Welcome to Long Branch FMBA Local 68

To proudly serve the public with integrity, protecting life, property and the environment through prevention, education and response, with a professional and dedicated workforce.

City firemen establish community benefit trust

By Carolyn O’Connell
Staff Writer April 11, 2003

LONG BRANCH — The city’s paid firefighters have established a community trust fund to benefit civic organizations.

Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association Local 68 has established a nonprofit organization, the Uniformed Firefighters Local No. 68 Community Trust Fund, Inc., that will direct donations to local community organizations as well as create an educational scholarship.

"We have been contributing to different causes from our membership dues," said career fireman and FMBA Local 68 President Eddie Rogers, "but that has limited us in the amount we can contribute."

In past years the local has donated money to the Long Branch Historical Association, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Long Branch Board of Education Elves [formerly Operation Sleigh Bells] and has sponsored ads in an ad book for the anniversary celebra­tion of the Atlantic Engine and Truck Co.

Starting a community trust fund, said Rogers, is a way to pool funds from pub­lic donations that will be redistributed to several different organizations in Long Branch.

Organizations that will be eligible to receive donations must have a history in the city, be known for community in­volvement and recognized for supporting positive community initiatives.

While those general guidelines may seem to be broad, the final decision of eligibility will be determined by trustees of the fund which include Rogers, Jim Parnell, and Douglas Rowell.

"We envision this fund," said Rogers, "in the coming years to be fully funded to establish an educational scholarship."

The money collected for the fund will be handled by Rowell, who is trea­surer for the fund, and donations will be deposited into the Investors Savings Bank, Deal, before they are distributed.

To kick off the fund, a golf outing is scheduled for Monday, May 12, at the Old Orchard Country Club, Eatontown.

"We have begun to receive sponsor­ship donations," said Rogers, "and we are hoping for a good turnout of players to help kick off this fund on the right foot."

Sponsorship fees range anywhere from $50 for prize and gift sponsorships to $1,500 for cocktail hour sponsorships.

Donations can be sent to Local 68 Community Trust Fund, P.O. Box 2292, Long Branch, NJ 07740.