Third time’s a charm for rescheduled Spring Lake Gift Auction

August 16, 2021

After having to postpone and reschedule the event three (yes three!) times due to the pandemic, the 10th Annual Spring Lake Gift Auction went off without a hitch on July 30 at the Spring Lake Manor, much to the joy and relief of organizers Jackie and Anthony Kelly.

The auction is a labor of love for the couple, who hold the event in honor of their now 20-year old daughter, Kathleen. All proceeds benefit Autism New Jersey.

More than 225 friends, colleagues and fellow members of the autism community came out and celebrated autism awareness and the positive impact the Gift Auction and Kelly family has made throughout the decade.

As is their annual tradition, the event featured a lively performance courtesy of Friendly Son’s of the Shillelagh Pipe and Drums Corps. And prizes. Lots and lots of prizes. 76, to be exact.

All tallied, the Gift Auction raised $15,000, including a generous $5,000 donation from the Manasquan Elks in loving memory of their longtime member and leader, David Glaser, who passed away in April.

The Elks made an earlier $5,000 donation during Autism Awareness Month to support another fundraiser spearheaded by the Kelly Family, this one organized by Patrick’s Grille in Neptune City.

With the two events combined, $25,000 has been donated to the Autism New Jersey thanks to the Kelly Family’s hard work and dedication and their generous community of supporters.

It was worth the wait.


Interested in planning an event or fund drive to support Autism New Jersey?  Contact Brynn Alberici at balberici@autismnj.org.