April 24, 2009 For two summers I have witnessed the town of Lavallette conduct very successful solicitations of money from the public to defray
part of the cost of their free summer musical events. This was accomplished during the intermission of each event. I also observed officials of various charities unsuccessfully ask patrons of the Ocean County Carousel of Music to bring donations of canned and dry packaged foods for the needy to the next event. During the seven-day period leading up to it, most patrons forgot to bring food donations, including myself. During this period of mass financial distress, it is essential to fund public charities. When people attend any type of event, they never forget to bring their wallets and their pocket change. Those who attend free public events are usually in high spirits and generous with their donations. I propose that Berkeley contact established charities and request that they appear at all summer musical events that are held in Veterans Park to solicit pocket change and hopefully paper money. Charities can bargain with food wholesalers to buy larger amounts of food at or below wholesale prices as opposed to much higher retail prices. They would purchase the largest size cans and boxes of food at less cost per pound. Charity purchases create a feeling of compassion among food wholesalers, encouraging them to sell foodstuffs at the lowest price and perhaps at basic cost to the wholesaler.
This will create an atmosphere of mutual cooperation between charities and wholesalers working together on a compassionate and noble humanitarian task.