Charity gala will support police ride in Unity Tour

MARLBORO — During the upcoming Police Unity Tour, members of the Marlboro Police Department will once again ride in honor of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride that begins in New Jersey and concludes in Washington, D.C., at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

In order to raise funds for the bicycle ride, the Marlboro Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 196 and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 15 will host the first Salute to Community Excellence Charity Gala.

The event will take place on March 20 at the American Hotel in Freehold. The night will consist of a cocktail reception, dinner, open premium bar, a sports memorabilia auction, celebrity guests, dancing and more.

Individuals and businesses operators who have given back to the PBA, FOP and Marlboro will be honored at the event.

Marlboro resident Craig Richardson suggested the idea for a charity gala after having success with similar affairs in other locales.

“In every place I have lived throughout the country I have tried to help police benevolent associations and I have done a lot of fundraising for police officers who have died in the line of duty for the last 18 or 19 years,” Richardson said.

He said that when he moved to Marlboro five years ago he wanted to get involved.

When asked what sparked his interest in helping law enforcement agencies, Richardson said, “It’s just the idea that these guys go out on a daily basis and risk their lives on our behalf … to try and help (the families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty) to me, there is no worthier cause you can come up with.”

New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson will be honored as the 2010 Man of the Year.

“There are a number of things he has done for the state of New Jersey. He has put so much time into helping the community at large,” Richardson said of Carson.

Also being recognized during the March 20 event will be Gary Beshara and Anthony Beshara of the Bella Vista Country Club; Maurice Payami and Mel Anda of Marlboro Diamond Castle; Dr. Joseph Cilea of AdvancedWellness; Master Jack McInerney of Black Belt Academy; and Marlboro Councilman Jeff Cantor.

Those being honored were selected by a group of Marlboro police officers. Richardson said the members of the group sat down to discuss who has really helped the police and the PBA over the last five years.

Ad journal opportunities are available for businesses and individuals who would like to help sponsor the event.

Attendees can purchase tickets for $125 per person, which is tax deductible as the involved parties are 501(c)3 organizations.

Tickets are available through the Marlboro PBA by sending a check to Salute to Excellence Charity Gala, Marlboro PBA Local 196, P.O. Box 278, Morganville, NJ 07751. Tickets may also be purchased by credit card by calling 732-740-4879.

For more information about the March 20 event or for sponsorship information, send an email to marlboropoliceunitytour@ yahoo.com.