Business Briefs

Bill Wegner, president of Good News International, a Catholic lay ministry, has announced the return of the School of Evangelization scheduled for July 27-31, at Georgian Court University, Lakewood.

Everyone interested in attending the school is encouraged to register as soon as possible. All of the teachers and staff are graduates of previous schools conducted by the ministry. The following full-time Catholic Lay Evangelists will be conducting workshops: Brian Casey, a former attorney from Seattle; David Stewart, a former property manager from Tallahas-see, Fla.; John Schweisthal, a former financial planner from South Florida; and Brent Heiser, a former business owner from North Carolina. All have given up their former jobs to work full-time in the ministry.

The cost of the school is $275 per person and includes all sessions, room (four nights, double occupancy), all meals (11 total), and written materials. For commuters the cost is $195, which includes all of the above except the room. Details: (732) 364-6158 or (800) 430-0586.

The Lakewood Chamber of Com-merce presented five $1,000 scholarships to the following Lakewood High School students: Stephanie Campbell, Sasha Ann Fray, Jan-noi Jackson, Rachel Schneider and Cherisse G. Yarde. The chamber scholarship committee chose these students from applications submitted to the committee by the high school. The scholarships were presented June 8 at the awards presentation ceremony at Lakewood High School.

OceanFirst Foundation is celebrating 10 years in existence. Since being established by OceanFirst Bank, the foundation has contributed more than $16 million to 600 charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties. OceanFirst Foundation celebrated the milestone with representatives from dozens of local charities at the Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle. In honor of the 10-year anniversary, many nonprofit agencies that have received grants from OceanFirst Foun-dation over the years were given a gift of 10 shares of OceanFirst Bank stock.

John R. Garbarino, chairman, president and chief executive officer of OceanFirst Bank, once again expressed the commitment of the company's board of directors, management and staff that has always believed a great company gives back to and invests in the communities it serves.

According to Susan Kelly, executive director of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, OceanFirst Founda-tion has been the premier supporter of nonprofits throughout the region.

Linda Gyimoty, executive director of Ocean's Harbor House, said the Harbor House would never be able to aid more than 8,000 homeless, abused and neglected children each year without the help of OceanFirst Foundation.

OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the nation to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. The foundation is currently valued at approximately $38 million and its contributions to local charities continue to grow.

The Jackson Chamber of Com-merce's next General Membership Meeting will feature a Summer Networ-king Mixer 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 21 at Bella Terra, 2 Kathleen Drive, Jackson. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call (732) 833-0005.