FIFTH ANNUAL “A TOAST TO DENNIS” SET FOR SEPTEMBER 7 Will Feature Special Guest Auctioneer Big Joe Henry Proceeds to Benefit the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund

Known for its annual Run with Dennis, the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund will host its fifth annual Toast to Dennis, on Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 6:30pm – 9:30pm at the home of Debbie and Bill Rustico. Built in 1902, Waterwatch is one of the original homes of the Monmouth Hills Historic District.   It is a 14-room center hall colonial built in Nantucket shingle style.      

According to Marion Zilinski, mother of Dennis and co-founder of the fund, “This year, guests can take part in live and silent auctions.   We will also have an exciting reverse auction for service dogs who will become invaluable partners to  veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome or Traumatic Brain Injury. Studies have shown that service dogs can help these severely wounded heroes resume the daily activities which they enjoyed prior to sustaining these damaging combat injuries. 

“We have already donated service dogs, which come to us through K9s for Warriors, to three veterans - two of whom are from NJ - and we hope to raise additional funds to provide dogs to even more veterans in need.  I’m also delighted to announce that we have a very special auctioneer: Big Joe Henry of  New Jersey 101.5.” 

The donations raised by this wonderful wine and food event will benefit the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund.  The fund was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor local resident First Lieutenant Dennis W. Zilinski II, United States Army, who was killed in action while deployed in Iraq on November 19, 2005. Information regarding the event is available via the charity’s website www.runwithdennis.org.

Rick Marshall, owner of Red Bank Title Agency, is chair of this year’s event committee as well as the all-volunteer board and noted, “This year our selection of wine, food and auction items is outstanding, and we hope to attract a larger crowd than ever before.”

Former White House Chef John Grifo is participating for the fifth year and will prepare an extensive tasting menu. Grifo has been honored as one of southern NJ’s top 25 chefs by Atlantic City magazine.

Marshall notes that sponsorships and contributions are still available for the live and silent auctions. Additional volunteers are still welcome.

Contact event planner Christine Burke Eskwitt 732-688-8079 or cburkeassociates@comcast.net, for reservations or more information.  Tickets are $150 per person and sponsorships are available.  Valet parking will be provided.

About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund:

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor Lt. Zilinski’s memory and spirit for life.  All proceeds raised on behalf of the fund are used to support programs that assist our wounded soldiers and their families, and to provide scholarships in Dennis’ name to his alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy.  The Fund strives to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families and provides scholarships that invest in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Lt. Zilinski.

For more information visit: www.runwithdennis.org.  Donations may be sent to: Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, PO Box 35, Holmdel, NJ, 07733.