Marilyn Schlossbach
Food for Thought by the Sea
Locally known as a restaurateur, chef and co-owner of Whitechapel Projects here in Long Branch, Marilyn Schlossbach and her community-driven work go far beyond the walls of her restaurant. Her list of involvement is long: Boys and Girls Club, Interfaith Neighbors, Surfrider Foundation, Clean Ocean Action, NJ Restaurant and Hospitality Association, Long Branch Chamber of Commerce and the College Achieve Charter School. But the one most near and dear to her heart is Food for Thought by the Sea, her personal foundation that gives back to all of these other great groups. “I created it to bring a collaborative space to the nonprofit organizations in Asbury Park and surrounding communities to address the growing needs in the community,” Schlossbach says. “I found a strong need for empowering people in the community through workforce development and basic needs of housing and food.” You’ll see the Food for Thought food truck participating in events around Monmouth County, and during Covid, they delivered 2,000 meals weekly. “Whether it’s one day or many, we use youth in our community through a training program to give them hospitality skills and culinary experience. Every time someone eats at our truck, it helps us raise funds for our mission.” You can help out by eating at the truck, reaching out through social media, purchasing Feed this Community cookbook—with all proceeds go to the local nonprofits mentioned above—or volunteering anytime they have an event. foodforthoughtap.com
Cory Schifter
Multiple nonprofits
Whether it’s designing the perfect engagement ring or picking out the just right gift for a birthday or anniversary, Cory Schifter, owner of Casale Jewelers in Red Bank and Staten Island, has helped thousands of customers through the years. But his generosity doesn’t stop there. It started back in 2009 when Schifter first caught the philanthropic bug when selling cookies at a Breast Cancer Walk in Staten Island. His altruistic actions have since grown into an impressive mission that gives away more than $100,000 a year to local nonprofits. “I’m just a small business owner with a huge heart,” Schifter admits. In just this past year alone, through Casale Jewelers’ vacation giveaways, he’s raised money for Red Bank Catholic Football, Eat Clean Bro’s annual gala, Live Like a Unicorn pediatric cancer foundation, No Limits Café, Chamber of Commerce gala, Marlboro Football and Manalapan Soccer. As if that isn’t enough, Schifter is also on the board of Emergency Children’s Help Organization (ECHO), which provides financial assistance to children experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency, and annually supports Sunrise Day Camp, a summer camp for kids diagnosed with cancer. Raising three kids with his wife Jessica while running a successful business in two states can be a challenge for even the most accomplished, but Schifter sets the bar even higher with his charitable work. “I try to live by example," he says, "not just for people in the community but also for my children."
Amy Broza
Holiday Express
Amy Broza, a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, professional vocalist and paralegal, has been a longtime volunteer of Holiday Express, where she sings with the band and is currently the vice president of the charity’s Board of Trustees. She was also the recipient of this year’s Mary T. Robinson Award for her spirit of selfless giving. Holiday Express delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness. “We visit people that get little to no attention at the holidays,” Amy says, “and the experience of interacting with them, both musically and personally, can seem silly, but is often very profound. We are very fortunate to be able to do what we do.” Holiday Express relies on the generosity of supporters to fund their mission. Each year, they host a golf outing, summer clambake on the beach and holiday benefit concert at the historic Count Basie Center of the Arts in Red Bank. They also bring their volunteers and supporters together for seasonal bingo nights. “We are blessed to be part of a caring community,” Broza says. They welcome volunteers to lend a hand at their warehouse, at shows and fundraising events. They also appreciate financial and in-kind support to help deliver the gift of human kindness to people in need. holidayexpress.org
Darrell Wordelmann
Single Parents with MS
In 2020, Darrell Wordelmann, managing partner of Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, founded Single Parents with MS, a charity inspired by his late mother, Mary. Later that same year, Darrell was diagnosed with MS. The organization is dedicated to assisting single parents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Mary was first diagnosed with MS in 1966 and courageously went on to give birth to her two boys in 1970 and 1975—Darrell and his brother Bobby. They were blessed to have their father present in their lives, but that is not the case for all families. Darrell clearly remembers one Christmas morning when there were just three presents under the tree and he said to himself: “I will never allow that to happen again.” Throughout the years Christmas has become his favorite holiday but Darrell has always thought that he could be doing more for those in need—which is the purpose of Single Parents with MS. Darrell hopes to make a difference for families who struggle with MS, especially the single parents. They provide support during the holidays, ADA equipment, meals, renovations, financial assistance and more. Every Spring the organization hosts Mustaches for MS, a luncheon, raising upwards of $100,000, with all profits going toward Single Patents with MS. They also present their Give Back Award to someone who has devoted their time to help those with MS. Darrell maintains a positive outlook regarding his own diagnosis and leads a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, following prescribed medical care and spending time with his wife and son. You can get involved with Single Parents with MS by reaching out to Darrell or attending the annual luncheon. singleparentsms.org