By Christine Johnson:

    Inspired by the opportunity to show compassion for their Keansburg neighbors affected by Superstorm Sandy, 700 people turned out to a festive night of cocktails, music, dancing, food and schmoozing at Lakeside Manor Friday night.

    The organizers behind "Holmdel Helps" have started a partnership with a goal to raise $100,000. They pledged to give every dollar of it to Keansburg's elected leaders to distribute to its pre-screened homeowners in need of building supplies and appliances.

    According to Keansburg Borough Councilman Tom Foley, who is also a Holmdel police officer, that could mean up to $1,000 voucher per homeowner. The money can be spent on things like sheetrock, lumber, washing machines and microwaves at Lowe's. 

    Keansburg Mayor George Hoff said, "With this partnership, the residents of Keansburg are very thankful for the residents and business people of Holmdel, for everything they've done."

    Every corner of the elegant ballroom and dining areas at the Lakeside Manor was filled with friends greeting each other and relaxing on a night out together.

    Holmdel Mayor Patrick Impreveduto credited Holmdel Committeeman Tom Critelli for his leadership in making the night a reality. 

    Congressman Chris Smith praised Holmdel's "good samaritans."

    "So many people are still hurting, we know so well," he said. "Twenty-two thousand homes in New Jersey were destroyed; 324,000 were significantly damaged. We are nowhere near out of the woods. So this kind of generosity is greatly appreciated."

    Sen. Joe Kyrillos, a resident of Middletown, said Holmdel Helps is an example of how good can come of bad.

    "This storm was rough," said Kyrillos. "Most of us had some downed trees and lost our electricity and it was really a bad, awkward draining, inconvenient time. For some of us, it was life-changing. Memories, property, situations that will never, ever be the same. That was the situation in your neighboring town of Keansburg."

    Congressman Frank Pallone said "This kind of spirit is what we need to continue to rebuild the Jersey shore."

    And Freeholder Director Tom Arnone said the evening exemplified "towns being united."

    The Hazlet business donated its banquet hall and food to Holmdel Helps, as did the musicians. The band, KOB, is comprised of several local faces played cover music familiar to the crowd. An Affair 2 Remember deejay played dance music during the breaks. 

    More than 50 gift baskets and silent auction prizes collected and donated by Holmdel Helps parent groups were displayed on tables. The Holmdel-area Kiwanis ran a 50-50.

    The Holmdel Student Government Association was thanked by the mayor of Holmdel for donating $6,000 from proceeds from its annual Powder Puff game.

The original article was published here:
http://holmdel-hazlet.patch.com/articles/sold-out-holmdel-helps-event-raises-money-for-keansburg-sandy-survivors#photo-13534804