CAREing for Children (CFC) began in the late 1980s when members of the Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) collected toys at their annual holiday party to share with local children. Seeing the need—and wanting to give back—OCBA members kept the tradition alive year after year.
Growing Into Year-Round Support
Toy drives soon grew into full holiday outreaches. Food, school supplies, clothing, and other essentials were added and delivered each December to dozens of Ocean County families and charities. For decades, the heart, soul, and “elbow grease” behind these efforts was longtime OCBA member Clare Bojus, owner of The Creative Basket and Devil Brownies. Clare and her team worked tirelessly to purchase, organize, and distribute pallets of goods throughout the season.
Launching the Marty Aronow Memorial Golf Outing
As demand increased, so did the need for fundraising. CFC’s signature event—the annual Marty Aronow Memorial Golf Outing—was created to meet that need and honor a beloved OCBA past president who helped grow the program. OCBA member Michael Reilly, owner of SERVPRO of Toms River/Point Pleasant, chaired the outing for several years, transforming it into a must-play day that consistently reached full capacity and generated vital support.
Navigating Loss and Pandemic Challenges
The 2020 golf outing was canceled by the COVID-19 shutdown—devastating for a charity that receives 90 percent of its donations from that single event. Tragedy compounded when Michael Reilly passed away, followed by Clare’s unexpected passing in February 2022. Their loss left a profound gap, yet the CFC team kept moving forward, delivering food boxes and holiday gifts even through the pandemic.
New Leadership, Same Mission
Today, Barbara Farley, from Chap Construction, carries the torch as program leader, honoring Clare’s vision while guiding CFC into its next chapter. Barbara’s energy and organizational talent keep our drives on schedule and our mission front-and-center.
She is joined by Jen Lorentzen – from SERVPRO of Toms River, whose volunteer coordination helps resources to reach the right child at the right time, and Bill DeBernardis – owner of Atlantic Printing & Design, who donates design, printing, and countless hours and materials that power each golf outing and holiday campaign.
Their combined dedication—along with a committee of OCBA volunteers—allows us to stretch every donated dollar and touch more lives each year.
Moving Forward Together
We remain determined to continue the legacy Clare started. As prices rise and many families struggle to make ends meet, CFC provides a bit of breathing room—and a reminder that their community cares.
Our Oct. 2025 golf outing was at Lakewood Country Club and we’ll start planning the next one in January of 2026. Please consider golfing, sponsoring, or donating a raffle prize. You’ll enjoy a fantastic day while helping your Ocean County neighbors in need.