TOMS RIVER, N.J. - s4story -- For five decades, CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties (CONTACT) has been a lifeline for anyone facing crisis, loneliness, and emotional distress. The organization will commemorate this legacy at their 50th Anniversary Gala honoring Open Arms/Extended Arms of New Jersey with the Outstanding Supporter Award, Phyllis Cox, LCSW with the Outstanding Volunteer Award, and Bright Harbor Healthcare with the Outstanding Partner Award. The event will take place on Saturday, March 28th at Avenue Long Branch (23 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch), beginning at 6PM.

The 50th Anniversary Gala will serve as a celebration of the lives impacted over the past 50 years, while raising funds to continue CONTACT's essential services for years to come. Guests will enjoy a plated dinner, live entertainment by New Power Soul, a Silent Auction, Dine-Around Raffle, and a Jumbo 50/50.

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"Our goal for the Gala is to bring the community together and honor the people and partners who have helped make our work possible," said Kim Santora, Executive Director of CONTACT. "CONTACT is supported and sustained by the community we serve every day."

The evening's theme, "A Light Out of the Darkness," reflects CONTACT's unwavering commitment to providing free, confidential community support and crisis intervention 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since taking their first call on December 1st, 1975, CONTACT has answered countless calls from people who simply needed someone to listen at life's most vulnerable moments.

"The Gala is about more than looking back," said Santora. "We want to ensure that when anyone reaches out today, tomorrow, or ten years from now, there will be a compassionate voice on the other end of the line."

Tickets are now available. Space is limited and the event is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets are $150 and include event admission, dinner, and one drink ticket. Formal attire is requested. To purchase tickets or learn more about sponsoring the event, visit https://contactoceanmonmouth.org/events/ or email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org.

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If you need to talk, CONTACT is always here to listen. Call a compassionate, trained volunteer at 732-240-6100.

About CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties

CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is a non-profit charitable organization that provides trained telephone listeners who respond to human needs 24 hours every day. This volunteer-based organization offers free confidential crisis intervention, information on available resources, and referrals to community services. To learn more, visit ContactOceanMonmouth.org.