Often known as “The Gateway To The Jersey Shore”; the Garden State Parkway’s Exit 117 is not only a ramp to Routes 35 & 36 – on way to Sandy Hook – but is also home to many shore communities, such as Keyport, Union Beach, Hazlet and Keansburg; who’s families have been displaced and whole communities wiped away due to Super Storm Sandy.

Because of this; Robert Ianuale, a Hazlet resident for over 28 years – and owner of Fist Pump Shirts; a New Jersey based promotional company decided to create “Rebuild Exit 117”; an organization aimed at specifically helping the families within Exit 117’s surrounding communities – by raising money through a “Rebuild Exit 117” t-shirt, with the proceeds to be given directly to displaced families at a public benefit to be held in the second week of December.

The communities of Keyport , Union Beach and Keansburg were some of the hardest hit areas during the storm; wiping away nearly entire communities and residential blocks; leaving families with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. 

The money raised through the sale of the Rebuild Exit 117 T-Shirts, which are available for $25 at www.RebuildExit117.com - will be split between a handful of families that have submitted their story to the organization.  The families selected out of the submissions will be presented with Pre-Paid Visa Cards at the benefit in December; at the Rebuild Exit 117 Holiday Benefit & After-Party on December 15, 2012 at Park East in Hazlet, NJ from 7PM-10PM - which will allow them to use the money raised in any way that they see fit.

Currently, Rebuild Exit 117 has raised over $2,000 in the last week – with the goal of raising $5,000 by the time the benefit occurs. 

Holiday Benefit & After-Party
December 15th, 2012 - Park East (3352 RT35 S, Hazlet NJ) from 7PM-10PM.  Tickets available on-line at http://www.rebuildexit117.com/EVENT

Tickets are $20 and includes FREE BUFFET and 2 FREE DRINKS.

Individuals or families interested in applying for the funds, should submit their story; including full contact information, devastated address, current address, occupation, ages, family size, and their experience thus far due to the storm to stories@rebuildexit117.com or message the Rebuild Exit 117 Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/RebuildExit117) - no later than December 7^th, 2012.

Those who wish to purchase a shirt, with the proceeds being put into the Rebuild Exit 117 fund; can go to www.RebuildExit117.com – Thank you for your support!

Be sure to LIKE “Rebuild Exit 117” on Facebook; for up-to-date information regarding the total amount raised, news and upcoming benefit – and remember, the more likes and shares our page receives; the more people will see it and the more people we can help.

For further information, please contact Fist Pump® Shirts at 1-855-600-4590 or support@fistpumpshirts.com