Neptune, NJ, May 20, 2011 - MSG Varsity and Cablevision's Power to Learn, along with Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., recognized students at Neptune High School as the New Jersey Grand Prize Charity Champions for their fundraising efforts and participation in Charity Champions, a program that promotes volunteerism and encourages area high schools to raise funds for a charity.  The school was presented with $5,000 to be donated to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, as well as $1,000 for the furtherance of the students' charitable activities.

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At the event, Cablevision's VP of Education Trent Anderson spoke about the Charity Champions program and Program Advisor Catherine Crelin discussed Neptune High School's participation.  She then introduced students who reflected on the program and how it has impacted them and the school.  Video clips of their "Great Flier Bake Sale" fundraising efforts by members of the Student Council, Class Councils, National Honor Society, Cooperative Business Education, the Spanish Club and the NJROTC were shown and Congressman Pallone commented on the importance of community service.  Linda Keenan, a representative from the Development and Fundraising Division of the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, also spoke and thanked the students for their efforts. 

Neptune High School Program Advisor Crelin commented, "I am extremely proud of the student body at Neptune High School.  Our various clubs came together, identified an area in the community that could use their support, and then put together a fundraising event that exceeded everyone's expectations.  The generous donation from MSG Varsity and Power to Learn caps a year at this school that will be long remembered for making a difference in the fight against hunger."

"I cannot begin to express how grateful we are to the students and faculty at Neptune High School, as well as MSG Varsity and Power to Learn, for their efforts on behalf of our food bank," observed Ms. Keenan.  "More than ever, the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties depends on the generosity of the community.  You have all stepped up to the plate and made a tremendous difference in our ability to serve the in need men, women and families in the area. Thank you for your donation and for your giving spirit."