Marlboro Native Helps Organize Cross-Party Relief Effort

Justin Braz, former Marlboro resident and Director of the New Leaders Council, is helping politicans from both sides of the aisle come together for one day of fundraising, music and a focus on recovery.

The New Leaders Council, made up of members of both parties, announced earlier this month that a concert benefiting Sandy relief will be held on Sunday, Dec. 30 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park and will include several top local bands.

"Monmouth United" is being sponsored by the NLC — New Jersey as well as the Monmouth County Republicans, Monmouth County Democrats, New Jersey Young Republicans and New Jersey Young Democrats. Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik is also sponsoring the event, according to Braz.

Braz said the concert is a chance to "bridge the political divide by bringing people together to help make a difference for those in need."

The concert lineup includes the B Street Band, Vinny Pastory's Crazy Horse All Star Review, the Pat Guadagno Band and more. The event will be emceed by Kevin McArdle of NJ 101.5.

"This is an excellent opportunity for putting aside partisan differences to help our friends and neighbors begin putting their lives back together," said Monmouth County Republican Chairman John Bennett.

Monmouth County Democrat Chairman Vin Gopal said it was good to have an event to bring the two sides together. "We look forward to working with Chairman Bennett and Monmouth County Republicans to assist all of our neighbors across Monmouth County who were affected by this horrible storm."

Tickets are a suggested donation of $25 at the door, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring food and cleaning supplies that can be donated to the Monmouth Ocean County Food bank. Proceeds from the show will be donated to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.