Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County will host its 8th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser in Toms River on Friday, September 18, 2015.

Credit: iStock
Credit: iStock
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The event raises money to help pay for the organization's community programs, which include both adult mentoring and school-based mentoring that matches kids with high school students. CEO and Executive Director Sue Sedivec explains who they're hoping to help.

"We provide mentoring services to children who face adversity," Sedivec said. "Perhaps they live in a home with a single parent, or a parent is incarcerated, or they've been exposed to drugs and alcohol problems in the home."

Sedivec hopes to raise between $60,000 and $70,000 with Friday's event, which she says is one of her organization's biggest fundraisers every year. But she says they're also always in need of mentors, especially men willing to become a Big Brother to one of approximately 131 boys in Ocean County who are currently in need of matches.

Mentors undergo orientation and training and must pass a background check. They'll see their Little Brother or Sister at least twice a month, with phone contact in between visits. Sedivec says you don't have to have any special training coming in, you just have to be willing to make the commitment.

"The one thing we don't want is to have a mentor come into a child's life and then leave," Sedivec said.

The Casino Night Fundraiser will be held Friday, September 18, 2015, at the Ramada in Toms River (located at 2373 Route 9). A cocktail reception begins at 6pm and gaming starts at 7pm. Tickets are $75 per person and include $100 in gaming chips and a buffet dinner and dessert.Order tickets online by clicking here or by calling 732-505-3400.

For more information on becoming a mentor or enrolling a child in the program, click here.

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