Manalapan/Old Bridge Max Challenge Raises $23,000 for Charity

Sweating for a cause brought out members of the Manalapan and Old Bridge communities on April 13, including public officials and business owners in support of the Brian Brennan Stands Alone Foundation and Give2Those, two foundations that support active duty military, military families, veterans, wounded veterans, first responders and their families. Together, The Old Bridge and Manalapan Max Challenge locations raised a combined $23,000.

Each year, The Max Challenge of Manalapan and The Max Challenge of Old Bridge hosts a day of giving, identifying a worthy cause to rally the community around supporting. This year, the Brennan Stands Alone Foundation was the focus of the Max Challenge of Manalapan Day of Giving while Old Bridge supported the Give2Those organization. Both locations hosted a gift basket raffle and three-hour sweat-a-thon to raise awareness of the causes and important work they do.

GIVE2THOSE.org makes a difference by giving back to military and first responder charities that provide support to active duty military, military families, veterans, wounded veterans, first responders and their families. The organization was started to bridge the gap between civilians, military, and first responder personnel and to honor those who serve, save, protect and sacrifice.

The Brennan Stands Alone Foundation aids wounded warriors and their families and provides monetary assistance to them in their time of need. U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian Brennan, from Howell, NJ, and an Operation Enduring Freedom combat veteran, was seriously injured in Afghanistan when an IED exploded under the humvee in which he was traveling. Lt. Brennan suffered cardiac arrest, multiple fractures and traumatic brain injury, returning home a double amputee. Lt. Brennan’s road to recovery can only be described as miraculous and he has become an inspiration to all who have met him.

“It was a true honor to introduce this hero who served our nation magnificently,” said Maureen Bruno, owner of The Max Challenge of Manalapan. “We are proud to support all our veterans, especially those returning home from combat and injured in the line of duty. There was such a powerful vibe of patriotism and coming together for a worthy cause. I want to thank everyone who took the time to come out to our Old Bridge and Manalapan locations in support of our veterans.”

Donations from The Max Day of Giving fundraiser will be distributed to Manalapan and Old Bridge veterans and honor those that have fought for our freedom.

“I’m so proud to be a part of such an amazing group," said Manalapan resident and Max member Marie Campbell. “The Max Challenge is always giving back!”

In addition to funds raised as part of the Max Day of Giving, The Max Challenge of Old Bridge also was a VIP sponsor for the Old Bridge Mayor’s inaugural health and wellness 5K honoring hometown heroes on March 30, 2019. More than 200 “Maxers” and their families participated in the event, raising an additional $8000 for the community.

To learn more about the Brian Brennan Stands Alone Foundation, Give2Those or to experience The Max Challenge of Old Bridge/Manalapan, click the links above. Raffle winners can claim their prizes by visiting The Max Challenge of Manalapan during business hours.