Thank you for your clothing and household goods donations. As of today we have been inundated with clothing and household goods. So right now we are putting a complete hold on clothing and household donations.

Thank you to so many Long Branch businesses and residents who have extended a helping hand. Long Branch is a great community to live and work, of which we are reminded by times like this, when we come together for our neighbors, our teachers and our businesses.

We are continuing to accept cash, checks and gift cards at Central Jersey Bank, 627 Second Avenue. Make checks out to West End Fire Relief.

Please refer to our West End Fire Relief Facebook page for further information. Paypal is now up and running.

The following are events and information regarding assisting the victims of the West End Fire.

WEST END FIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, February 29th
Ocean Place Resort & Spa
6 til 9 PM
Tickets $35

Tickets will be on sale at various West End locations. Local chefs, R&R Marketing and Court Liquors are providing food and beverage. Entertainment and a gift auction are in the works!

Long Branch Windmill
Monday, February 20th

Stop at either of the Long Branch Windmill locations from 5 to 8 PM -they are donating 50% of their profits to the West End Fire Relief.

Jacks Goal Line Stand Fundraiser for Long Branch Teachers
Saturday, February 18th
149 Brighton Avenue
2 to 6 PM
$20 Admission – Free Food

All proceeds going to the three Long Branch teachers who lost everything in the fire.

More info about how to help the merchant tenants coming soon.

Thanks to all for your support!

There have been many inquiries as to how to help with the recovery from the West End fire.

The best way to assist the residential tenants that have lost everything is gift cards, checks (MADE OUT TO WEST END FIRE RELIEF FUND) and cash dropped off at Central Jersey Bank, 627 Second Avenue ATTENTION CAROL FELDMAN.

Household items may be dropped off at West End Fire House on Second Avenue between the hours of 2 and 5 PM.

We are trying to move very quickly with this grassroots effort.

We are also working on a list of commercial space available in West End for our businesses to relocate.

Thank you to all who have called and sent emails.

Long Branch is a great community to live and work in!!

This is a marketing campaign with Monmouth University and Brookdale Community College to encourage students to shop and dine locally.

The Chamber, through Stelair Design, has produced 5 x 7 inch decals for your business designed to welcome students into your establishment. Some of our members are displaying them at their cash registers (They are suitable for framing). It would be helpful that each business have a special offer or special (for example, glass of wine or dessert with a dinner entrée; student discount days; 10% off dry cleaning; discount haircuts on Tuesday etc.)

Please let the Chamber office know if you are interested in this program. We will be publicizing this effort on our website and it will be distributed throughout the schools through electronic media, flyers, welcome packets etc.

The decals are available at the Chamber office or by mail.

The Third Annual Long Branch Block Party and Pooch Parade on October 1st went off without a hitch. A great family day for all!! Special thanks to our sponsors: Monmouth Medical Center , the City of Long Branch Office of Community and Economic Development, Staybridge Suites, and MIX Lounge.

The Pooch Parade had 40 plus dogs entered all in costume!! The winners in each category were: FUNNIEST- Chido Bandito (Chihuahua) owned by Renee Martin, Long Branch; BEST LOOK ALIKE DOG AND OWNER – Sadie and Bucky with Jamie Plantamura, Long Branch; BEST OVERALL- Muppet owned by Janna Montague and Kevin Moddes, Long Branch.

New this year was Touch the Truck, sponsored by the City of Long Branch which a wonderful experience for children. Kudos to the Long Branch Fire Department for the fire truck rides. They were traveling through West End all day.

Central Jersey Bank sponsored Build the Scarecrow. A bit of a competition where children could build their scarecrow, plant them in the park for the judging and then take them home at the end of the day. The Long Branch School Employees Association had a pumpkin painting booth for children. The FUN BUS also arrived for the children’s enjoyment. Additionally, there was face painting, temporary tattoos and crafters.

Our new 2011 Long Branch Discover Guide has been approved by New Jersey Travel and Tourism and distributed along the Garden State Parkway, the NJ Turnpike, Jersey Premium Outlets, Jackson Premium Outlets along with Deepwater Welcome Center and Newark Liberty International Airport just to name a few spots.

Thousands were distributed at Oceanfest, and we still have plenty available in the Chamber office if you would like to stop by and pick them up.

Special thanks to our wonderful Chamber advertisers who made this project a huge success!!