Sixth Annual "A Toast to Dennis" Set for September 6
Holmdel, NJ, August 7, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Now in its 6th year, the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund will host its annual Toast to Dennis, on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 6:30pm – 9:30 PM at the lovely riverfront home of Kim and Ron Jaeger in Rumson. Tickets are available for $150 at www.runwithdennis.org.
According to Marion Zilinski, mother of Dennis and co-founder of the fund, “Guests can take part in live and silent auctions. We will also have an exciting reverse auction for service dogs that will become invaluable partners to veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome or Traumatic Brain Injury. Studies have shown that service dogs can help these severely wounded heroes resume the daily activities, which they enjoyed prior to sustaining these damaging combat injuries.
"We have already donated numerous service dogs, which come to us through K9s for Warriors, to area veterans - several of whom are from NJ - and we hope to raise additional funds to provide dogs to even more veterans in need."
Marion Zilinski, Founder
“We have already donated numerous service dogs, which come to us through K9s for Warriors, to area veterans - several of whom are from NJ - and we hope to raise additional funds to provide dogs to even more veterans in need.”
The donations raised by this wonderful wine and food event will benefit the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund. The fund was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor local resident First Lieutenant Dennis W. Zilinski II, United States Army, who was killed in action while deployed in Iraq on November 19, 2005. Information regarding the event is available via the charity’s website www.runwithdennis.org.
Kevin Burke, Major NJ State Police, Ret. Larry Durso, Durso Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley and Lt. William Rustico Jr., USN, Ret., are co-chairs of this year’s event committee. They noted that this year the selection of wine, food and auction items is outstanding, and they hope to attract a larger crowd than ever before.
Former White House Chef John Grifo is participating for the sixth year and will prepare an extensive tasting menu. Grifo has been honored as one of southern NJ’s top 25 chefs by Atlantic City magazine. Charlie Brown will provide background music.
Zilinski notes that sponsorships and contributions are still available for the live and silent auctions. Additional volunteers are still welcome.
Contact event planner Christine Burke Eskwitt 732-688-8079 or cburkeassociates@comcast.net, for reservations or more information. Tickets are $150 per person and sponsorships are available. Valet parking will be provided.
About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund:
The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor Lt. Zilinski’s memory and spirit for life. All proceeds raised on behalf of the fund are used to support programs that assist our wounded soldiers and their families, and to provide scholarships in Dennis’ name to his alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy. The Fund strives to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families and provides scholarships that invest in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Lt. Zilinski.
For more information visit: www.runwithdennis.org. Donations may be sent to: Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, PO Box 35, Holmdel, NJ, 07733.