Crystal Beacon Awards

Republicans, Democrats and Independents throughout Monmouth County gathered at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank last night for the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce's annual Crystal Beacon Awards Dinner.

My fears, as president of the Chamber, that food fights would break out if we brought all of these people together and served cocktails were unfounded. Quite the contrary, as 170+ people including elected officials and political leaders of both parties embraced their differences and celebrated what is great about Northern Monmouth County.

The Chamber honored U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie as the Public Servant of the year.

Victor Scudiery, owner of IEI Electronics, the Airport Plaza Shopping Center, a supporter of various Bayshore charities, and the the chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic party was honored as the Business Ambassador of the Year.

The Timothy Pauxtis Foundation, founded by Susan and Jay Pauxtis in memory of their son, Timmy, who succumbed to brain cancer at 10 years old, was honored as the Non-Profit Organization of the Year. In their first year, the foundation endowed a scholarship fund for Middletown high school seniors who want to pursue studies in pediatric nursing, and raised over $70,000 for cancer research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Peter Phillips, Director of Neuro-Oncology at the Children's Hospital traveled from Philadelphia to present the award to Susan and Jay.

Lynn Conover, CPA and partner in the Curchin Group, Middletown, was honored with The President's Award for her outstanding service to the business community and to the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce in particular.

It was a special event, highlighted by the fact that so many people who are competitors, in business and politics, could come together as a community and appreciate each other, including their differences, and celebrate those who make an extraordinary contribution.

Jim Purcell has more extensive coverage and video at InsideClamdigger.

Jim's coverage has been picked up by The Star Ledger.