Last weekend, the Borough of Red Bank’s Mayor’s Wellness Campaign (MWC) hosted its annual Turkey Giveaway at St. Anthony of Padua’s, an event that has become one of the most meaningful community traditions of the year. In a powerful display of collaboration and generosity, organizations from across Red Bank, and partners from throughout Monmouth County, came together to support local families with food, warm clothing, health services, and critical resources.
This event, led entirely by the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and made possible through deep partnerships reflects the Borough’s ongoing commitment to health equity, food access, and community care.
Every family who attended left with a complete holiday meal:
- A fresh turkey
- Bags of produce
- A full set of sides and accompaniments
Beyond food, the event offered items that make a real difference as temperatures drop—coats, blankets, socks, hats, gloves, and toiletry kits. These essentials were provided without questions or barriers, ensuring that support felt accessible and respectful.
Public health was also at the center of the day. Residents received flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines onsite, thanks to our health partners. More than 30 vaccinations were administered, giving families a convenient and trusted space to stay protected this winter.
Special Thanks to our Volunteers
Volunteers played a big role in making the event run smoothly. Students from local school clubs, community members, and longtime supporters all stepped in where needed. We especially want to recognize Nora Deveau-Rosen, MWC committee member and representative of Two River Theater, who greeted every resident as they arrived. Our volunteers from Brookdale's SOL club who helped manage turkey distribution, and Mr. Crisóforo Codallos coordinated the setup and breakdown for the event. Their help made a real difference in making sure families were supported throughout the day.
Leadership That Shows Up with the Community
The event opened with remarks from Mayor Billy Portman, who expressed gratitude to all participating organizations, volunteers, and sponsors.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us today, our partners, volunteers, and the families we’re here to support. Days like this show what community really means. I’m proud of the work we’re doing together through the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, and I’m grateful to each of you who helped make today a success.”
Mayor Portman received his flu shot at the event, modeling accessible, preventive health care alongside residents.
Red Bank’s elected officials also spent the morning engaging directly with families, Deputy Mayor Kate Triggiano, Councilwoman Nancy Facey-Blackwood, Councilman Ben Forest, greeted residents, connected with partners, and many joined in receiving their seasonal vaccines, showing firsthand the importance of wellness and community participation. Councilwoman Laura Jannone in her role of council liaison, not only helped with event logistics, but also volunteered to administer shots to residents.
Creating Impact
This year’s numbers reflect both the need and the generosity of our community:
- 130+ turkeys distributed to residents on site from Fulfill, CPC Integrated Health and the Center for Post Traumatic Trauma
- Additional turkeys delivered to homebound residents
- 80–90 winter coats from Christian Brothers Academy, St. Benedict’s and Sue Pierce
- Knitted hats, scarves, and gloves from the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library and Aetna
- 30+ flu and COVID-19 vaccinations provided by Monmouth County Health Dept., Parker Family Health Center & Marlboro Medical Arts
Every item distributed represented a direct act of care from someone in our community.
Community Partners Who Made This Day Possible
The strength of the event came from collaboration. Organizations in attendance included:
St. Anthony of Padua (host) • NCNW • Hackensack Meridian Health • VNA • CEED • Better Way Ministry • JBJ Soul Kitchen • Monmouth County Division on Aging • Monmouth County Health Department • Mental Health Association • The Count Basie Center for the Arts • Parker Family Health Center • Pilgrim Baptist Church • Lunch Break • CPC Integrated Health • Red Bank Police Chaplain • RWJ Barnabas Health • American Friends Service Committee • Red Bank Public Library • YMCA • Hope Sheds Light • Two River Theater
Each group contributed resources, staffing, or information to ensure families had what they needed beyond just their holiday meal.
At the Red Bank Borough table, residents were able to connect with information about local resources and the many services available through our departments. Staff assisted families with signing up for Borough alerts, shared upcoming recreation programs, and distributed materials about initiatives such as the Red Bank Fire Department’s free smoke alarm program. It was an opportunity to make sure every household walked away with tools and information that support them year-round.
With Appreciation for Our Sponsors
The support of Fulfill, Aetna, Wellpoint, and the Vin Gopal Civic Association helped expand the amount of food, supplies, and wellness items distributed this year. Their continued partnership strengthens the work of the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign.
This event reflects months of planning, coordination, and partnership led by the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign leadership team:
- Chair: Suzy Dyer
- Vice Chair: Brenda Codallos Tepepa
- Council Liaison: Councilwoman Laura Jannone
- Borough Liaison: Adriana Medina Gomez
- Community Engagement Coordinator: Fatima Carranza
“What makes this event special is how our partners consistently show up for our residents. None of this happens alone—we’re able to support families because so many people and organizations truly care about this community. I’m grateful to Mayor Portman for making space through the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign for this kind of teamwork to grow. When we come together with compassion and purpose, our community feels it, and that impact lasts well beyond the holiday season.” Said Committee Chair Suzy Dyer
The Borough extends sincere gratitude to the full MWC Committee, many of whom volunteered at the event and have supported every initiative throughout the year, from wellness screenings to resource fairs to community conversations. Their consistency is the backbone of the program.
The Borough of Red Bank looks forward to building on this momentum as we enter 2026. The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign will continue expanding its work around nutrition, fitness, mental health, preventive care, and access to resources—always rooted in community partnerships and resident care.
You can learn more about the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, view all committee members, or get involved at:
https://www.redbanknj.org/267/Mayors-Wellness-Campaign
