Red Bank-Based Retailer Invites Public to “Shop for the Shore”

Trenton, N.J. (December 3, 2012) – The Monmouth County Board of Catholic Charities today announced that A.H. Fisher Diamonds has joined with the 2013 Ray of Hope Gala Committee to raise funds that will benefit area residents affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Each year the Gala supports Catholic Charities’ programs that provide temporary and permanent housing, trauma counseling, child and family counseling and addiction treatment. All of these programs will be involved in the disaster relief response efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. These programs benefit people in need in Monmouth County, regardless of religious affiliation.

The collaborative effort between A.H. Fisher Diamonds and the Gala Committee will raise funds that will benefit these programs and help individuals and families that suffered loss and/or damages as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The fundraiser is called, “Shop for the Shore.” Through December 31, 2012, A.H. Fisher Diamonds will make the following donations to Catholic Charities:

• $50 for every purchase made over $500
• $100 for every purchase made over $1,000
• $1,000 for every purchase made over $10,000

As an additional bonus, customers who spend a minimum of $500 will receive a $100 A.H. Fisher Diamonds Gift Card that can be redeemed toward a purchase at the store in 2013.

For almost ten years, the Red Bank-based A.H.  Fisher Diamonds has proudly supported Catholic Charities’ Ray of Hope Gala. President of A.H. Fisher Diamonds, Alan Fisher said, “It has been our pleasure to work with the Gala committee to raise funds that provide a variety of services to the residents in our communities who require assistance.”

Fisher is a life-long resident of the Jersey Shore and has many friends and customers who have been adversely affected by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.  As a way to help them and the thousands who need assistance, A.H. Fisher Diamonds will make these donations in collaboration with Catholic Charities and the Ray of Hope Gala.“For many years, Catholic Charities has helped people meet challenges, so it made sense for us to join forces with this established organization that already has an established network of programs that help people in our communities,” added Fisher.

“Catholic Charities helps hundreds of residents every year in Monmouth County with challenges related to housing, mental health, specialized children’s services and addiction treatment, ” explains Robert Hodnett, associate director of Children’s and Family Services for Catholic Charities. “A natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy adds to our area’s challenges, but we are fortunate to be able to incorporate our resources and work with our business partners like A.H. Fisher Diamonds to help those effected,” adds Hodnett.

The Monmouth County Board of Catholic Charities will host the 16^th annual Ray of Hope Gala on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more about the Gala and Catholic Charities, visit www.catholiccharitiesternton.org/monmouth.

Catholic Charities’ programs currently available in Monmouth County include:

Beacon House -A transitional group home for homeless young men ages 17 to 21 and a semi-supervised apartment program for young men and women. Residents receive training in such independent living skills as cooking and money management and are linked to vocational and educational services to learn a trade, finish high school or earn a college degree.

Disaster Response – provides case management, counseling, financial assistance and advocacy to those affected by natural or man-made disasters.

Family Growth Program -Offers specialized treatment services for sexually abused children and adults who were victimized as children. Services are also available for issues of trauma related to other forms of family violence.

Linkages - A transitional housing program in Tinton Falls that provides an intensive case management residential program for homeless families. The program promotes their self-sufficiency and entry into stable, independent living situations and ensures that vocational, medical and essential needs of parents and children are secured.

Monmouth Counseling Services - Offers counseling and psychiatric treatment for children and families challenged by emotional and behavioral difficulties. The program works in collaboration with the Monmouth University Mental Health Counseling program.

Project FREE: Families in Recovery, Education and Employment - An outpatient substance abuse treatment program for women and their families who are DYFS involved and receiving public assistance. It also offers an evening intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program for indigent men and women.

About Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton is a faith-inspired social services agency with more than 100 years of experience. Our mission directs us to alleviate human suffering which we approach through a wide variety of services including behavioral healthcare; domestic violence prevention and treatment; help with basic needs; housing assistance; job training and supported employment; and outpatient substance abuse treatment. We are a 501 (c)3 non-profit recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of the most fiscally efficient in the country, using less than 10 percent of our revenue for administrative costs.

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