Tree of Learning to be ‘planted’ in Brick

The Brick Township Chamber of Commerce’s Educational Foundation is embarking on a new community service project that will "plant" a tree for permanent display in one of the most heavily visited locations in town. The tree requires no water, sunlight or soil, but the Chamber of Commerce says it has high hopes for its growth.

This new initiative, a "Tree of Learning," with metal leaves and carved boulders and trunk, will be affixed to a central wall in the township’s municipal building on Chambers Bridge Road. The tree has been sponsored by a significant donation from Sovereign Bank and offers opportunities to businesses and residents to play a part in its growth.

The Brick Township Educational Foundation has awarded tens of thou­sands of dollars for scholarships for more than 13 years. According to Richard Lau, foundation president, it is the Chamber of Commerce’s intent to do even more.

"Our goal is to create a situation that will enable us to increase the number and amount of the scholarships that we award," Lau said. "It is also our hope that we can endow this foundation with suffi­cient money to ensure the perpetuation of these awards far into the future."

Lau explained that the Tree of Learn­ing has leaves, boulders and medallions available for purchase. All items have ample space for personalized inscription and range in price from $199-$2,500.

The community is invited to have a presence on the tree and support scholar­ships by donating a leaf, boulder or medallion in memory or in honor of peo­ple special to them. The names inscribed will remain on permanent display to thousands of visitors each year.

According to the chamber’s executive director, Michele Eventoff, the response by the business community has been swift.

"The businesses in Ocean County, most of them small businesses, are amaz­ing," Eventoff said. "They never disap­point in their support of projects to assist the community. Thanks to their generos­ity, we will be unveiling this tree with sponsorships at all levels."

Eventoff added that businesses will not be the only names represented; there are a number of inscriptions that will memorialize and/or honor special people.

The celebration for the unveiling of the tree will take place at a networking cocktail party June 15, 5-7 p.m. in the Brick Municipal Building with a "groundbreaking" ceremony at 6 p.m. The celebration is being sponsored by Com­merce Bank. Donation for the cocktail party, which will feature hors d’oeuvres by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, is $25. Reser­vations for the program are necessary and may be made by calling (732) 477-4949.