2020 GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARDS

1ST PLACE JEANETTE SCHLAPFER

$2,500 for Toms River Police EMS Local 4846

Schlapfer is a Realtor® with Crossroads Realty in Toms River. In response to community members suffering from food insecurity due to COVID-19, the Toms River Police EMS Local 4846 started a food distribution program to fulfill the needs of the community. Schlapfer joined the efforts and has been volunteering over six hours a week distributing food and soliciting and securing donations of produce and non-perishables.

Schlapfer also shares the work of the organization through Facebook Lives. Her social media presence has helped get other organizations involved and grow awareness of food insecurity in the community.

2ND PLACE CHRISTOPHER MONIHAN

$1,500 for Shore Medical Center

Monihan was born and raised in Ocean County and is a Realtor® with Ocean City’s longest family owned and operated real estate firm, Monihan Realty.

During the pandemic, Monihan and his neighbors started a healthcare heroes lawn sign fundraiser in support of Shore Medical Center, who was in need of donations to purchase personal protective equipment. The lawn signs feature artwork from Monihan’s daughter and symbolize appreciation for essential workers. Monihan paid out of pocket for the production of the signs and all donations went directly to the hospital. The project has raised close to $15,000.

Monihan also created a food collection system at his office, Shore to Share, which encourages renters to drop off food items that are no longer needed when they turn in their keys. The food is then delivered to a local food pantry, Ecumenical Food Pantry.

3RD PLACE GLEN THOMAS

$1,000 for Develop Philippines, Inc.

Thomas in a Realtor® with Keller Williams Elite in Metuchen. During a visit to the Philippines, Thomas witnessed first-hand how schools struggle with having school supplies and educational materials for the students. His experience inspired him to cofound Develop Philippines, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that collects and ships books and school supplies to schools and libraries in the Philippines.

Since 2016, Thomas has been committed to finding ways to help improve the education of children in underprivileged areas. He dedicates a lot of time to gathering donations, purchasing additional items, and coordinating the schools’ needs. This past January Thomas was able to visit two schools in the Philippines to provide everything from food to laptops and directly serve the schools’ students and teachers.