Challenge Met! The Joy of Thanksgiving Came Early for Monmouth Day Care Center
Two River Community Bank, a long-time supporter of Monmouth Day Care Center (MDCC), pledged earlier this year to match up to $25,000 in donations to MDCC to celebrate the Center’s 50th Anniversary.
This November the community met that $25,000 challenge! Amy Thomas, development coordinator for MDCC, said, “We are thrilled with the support of Two River Community Bank and a wonderful community of people who recognize our dedication to children and their families. Every dollar will help the Center provide scholarships and a sliding scale of fees for those families who are in need, pay for necessary building upgrades; and help stock classrooms with necessary learning supplies and tools.”
Heidi Zaentz, executive director of MDCC, said, “Moving into 2020, Monmouth Day Care Center faces new challenges with the minimum wage increase. While we support better pay for our amazing staff, we are concerned with staying true to our mission and keeping costs low for those in need. Community partnerships and individual giving is our lifeline to make it through these difficult times. If you would like to support our children, families and hard-working, dedicated teachers, please don’t hesitate to donate.
“Without this Match Challenge presented by Two River Community Bank, Monmouth Day Care Center would have had a deficit for 2019. Ending our year in a deficit would have made 2020 even more challenging with the new minimum wage increase. While we are continually working hard to fundraise and remain true to our mission, it is valuable partnerships like ours with Two River Community Bank that really highlight the importance of community support and helping those in need.”
William D. Moss, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Two River Community Bank, said, “As a former Monmouth Day Care Center board member, I have personally seen the positive impact of the Center’s services across generations of local families. Giving parents the opportunity to pursue education and career goals while their children are developing prepared minds at the Center is a recipe for economic growth and healthy communities. Thank you to all members of our community who contributed to maximizing Two River Community Bank’s matching donation to Monmouth Day Care Center this year.”
The community can still donate to MDCC. Make checks payable to MDCC and mail them to MDCC, 9 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank, NJ 07701. Write “Challenge” on check. Donations can also be made via credit card. Call 732-741-4313 or visit www.monmouthdaycare.com and click on the Donate Button.
Monmouth Day Care Center serves families with diverse socio-economic backgrounds from more than 25 local communities. MDDC offers scholarships and fees on a sliding scale for families who qualify. Families who do not qualify for government support but cannot afford the full cost of care receive tuition assistance based on a sliding scale fee due to substantial community fundraising efforts of the Board. Call 732-741-4313 with questions or for more information.
PHOTO (Courtesy of Monmouth Day Care Center)
(L. to Rt.): Bill Moss Chairman, President & CEO Two River Community Bank; Heidi Zaentz, Executive Dir. Monmouth Day Care Center; Brendan McLoughlin, Second VP of Finance President Elect, Monmouth Day Care Center; Robin Fitzmaurice, VP Commercial Loan Officer
About Monmouth Day Care Center: Monmouth Day Care Center, a nonprofit licensed by the State of New Jersey, is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., has eight classrooms; two playgrounds; a multi-purpose room that also serves as an indoor gym; a library; and provides breakfast, lunch and snacks. Children from two months to five years old, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, who come from families with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can attend full- or part-time. Contracts for tuition are maintained with the Division of Family Development, including Work First New Jersey Program and New Jersey Cares for Kids.
Visit www.monmouthdaycare.com for more information.
History of Monmouth Day Care Center: MDCC began with just one class of children in 1969. It was the first Monmouth County child care center to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and star-rated by Grow NJ Kids. It was established under the sponsorship of the Revitalization Corps, National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Red Bank Section, Junior League of Monmouth County, Council of Churches, and Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club of Central New Jersey.