SOLD OUT: 'Friends of Ed' Benefit Dinner in Hazlet

The organizers of tonight's event are pleased to announce the benefit is "sold out." --- Christina

Friends and neighbors of Ed Neville of Hazlet, who died suddenly on July 7, will gather together at a benefit dinner at the Red Oak Diner to raise funds for his wife Edie, and two children, Hayley and Hunter.

The event will be held at the restaurant on Friday night, August 10, from 7 to 10 p.m. 

Neville, 43, who was active in the Hazlet Youth Athletic League (HYAL) lived in the West Keansburg section of the township. His wake at the Shore Point Funeral Home was packed by many of the people he touched in the community, including HYAL colleagues, kids he coached, and athletes in uniform. 

"I'm having this event because I became very friendly with the Neville family, and they need help," said Sue Ryan, who is organizing the event with Dawn Carton, also of Hazlet.

Neville was a father of two young HYAL athletes, as well as a volunteer coach. He shared the skills he acquired as a self-employed contractor with the youth sports organization as the Commissioner of Buildings and Grounds.  "Anytime you turned around, he was there," said Ryan, who volunteers at the HYAL snack stand. "If anything was broken, he fixed it. Whenever you needed him, he did whatever he could. He will be sorely, sorely missed." 

The evening begins at 7 p.m. and includes salad, pasta, chicken, dessert, soda and coffee. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for children under 12. All proceeds from the event will be turned over to the Neville family, said Ryan.  

For tickets, email Sue Ryan or call 908-601-2808; email Dawn Carton or call 732-203-2254 for tickets.