OCEAN COUNTY – Around 30 people, many of whom were owners or operators of local restaurants, recently gathered at Capone’s in Toms River to discuss their strategy in aiding needy military families at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Cliff Baker of Toms River is the president of the new organization called Dine On Us and its motto is “Feeding the Need.” His wife Teresa serves as secretary and Troy Swift serves as treasurer.
“The American Legion has a list of 125 families who qualify on Fort Dix and Lakehurst that are on food stamps. The American Legion brings them canned food every week. We want to do more than canned food,” Baker added.
The group’s goal is to raise $1,000 per family through donations, fundraising events and various ongoing programs. The 501(c)3 non-profit also wants to provide gift cards to families with the message of “Dine On Us from our table to yours, thank you for your service” printed on the card, Baker said. The gift cards would be used at multiple venues of partner agencies.
“Our mission is to get 125 of these for April. We would take it to the commander of the Fort Dix base and make sure each family gets one of these gift cards,” Baker added. “We want to offer them a night out to get off the base as a thank you for their service with the idea that we have your family’s back while you are out protecting ours. We want to take care of our active military families.”
It was noted by attendees that with the summer season approaching, other revenue generating opportunities and venues would open up for fundraising efforts. One location mentioned was the boardwalk of Seaside Heights.
Partner businesses such as Bum Rogers in Seaside Park, Hanger 21 in Lakehurst, Capone’s in Toms River, Spicy’s in Seaside Heights, Four Seasons Diner and Burger 25 in Toms River and others present committed to the organization’s mission.
Baker was more than pleased with the turnout of the meeting. He was surrounded by family members, close friends and many who worked with him before with his prior non-profit organization and who pledged to support his efforts with the new group and its mission. “We love to brainstorm and get everyone’s opinion and ideas. We love going back and forth so throw your ideas at us.”
Baker and many others who are serving in key roles within the new group have served in the military. He noted that the new logo that was designed for the group helped to “bring us all back together again. It brought us back as family. This feels warm. It feels good and it just feels right.”
Fundraising and other organization division leaders were named during the meeting. The group is also looking to partner up with a job fair event.
Baker stressed that “we have set a goal of creating three separate occasions for our 125 active military families who are living at a poverty level and on government assistance programs like food stamps with $300 worth of gift cards each time. After our initial delivery of our gift cards at the end of April, we will immediately start collecting for our second phase – A Night on the Boardwalk. These gift cards will focus on beach and Boardwalk related activities.”
“Then we will collect for to create a wonderful Christmas and wish list toys for all the active military children,” he added.
The Board of Directors includes Chrissy Piga, Rick Papsin, Steve Vetter, Manchester Councilwoman Michele Zolezi and Mike Ferraro among others. The gathering served not only as a planning session but an opportunity for introductions, brainstorming and networking.
Those seeking information on how to be a part of Dine On Us, its upcoming fundraising events, or how to make a contribution toward its efforts can visit the organization’s website at dineonus.org or e-mail Baker at cliff@dineonus.org.
