Holmdel Helps Keansburg Residents Return Home

Updated: The March 1 fundraiser is completely sold out, but donations are still being accepted.

Keansburg residents looking for assistance need to contact Keansburg Boro or fill out the "affected residents" form at the Boro website. Holmdel Helps does not choose which residents will receive construction materials. 

In the continued aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Holmdel Township is banding together to get the lives of Keansburg residents and their town back to normal.

In December, Holmdel announced it would partner with officials in Keansburg in longterm recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Holmdel Mayor Patrick Impreveduto said he believes residents can impact the lives of others with their talents and altruism through Holmdel Helps.

"We didn't want to stand by and watch one of our neighbors suffer when we have the ability to step in and assist," Impreveduto said.

Various committees and volunteer groups have been in communication with Keansburg officials and representatives, laying out a long term plan for recovery.

"Our main focus is to get people back in their homes as quickly as possible."

Holmdel now has a charitable $100,000 goal, to be reached through a fundraiser on March 1.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to private residents of Keansburg (no rental properties). Each damaged home will be eligible for $5,000 worth of supplies, putting a roof back over the heads of Sandy's victims.

"I met with Lowe's, Home Depot and Costco because the people in Keansburg need building materials, appliances mattresses and things of that nature," Impreveduto said. "I've asked them to come on board and assist us."

The mayor said all three box stores have been welcoming and supportive.

The event, planned to be held at the Lakeside Manor in Hazlet, will raise money to purchase core building materials for the residents of Keansburg.

"People need to get back in their homes, and unfortunately the federal government is taking their sweet time," Impreveduto said.

The plan was inspired by Colts Neck's partnership with Union Beach and the creation of Operation Provide Comfort, the brainchild of former Colts Neck Mayor Jarrett Engel and area residents such as Jim Sfayer and Tom Clark. 

"This is not a situation where we will raise $100,00 or hopefully more and then turn our backs and walk away," Impreveduto said. "We're in it for the long haul."

Invitations and donations forms for the March 1 event have recently been sent to all Holmdel residents and every municipality in New Jersey as well as local, county and state elected officials.

"Holmdel will be leading this effort, but it's communities helping communities and it's neighbors helping neighbors."

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the Holmdel Helps portion of Holmdel Township's website.

Event details:

• Buffet dinner compliments of our hosts at The Lakeside Manor.
• Live entertainment provided by our friends from the local band “KOB”.
• DJ services provided by “Affair 2 Remember”.
• The MC will be News Channel 12’s very own SallyAnn Mosey.
• Gift Baskets will be on display proved by all four Holmdel School Parent organizations.
• Holmdel high school students will be providing live video of the storm damage to The Borough of Keansburg.
• A host of Monmouth County and State dignitaries will be in attendance