Fulfill Celebrates 40 Years of Fighting Food Insecurity

Neptune, NJ – Fulfill, the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, celebrated four decades of providing community support at its sold-out 40^th Anniversary Gala, presented by New Jersey Natural Gas and Joan Rechnitz, on September 26. The celebration, which highlighted the nonprofit’s legacy of improving lives, successfully raised over $500,000 to support Fulfill’s mission of alleviating hunger in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Emceed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television journalist, Yale law professor and author Jack Ford, the Gala recognized notable leaders and organizations for their contributions to Fulfill’s mission:

• Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy: Champions of Change Award – Recognizing exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing policies and resources that support hunger relief and food security in New Jersey.

• The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners: Humanitarian Impact Award – Honoring the commitment and impactful contributions in supporting community initiatives to combat hunger.

• Causeway CARes, funded by the Wintrode Family Foundation: Community Leadership Award – Celebrating outstanding community efforts and significant contributions to alleviating hunger and improving the lives of those in need.

• Monmouth Beach Kids Quench Hunger: Junior Humanitarian Award – Acknowledging the inspiring efforts and remarkable achievements of young philanthropists in addressing hunger and fostering a culture of giving in their community.

“It was a privilege to recognize our honorees during our momentous 40^th anniversary year. Their dedication to the well-being of our neighbors in need is commendable, and their impact will be felt for years to come,” said Susan Kyrillos, Chair of the Fulfill Board of Trustees and Principal of SK Partners. “Thank you also to our sponsors and attendees, whose support and dedication to Fulfill helped make this 40^thanniversary one to remember.”

Fulfill also announced its Freeze Out Hunger Campaign, a comprehensive fundraising initiative that will support key initiatives, including the expansion of Fulfill’s Neptune Warehouse. The current 43,000-square-foot warehouse will add 12,000-square feet of cold storage space to store more protein, produce and dairy items. This expansion is critical for Fulfill to enhance its capacity to provide 14 million meals annually to local residents facing food insecurity.

“More than 100,000 of our Monmouth and Ocean County neighbors are relying on Fulfill for the food on their tables – a historic high. Our 23-year-old warehouse was simply not built for that, especially as we focus on providing the nutritious protein, produce and dairy items our neighbors facing hunger find the least affordable at the grocery store,” said Triada Stampas, President and CEO of Fulfill. “Expanding the warehouse will enhance our ability to supply better food and support to our pantry partners in the ongoing fight to end hunger.”

Highlights of the event included a performance from the popular Jersey Shore band Brian Kirk & The Jirks, and a silent auction of a guitar autographed by Jon Bon Jovi. Attendees generously participated in a “Sponsor the Cause” paddle raise, which significantly contributed to the overall fundraising total.

To learn more about Fulfill’s mission or to become involved, visit

https://fulfillnj.org/.

LINK TO ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ikb4bwjs8zmdxer1a3g41/ACjQVpTocFb2fEeuqV_dVkY?rlkey=w11uhrrjgwgz0zri5id0ltcqx&st=f4orjyhs&dl=0

About Fulfill
Celebrating its 40^th anniversary, Fulfill, the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, has been dedicated to addressing hunger in the Jersey Shore community since 1984. As an active member of Feeding America, Fulfill proudly works with a network of nearly 300 partners, including soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters to provide 1.2 million meals per month to area residents, families, children, seniors and veterans in need. Committed to more than just food distribution, Fulfill also offers connections to affordable healthcare options, Medicaid, SNAP and other services to help neighbors lead healthy and self-sufficient lives. To learn more or become involved, visit www.fulfillnj.org.