$32,000 in Home Runs for Heroes donations to be awarded
to 16 nonprofit partners.
Toms River, NJ – OceanFirst Foundation is stepping up to support 16 local charities that missed out on participating in the 12th season of Home Runs for Heroes due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of Minor League Baseball. For 11 seasons, Home Runs for Heroes has provided grants to nonprofits to provide emergency and basic needs to local members of the United States Armed Forces and Veterans. With the pandemic impacting so many nonprofits, OceanFirst has doubled its guaranteed donation to each organization slated to have participated in the 12th season of Home Runs for Heroes; each nonprofit will receive a $2,000 donation.
“Despite the fact there was no BlueClaws season the OceanFirst Foundation continues to show its support for the military and Veterans. We are honored to be part of this tremendous program and look forward to being back on the field in 2021” stated Kevin Williams, Director of the Shore Sports Network, Townsquare Media
“The BlueClaws are proud to partner with OceanFirst Foundation on this amazing program. While this is certainly a unique year, we are happy to help recognize these wonderful organizations in support of our beloved military personnel from around the Shore” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti.
“We thank the Lakewood BlueClaws organization and Townsquare Media for providing the opportunity to work together to bring much needed relief to local military families and Veterans during these difficult times. We’re pleased to have provided $408,000 in grants over the years of our partnership.” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation.
The following organizations will each received a $2,000 grant: American National Red Cross, Army Emergency Relief, Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation, Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, Deborah Hospital Foundation, GI Go Fund, Homes for All, Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II, Memorial Fund, Ma Deuce Deuce, National Guard State Family Readiness Council, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Operation First Response, Recalibrate, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8867 (Brick), and Vetgroup.
Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst footprint. Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed in excess of 7,990 grants totaling more than $40 million to over 900 local charities.