments, the response to the project has been amazing. Local choral groups joined together to offer a wonderful concert in December. Hosted by Westminster Presbyterian Church, the concert featuring patriotic music drew thunderous applause from the full house crowd. A generous free will offering exceeded all expectations.
Construction and renovations of the Memorial Wall and surrounding area has already begun. The new focal point of the park is the beautiful bronze statue entitled “Fallen Soldier” which was the gift of of lifetime resident and United States Marine Corps Veteran, Vito Mondelli, Jr. Sadly, Mr. Mondelli passed away in late December. A member of the Veterans Memorial Park Renewal Committee, Mr. Mondelli’s gift has not only changed the face of the park, but has brought about a community wide awareness to the project.
In addition to the $55,000 matching grant from the Union County Open Space Trust Fund, the Berkeley Heights Veterans Memorial Park Renewal Committee is pleased to announce that it has also received a $3000 grant from the Smith Chiropractic Foundation. The grant is from the Annual Charity 5K Road Race and Fitness Walk hosted by Dr. Patrick Smith of Smith Chiropractic in Berkeley Heights. Hundreds participate in this outstanding community tradition. Information on the event can be found at www.berkeleyheights5k.com.
A grant of $5000 was received from Investors Bank Foundation. Investors Bank has been a long time supporter of projects in Berkeley Heights. More information on the Foundation can be found at www.myinvestorsbank.com.
A $500 grant was received from First Energy Foundation whose efforts focus on supporting those organizations that improve the vitalities of communities in their service area.
The Renewal Committee has also received a grant of $10,000 from the Summit Area Public Foundation which will be used for new landscaping and masonry. SAPF is a community foundation which fosters philanthropy in the Summit area and distributes its grants in categories such as: Arts, Needs of the Elderly, Health, Education, Special Needs, and Civic & Community projects. Its impact has substantially changed the lives of individuals and communities. The foundation identifies local needs and offers its donors flexible ways to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors. Its competitive grant process is open to area taxexempt organizations serving local communities and which meet its grant criteria. More information about the SAPF and its programs may be found at sapfnj.org/.
Through the sponsorship of its recent direct mailing by ConnectOne Bank, the Veterans Memorial Park Renewal Committee invites everyone to become part of this community project. Hundreds of citizens have contributed and the Committee is extremely grateful for everyone’s support. Each and every donation makes a difference. Funds are still needed to complete the project. Please visit its website www.bhmemorialpark.com/ to learn more about the project and to share in its effort to restore this community treasure to pristine condition in time for Memorial Day, 2016. Donations are tax deductible and may be made on its website www.bhmemorialpark.com/ or by sending a check to: Memorial Park Renewal Committee, 29 Park Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
