January 6, 2024
One of my cherished memories from growing up in Chatham, New Jersey, involves driving around on Christmas Eve with the car headlights off, guided by the flickering of little tea light candles in white bags that adorned the winding streets of my neighborhood. This annual project, benefiting various groups, was something I took for granted in terms of the time and effort put in by those who organized it. For many years, I had a longing to see my hometown streets adorned with such lights, and this year, I finally made it a reality.
Salt + Cedar Properties collaborated with the ‘Jersey Shore Rescue Mission’ from Asbury Park to initiate this new project called “Light ‘Em Up Luminaries.” The agents of Salt + Cedar Properties promoted the project on social media and went door-to-door to sell luminary kits to our neighbors, beautifying not only our surrounding towns but also supporting local neighbors dealing with psychological issues, drug addiction, and homelessness.
Orders were taken in early December, and the kits were assembled by myself and other realtors of Salt + Cedar Properties. Between 12/20/2023 and 12/23/2023, kits were delivered to families in Spring Lake Heights, Sea Girt, Brielle, and Wall Township. Each kit contained 20 luminary bags, 20 tealight candles, and 2 pounds of sand. Instructions were given to light the luminaries on Christmas Eve, weather permitting. We successfully sold 100 kits, raising $1,700 after covering the costs of supplies.
I selected the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission in Asbury Park as our benefactor due to their vital work in helping local homeless individuals with mental health support, shelter, food, and job training. Belmar First Aid Charitable Trust heard about our project and generously decided to match our donation, contributing $2,000. In the end, we raised a total of $3,700 for the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission.
Beth Sarre and I had the opportunity to meet with Phillip Richards, the Director of the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission, to deliver the funds and tour the facility. The Mission expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support from local families. Special thanks to Nancy Maclearie and Patrick Brown of Spring Lake Heights for their assistance in organizing and delivering the kits!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to making this project a success. We eagerly anticipate the community’s support in the coming years!
Clickt to Watch the Video on the Light ‘Em Up Luminaries Project
Learn More About the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission Here
