Annual Gala a Huge Success!

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation Gala Tremendous Success

(Holmdel, NJ) – April 4, 2019 – The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation 23rd Annual Salute to Patriotism Gala was a huge success this year selling out with over 300 guests. The Gala was held at the beautiful Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club in Farmingdale. The event boasted an impressive $195,000 in funds raised to support the care of the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the Vietnam Era museum, exceeding all goals.

The room was filled with the tones of the talented Jeff Brown Trio, bringing an upbeat ambiance to the evening. Valerie Incontrera kicked off the program with her powerful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Colonel Michael Warner returned as our event emcee alongside Chairman of the Board Major General Clark Martin. The honorees recognized were Utility & Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) and Heavy and General Construction Laborers Local 472 for their contributions that made the groundbreaking of the Memorial possible 30 years ago. Among guests were Senators Ron Rice and Declan O’Scanlon, the Honorable Kim Guadagno, and Camden County Sheriff Gilbert “Whip” Wilson.

Notable highlights of the Gala were some of the amazing auction items which featured exciting vacations, upscale dining experiences, high-end accessories, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. Much of the success can be attributed to the steering committee which included Col. Michael Warner, Gordon Pingicer, Louis Vlahakes, Joseph Scerbo, and Bobby Briant, Jr.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation is now gearing up for their 25th Annual Golf Tournament being held on Monday, August 12th at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club, and their 4th Annual Clay Shoot being held on Tuesday, September 17th at Hudson Farm. For information about any upcoming events, please contact Director of Development Jillian Decker at jdecker@njvvmf.org.

View all of the event photos here, courtesy of Ira Fox Photography.