Kids Do Without A Bed, Raise $37K For Lunch Break In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — Young philanthropists raised $37,000 to benefit Lunch Break’s Family Promise housing solutions and family counseling program, according to a recent tally of the funds by the organization.

And the young people did it by experiencing what a "Night Without A Bed" is like in a fundraising and awareness event.

Not only did the 60-plus students raise vital funds, they also learned firsthand about the plight of families and children experiencing homelessness every night during the program earlier in the spring.

For those unable to find shelter in cars or buildings, living on the streets with no protection from the elements is a reality, say the Lunch Break leaders who work to help people in the community through many initiatives.

Night Without A Bed featured interactive programs, music, and an opportunity for participants to spend the night in a makeshift shelter — a cardboard box or tent.

In America, more than 3 million families and children are forced to live without housing; in Monmouth County, roughly 200 children are housing-insecure on any given night, according to government statistics, Lunch Break said.

“Night Without A Bed was a great experience. I experienced what some people go through every day, like having to sleep in random places,” said Jonathan Ramirez, a student at Memorial Middle School in Eatontown. “Knowing that people from Family Promise can change a community makes me want to do more things like this to make a difference.”

In a journaling activity, one participant wrote: “Today I had the chance to meet kind and compassionate people at Lunch Break. I learned a lot about what it truly means to care about others. I dream of a future where we can all live without worry about our necessities. Until that dream comes true, I am thankful for the good people who go the extra mile to lend their support.”

Family Promise Program Director Lenore Gibson-Pettiford said the program - planned as an outdoor event - had to quickly relocate to an indoor space (at Triumphant Church, Fort Monmouth) because of bad weather.

She said 96 people, including staff, volunteers and participants, slept in one room similar to a Code Blue shelter.

"Many people were unable to sleep and several complained of hunger. This is what people without homes or shelter face every night. We experienced it for one night only and it was, at times, uncomfortable and generally eye-opening,” Gibson-Pettiford said.

Monies raised will go toward the social service resource center’s programs, such as food, clothing, emergency shelter, comprehensive case management, transportation, life skills training, and prevention and stabilization for families.

“We are extremely proud of our youth for stepping up to bring more attention to a growing affordable housing concern for our families. We thank them and our volunteers for making it a priority and encouraging their community members to be proactive in their own neighborhoods,” said Lunch Break Executive Director Gwendolyn Love.

The evening came about through the efforts and support of many different people, including sponsors Mario Venancio of Berkshire Hathaway Realty Services/Fox & Roach, Realtors; Merrick; Seaview The Jeep Store; Park Church; and Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty.

Lunch Break also thanked the Night Without A Bed volunteer team; committee leaders Jessica Stepanski and Gillian Sahadi; and community members, including Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School student Tyler Izzo, who produced a video documentary of the event, and the SPC Band for providing the evening’s entertainment. Lunch Break also acknowledges the generosity of Triumphant Life Church for supplying the event venue.

For contributions to Lunch Break’s social service programs, please donate online at https://donorbox.org/night-without-a-bed. Each donation will ensure that more families have a safe and comfortable place to sleep, the organization says.

Lunch Break provides food, clothing, housing solutions, life skills, and fellowship to residents of greater Monmouth County. All Lunch Break services are free. Visit www.lunchbreak.org or follow on social media.