Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy will be among the honorees at the 40th Anniversary Gala of Fulfill, the organization announced.
The event, to be held at the Fulfill warehouse in Neptune Sept. 26, will highlight the organization’s legacy of fighting hunger and improving lives. Begun in 1984 as a compassionate response to a local need, Fulfill has evolved into a transformative approach to addressing food insecurity comprehensively throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
In addition to the Murphys, Fulfill Board Chair Susan Doctorian Kyrillos and CEO Triada Stampas said the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and two local organizations recognized for their dedication to fighting food insecurity will be honored.
The evening will feature Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television journalist, Yale professor and author, Jack Ford as the master of ceremonies, and entertainment from the popular Jersey Shore band Brian Kirk & The Jirks. Fulfill honored Kirk for his longtime support at its “Shore to Rock” benefit concert in 2023.
“We are thrilled to share this milestone with our esteemed gala honorees, starting with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and first lady Tammy Murphy,” Kyrillos said. “The significant work being done to fight food insecurity at the state level by the Murphy Administration and the Legislature, combined with First Lady Tammy Murphy’s critical efforts in 2020 to marshal private support through the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund, places New Jersey at the forefront of that fight.
“Our region is also fortunate to have support at the county level, thanks to the Board of County Commissioners and Monmouth ACTS.”
Two organizations with close ties to Fulfill round out the list of this year’s honorees. Causeway CARes is a long-time supporter of Fulfill, supporting through sponsorships, donations, hosting food drives and volunteering, while Kids Quench Hunger is a group of children from Monmouth Beach who help Fulfill fight hunger by raising funds and awareness at their lemonade stand every summer.
“Our two honoree organizations exemplify legacy and leadership, and we are delighted to recognize their contributions to our mission,” Stampas said. “Causeway CARes, funded by the Wintrode Family Foundation, has been a steadfast and generous supporter for two decades, and instrumental to the launch of The BEAT Center, Fulfill’s food security hub in Ocean County. The Monmouth Beach students who run the ‘Kids Quench Hunger’ lemonade stand are powerful examples of how young leaders can help others and improve their communities.”
The Awards recognize the honorees in the following ways:
· Champion of Change Award: Recognizing the Murphys for their exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing policies and resources that support hunger relief and food security in New Jersey.
· Humanitarian Impact Award: Honoring the commitment and impactful contributions of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in supporting community initiatives to combat hunger.
· Community Leadership Award: Celebrating outstanding community efforts and significant contributions to alleviating hunger and improving the lives of those in need by Causeway CARes, which is funded by the Wintrode Family Foundation.
· Junior Humanitarian Award: Acknowledging the inspiring efforts and remarkable achievements of young philanthropists (Monmouth Beach Kids Quench Hunger) in addressing hunger and fostering a culture of giving in their community.
