Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln

As we wait for another winter storm led me bounce around a bit on what is the 205th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States:

Speaking of birthdays, Phil Citta would be 70 on Monday and while he won’t be around to celebrate he’d no doubt be happy that the event is being used to help others. The former owner and operator of The Office Restaurant and Lounge in Toms River lost his battle with pancreatic cancer a decade ago but his spirit lives on in the popular eatery he built.

Shortly after his death the Citta Family made a $1 million donation to help establish the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical Center which offers the latest in treatment services for patients and their families. Since then each February around Phil’s birthday the staff at The Office has hosted a memorial fundraiser to benefit cancer research at CMC and the first eight of these has raised more than $160,000.

The Office donates 50% of today’s profits along with money raised from the many raffles that will take place during the day and evening. There will be special giveaways and much more all in the name of Phil and cancer research…that’s a winning combination.

For Pete’s Sake and the Manasquan Football Club will sponsor their 2nd WinterFest this Saturday night at the Manasquan Beach House from 6-10pm. The event will benefit former Warriors player and current assistant coach Billy Bertscha, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma this past summer.

There will be a $40 charge at the door which will including a 90-minute open bar, buffet and great live music. Bertscha is a 2006 Manasquan graduate who played on a state championship team and coaches the offensive line for the Warriors.

While Shaun White’s failure to win a snowboarding medal Tuesday in Sochi was disappointing don’t shed any tears for the 27-year old redhead. He has a net worth of about $40 million which is not bad for sliding down a mountain.