Help Support Crucial Health and Human Services Programs through Somerset County United Way

Devils Hockey Game to Benefit Adult Day Center on February 20

RVCC Silent Auction & Show by Paula Poundstone on March 5

JCC Basket Auction on March 5

Blaustein Early Childhood Center PTA Sponsors Basket Auction on March 5, 2005

Alternatives, Inc. Dignity Gala on April 16

Somerset Valley YMCA Hillsborough Hop 5K Race on June 4

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Dear Friend:

As we begin a new year, many of us find ourselves wondering what the next 12 months will bring. While we all wish for a brighter tomorrow, it is probably safe to assume that many of our friends and neighbors will find themselves struggling with some of life's harsher issues in 2005. The need for affordable child and elder care, substance abuse, domestic violence, illiteracy and poverty are just a few of the critical problems that many people will be dealing with here in Somerset County.

Thankfully, there are programs in place to address these issues, programs that receive critical support from Somerset County United Way. Last year, Somerset County United Way funded 94 health and human services programs through 55 affiliated agencies - thanks to caring donors like you who gave of themselves to help others. These programs touch on all aspects of our community life and have had a measurable impact on improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Your support and generosity can help ensure that these crucial programs remain in place for those in need.

As a United Way contributor, you have the ability to help others find the support and care they so deserve. From caring for our elderly and our young people with disabilities; ensuring that emergency services are in place and aiding victims of domestic violence; mentoring at-risk youths; assisting individuals seeking sobriety; providing for basic needs such as shelter, food, literacy, legal aid or offering crucial healthcare services, United Way and their affiliated agencies are ready to serve.

It is reassuring to know that the kindness and generosity that is intrinsic to caring community members like you will remain strong and steadfast as we continue to work together to help our neighbors, friends and loved ones find the help, joy and better lives that they so deserve. I ask you to join with me to support United Way in our ongoing efforts to help others achieve healthier and happier lives.

A heartfelt thanks to those of you who have already given so generously in the past. If you have not yet made a donation to our 2004-2005 fund-raising campaign, please join us in caring for our neighbors in need by either donating online here or by mailing your donation to Somerset County United Way, P.O. Box 6835, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807. You are also welcome to call (908) 253-6509 if donating with a credit card. With your help, we can ensure that needs are met in both the best of times and the most difficult of times.

On behalf of everyone at Somerset County United Way, I thank you for your on-going support and extend our best wishes for a healthy and happy new year.

Sincerely,

John Graf Jr.
Acting CPO
Somerset County United Way

Rock Ice Pavilion Benefit Hockey Game. NJ Devils Alumni Team vs. Rock Ice Penguins Select Team
Proceeds Benefit the Adult Day Center of Somerset County. For more information please call (908) 725-0068, email lgaissert@adultdaycenter.org or visit www.therockice.com.

Ticket Prices
Theatre Only: $20.00
Reception and Auction: $40.00
Reception, Auction and Theatre: $60.00

Comedian Paula Poundstone offers a unique perspective on politics, the world at large and the ups and downs of her life as a former IHOP waitress. One of the most durable stars to come out of the 80s comedy boom, Poundstone received Cable ACE Awards for two HBO specials and won the American Comedy Award for best female stand-up comedian in 1989. More recently, she has appeared regularly on NPR's Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me. The Maui News wrote of Poundstone: "Her wit was razor sharp and her timing was impeccable. Brilliantly weaving encounters with the audience members into a very wacky improvisation. Time and time again she returned to these chance encounters with strangers as fuel for her comic genius."

A variety of subscribers' packages are available for all series. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Theatre Box Office, (908) 725-3420, fax your order to (908) 526-7890, or order online at www.rvccarts.org. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available to a variety performances.

Saturday, March 5, 2005
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater, NJ
The Blaustein Early Childhood Center PTA invites the community to attend a Basket Auction on Saturday, March 5, 2005 at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center (JCC), 775 Talamini Road in Bridgewater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be more than 200 baskets featuring a variety of gifts including a one-week time share at the Marriott in Aruba (an over $3,000 value), a weekend in New York City, a weekend in Philadelphia, electronics, theme baskets, talk show tickets, signed sports memorabilia, sporting events tickets, gift certificates to area restaurants and local stores, many "kid-friendly" items, and much more! The fee for the evening is $36 per person, and tickets will be on sale corresponding to three prize levels. Delicious hot hors d'ouevres, cold delicacy buffet and sumptuous desserts will be served by Exquisite Caterers.

According to Joanna Drogy, Basket Auction Chair, "We are very excited about our first Basket Auction. The community has been very supportive in donating items for the evening, which we look forward to becoming an on-going fundraising event for the JCC Scholarship Fund. We thank all of our donors, as well as our terrific PTA Basket Auction Committee which has worked tirelessly planning the event."

The JCC provides scholarships to children to attend summer camp and preschool. In 2004, over $80,000 was awarded to families with financial needs so their children could benefit from a quality preschool or summer camp experience.

To reserve seats for the Basket Auction, please RSVP by February 18 to JCC Assistant Executive Director Laura Friedman at 908-725-6994 x213; e-mail LFriedman@ssbjcc.org. Any business or individual interested in donating an item for the Basket Auction should contact Laura Friedman.

Saturday June 4, 2005
Somerset Valley YMCA, Hillsborough, NJ
Put on your running shoes and join the Somerset Valley YMCA's Road Race.

After your 10-week training is complete, the next stop is "The Hillsborough Hop". This 5K (3.1 mile) course is USATF sanctioned and certified, as well as a 500 point USATF-NJ Grand Prix event. All paid, participating runners will receive a t-shirt and a goodie bag as part of the registration fee. Fees for the Hillsborough Hop are Adults: $16 (ages 15 and over) , Youth: $9 (ages 6-14) and ages 5 and under FREE with a registered adult. Applications for the Hillsborough Hop are available at all of our three facilities or you may register online begining January 1, 2005 at http://www.active.com or visit our website http://www.ymcasomersetvalley.org for more race information.

The proceeds from the Hillsborough Hop will benefit children whose families cannot afford the cost of YMCA programs. For more information on registering for the 5K Run in June or to become a sponsor or volunteer, please call (908) 369-0490 ext. 40. The Somerset Valley YMCA is proud to present these and other fine programs as we fulfill our commitment to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.