The 2nd Annual Meatballs & Martinis Tasting & Competition – A Night to Remember!
On a beautiful October afternoon at the Elks Lodge #1875 in Toms River, The Breathe Foundation hosted its 2nd Annual Meatballs & Martinis Tasting & Competition — a celebration of great food, community spirit, and charitable giving. The event brought together 15 local restaurants from Ocean and Monmouth Counties, each competing for the coveted title of “The Best Balls Around“.
A Friendly Competition for a Meaningful Cause
Guests enjoyed a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, sampling signature meatballs from each participating restaurant before casting their votes in a People’s Choice competition. Every attendee received a voting ticket to drop into their favorite restaurant’s jar, and at the end of the evening, the votes were tallied and the winners announced.
This year’s champions were:
- 1st Place ($250): LaFontana Restaurant
- 2nd Place ($100): Chef James Barry
- 3rd Place (tie, $50 each): Della Cucina Italian Deli and Pie’s on 37 West
Congratulations to all of our talented participants for sharing their passion and culinary creativity with the community!
Exciting Prizes and Generous Sponsors
The night was filled with excitement as guests participated in raffles and drawings for VIP New York Giants tickets, Jonas Brothers concert tickets, a 36” Blackstone Griddle, and numerous gift baskets. The 50/50 raffle reached over $1,000, with half going to the lucky winner.
Prize winners included:
- Giants Tickets (donated by Americare Systems): Joe Palmisano, Toms River
- Jonas Brothers Tickets (donated by 94.3 The Point): Stephanie Riess, Toms River
- Blackstone Griddle (donated by QSR Supply): Mrs. T. Vicendese, Seaside
- 50/50 Winner: Michael Cataldo, Brick
In addition, 13 beautifully curated gift baskets were auctioned off, featuring items like a 39-piece Christmas Village and a two-head espresso machine.
Record-Breaking Support and Gratitude
This year’s event, chaired by Gary Skolnick and Linda Burgos, was an outstanding success. Event sponsorships brought in over $9,000, and combined with ticket sales and raffles, the evening helped The Breathe Foundation raise more than $15,700 — the most successful fundraising event to date!
These funds will go directly toward helping New Jersey children and adults living with Cystic Fibrosis, providing financial assistance and support to families in need.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our generous sponsors who made this event possible:
OB-Co’s Donuts, Franklin Sheet Metal, PayBright, QSR Supply and Design, Pepsi-Cola, 94.3 The Point, and Americare Systems.
Appreciation for Our Team and Volunteers
A huge thank-you also goes out to our dedicated Board of Trustees — Frank Vicendese, Debbie Dec, Jason Ryan, Gary Skolnick, Barbara Schuldt, and Murray G. Dychtwald — and to our incredible volunteers: Jennifer Brattan, Janet Bevelheimer, Eric Hasenpusch, Melanie Lopez, and Kari Kish.
Special recognition goes to Linda Burgos of Americare Systems, Kathy Demey, and the Elks Lodge #1875 for their exceptional efforts in making this event such a memorable success.
Continuing the Mission
Thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors, participants, and attendees, The Breathe Foundation can continue its mission of providing hope, relief, and assistance to those affected by Cystic Fibrosis across New Jersey.
We can’t wait to see everyone again next year for the 3rd Annual Meatballs & Martinis Tasting & Competition!