Monmouth County Theatre Group Wins $5K In Grunin Giving Tuesday Challenge

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Monmouth County theater group has won the Engage Toms River Giving Tuesday Theater Group Challenge Adjudicator’s Choice award.

But now you can choose the winner of the contest's People's Choice Award, the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation announced.

The Ashley Lauren Foundation Theatre Ensemble of Monmouth County, based in Spring Lake, won $5,000 for its performance last week at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College.

Five finalist groups gave 10-minute musical comedy performances that were judged by two professional adjudicators, Tony Petito and Carlyle Owens. The audience had one-third of the vote, and their applause was measured by a decibel reader.

The Ashley Lauren Foundation's performance included scenes from "Shrek."

The event started with a reception where guests enjoyed light fare and networking with community leaders and nonprofit organizations.

After the reception, a sold-out audience watched the five theater groups: The Ashley Lauren Foundation Theatre Ensemble; Bellarine Theatre Company; Brick Children’s Community Theatre; Our Gang Players, and Toms River High School North Nautical Stars Theatre Company.

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, ticket sale proceeds were donated to The Ashley Lauren Foundation to help children with cancer.

"It was a wonderful night full of fun and philanthropy," said Jeremy Grunin, executive director of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation. "Each group was so talented; it makes it very difficult to choose. Our professional adjudicators did a great job and we were thankful for a sold-out audience who not only participated in judging, but helped us give back to a great non-profit organization.”

The People’s Choice award, for an additional $5,000, is open to voting now. Voting is online and will be open until midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. You can vote once every 24 hours and the winner will be announced on Dec. 8, 2016.

To access the videos of the performances and the link to vote, click here.

The Ashley Lauren Foundation, the winner of the Adjudicators' Award at the Giving Tuesday Theater Challenge. Photo courtesy of the Grunin Foundation