(VIDEO): Helping Veterans Through Blues and BBQ

Some may remember it as just a great day with music and delicious barbecue, but the Marlboro Blues & BBQ Festival was much more than that.

Money raised at September’s Marlboro Blues and BBQ Festival went toward the Marlboro Sunshine Fund, and now, about $20,000 in assistance will be given to Monmouth County veterans who were affected by last year’s Hurricane Sandy.

“All our hard work and efforts from last year’s event is now getting spent on people,” said Marlboro Councilman Jeff Cantor.

In December, the group purchased a new washer and dryer, dinning room set and bedroom furniture for a Navy veteran from the Highlands who lost his home to Sandy. They also are helping others pay their rent, and another veteran install a chairlift for the inside of his home, and more. 

The group also is working on demolishing and rebuilding the home of a World War II and Korea veteran, Thomas Vaselli, who is in his 80s. The home was destroyed in Sandy, and the family has yet to return.

“It’s especially sad that we have veterans that are living in despair,” said organizer Paul Schlaflin. “They fought their battles, and shouldn’t have to work this hard to get back into their homes.”

With the help of donations and the volunteer efforts of area contractors and businesses, the Vaselli’s home has been demolished and Schlaflin said he hopes other contractors and businessmen will help by donating their time and supplies to rebuild the home.

“What we’re hoping to do is coordinate and assist in obtaining free labor in the reconstruction and building process,” said Schlaflin. “Hopefully, we’ll get electricians to come in and donate a weekend. If we reduce his costs down as much as we can on the labor end he may be able to get back.”

The Marlboro Blues and BBQ Festival began four years ago as a way to instill a sense of community not just for Marlboro, but also for the entire area. It included live music, barbecue, and a Wounded Warrior Motorcycle Ride. The first event raised money for the Wounded Warriors Project, the next for Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and this year’s, and probably the next, will go to help area veterans touched by Sandy.

From the volunteers, to organizers, to the local businesses who donate their time and supplies, to the bands who attend the event, and the residents who come and spend their money, the charity has been a true community event, said it’s organizers.

 “If not for the sponsors, bands, and first and foremost, the community that came to this event and supported it, if it wasn’t for them, none of this would have happened,” said Matt D'Esposito. “I want to thank them for giving us the support and the drive to keep doing this year after year.”

While the theme and focus of the last few festivals have changed from year to year to different ways to help veterans, Cantor said the need to Sandy victims is too great to change for next year.

“It’s one year plus post-Sandy and still people can’t live in their homes,” he said. “It’s unacceptable, completely unacceptable, so trying to do our part and help.”

To help, donate or volunteer, call or email Katie Goon at kgoon@marlborobluesbbq.org or Jeff Cantor at cantor33@optimum.net.

Among the sponsors of the 2013 Blues & BBQ Festival are:

Barnabas Health

CME Associates

Just Sports Bar & Grill - Fireside Restaurant

Sakar Shoprites

Avanced Wellness Center

Vic's Landscaping

Garden Irrigation

Servpro of Freehold

My Greener Dry Cleaner

Vonage Marketing

Wiss & Company

Leaf Filter