HOW AL AND BOGEY’S RESTORE CHRISTMAS

“We are all familiar with the story of How the Grinch stole Christmas, but this year, the Children and families who are part of the Devereux Treatment Foster Care Program experienced a twist to that story. It will now be remembered by all as “How Al and Bogey’s restored Christmas”. Due to funding cuts and the economy we were afraid we could not do anything for this most worthy group. Al Bartolomeo, his wife Kim, Tony, co-owner of Bogey’s and friends Don and Jane were our Santa and elves as they donated a festive party and gifts for all.”
stated, Maureen F. Walsh, Executive Director of Devereux New Jersey.

From the minute Al learned of Devereux New Jersey through his participation with the Gloucester County Dancing with the Stars sponsored by the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce he has been giving ever since. When Al and the Bogey’s family heard that there would not be a holiday party for the children and adolescents in the Devereux Treatment Foster Care Program they sprung into action and hosted a delightful get together for the children and their foster parents on Monday, December 13. Al hosted a fabulous evening which included a delightful dinner, a serenade of a collection of songs by Michael Jones, dancing to music spun by New Jersey’s own DJ Jay Ski and a special visit by Santa Claus himself. Everyone enjoyed the evening and was taken by surprise to see that Santa had left them wonderful gifts to open on Christmas day.

On behalf, of Devereux New Jersey youth and staff we want to thank Al, Kim and Bogey’s for making the Holiday season that much brighter.

The Devereux New Jersey Intensive Treatment Foster Care programs serve youth ages 5-21 with emotional and behavioral challenges in residential homes with specially trained professional family practitioners and is part of the Devereux New Jersey Comprehensive Community Resources (DNJCCR).

DNJCCR touches the lives of over 450 children, adolescents, adults, and their families with special needs, and are available in each geographical region of the state, from outside the New York skyline to the Southern New Jersey shoreline. DNJCCR provides an array of individualized, cost effective, quality based services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental, emotional and behavioral challenges. They include community-based homes and apartments, vocational training, educational, consultative and family-based service models focusing on positive and strength based approaches.

To learn more about Devereux New Jersey visit us on the web at www.devereuxnj.org or contact Kelly Leyman, Director of External Affairs at 856-599-6419.