In Asbury Park, community is more than a word, it’s a feeling. It’s neighbors looking out for one another, local businesses stepping up without hesitation and volunteers quietly showing up where they’re needed most. Nowhere is that spirit more visible than in the work of
the Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park, a group of dedicated residents committed to giving every child in the community a chance to thrive.
Founded locally in 1918 and re-chartered in 2020, the club is part of
Kiwanis International, one of the world’s largest volunteer-led service organizations. Yet while the global network stretches across 80 countries, the heart of the Asbury Park club beats right here at home.
Its members are business owners, teachers, retirees, young professionals, and longtime residents all united by one mission and that is to improve the lives of children in Asbury Park.
Rooted in Service Driven by Heart
The club focuses on supporting children facing the greatest challenges, with initiatives centered on education and literacy, food and clothing security, health and wellness, and leadership development. “Our mission is to lift up children who need us most,” says club president Jeannine DeFoe. “Everything we do comes from the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and feel supported.”
Much of this impact is made possible by the club’s signature fundraiser, Eat Here Now, a coupon booklet featuring discounts from more than 450 local restaurants and specialty shops. For the fourth year, over two decades, this beloved booklet has been the club’s sole fundraiser, and every dollar raised goes directly toward programming for children. Local businesses play an essential role.
“It’s wonderful to enjoy great food and know your donation supports such a worthy cause,” supporter Pam Callender said. Through these partnerships, Eat Here Now not only strengthens Asbury Park’s small business community it fuels every act of service the club provides.
Impact You Can Feel in Every Corner of the Community
The Kiwanis Club’s work reaches children in ways both profound and joyful. Here are just a few highlights from the past year each one funded entirely by Eat Here Now
● $4,500 in scholarships awarded to Asbury Park High School students
● Room makeovers, birthday celebrations, and holiday support for youth at Covenant House, made possible through volunteers like Karen Harrington
● A magical, fully funded day at Allaire Community Farm for children with Down syndrome
● Weekly summer wellness activities with Second Life Bikes, including biking, crafts, books, water play, and nutritious snacks
● $1,600 raised to support Trinity Center for Community through the Jersey Shore Ride for Food Justice
● Sponsorship of an Asbury Park Little League team, covering uniforms, equipment, and healthy snacks
● Building and stocking Book Arks and Beach Toy Boxes to bring joy and learning to local families
“Their support made a real difference for our players and their families,” says Michael Tempora, Little League coach and board member. These are just the visible programs. Throughout the year, club members show up quietly handing out holiday toys, stocking food pantries, helping with community days, sponsoring library programs, and supporting local families wherever they can. In the 2024–2025 service year alone, 27 members participated in 22 service projects, with 24 members volunteering multiple times. Together with the help of countless community volunteers they brought hope and joy to hundreds of children.
A Community Effort: How You Can Be Part of the Impact
Though the club’s work is extensive, Kiwanis members will tell you their greatest strength is the community itself. Asbury Park residents, business owners, and families play a vital role and anyone can get involved, whether they have one hour to give or one day a year.
Here’s how you can help make a difference:
● Become a Kiwanis member and join service projects that directly support children
● Buy an Eat Here Now coupon book a small purchase that creates enormous impact
● Volunteer at a single event, like a toy drive or pantry shift no membership required
● Partner as a business, offering coupons or sponsorships
● Make a donation, knowing 100% stays in Asbury Park to help kids.
The Future Built on Generosity, Powered by Community
As the Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park looks ahead, its focus remains clear. Deepen its impact, grow its membership, and continue creating opportunities for the children who need them most. And that future is bright because it’s powered by a community that believes in showing up. The club’s history reflects this truth. It was established locally around 1921, helped launch what eventually became part of the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County, and after being re-chartered in 2020, it has grown each year in size, reach, and heart. Today, its members describe themselves simply: “Asbury Park’s volunteer-led service club dedicated to supporting our community’s children.” When people support Eat Here Now, share their time, or join the club, they make that mission possible. In Asbury Park, lifting up a child, lifts up the entire community.
Kiwanis members will tell you their greatest strength is the
community itself. Asbury Park residents, business owners, and families play a vital role and
anyone can get involved.