Monmouth County Arts Council to benefit from Two Rivers Food & Wine Tasting

(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The non-profit Monmouth County Arts Council serving the Monmouth and Ocean County communities since 1971 has been selected as the beneficiary of the Red Bank Rotary's Eleventh Annual Two Rivers Food and Wine Tasting to be held on Monday, April 11 at Branches Catering in West Long Branch, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Monmouth County Arts Council (MCAC, www.monmoutharts.org) celebrating 40 years of service is the official County Arts Agency. The MCAC works with artists, arts groups, municipalities, social service, community groups and the public to ensure that the arts are incorporated into all aspects of the community. MCAC's programs and the groups it supports serve over 745,000 people each year and support over 2,728 arts events in Monmouth County.

"For the past 10 years the Red Bank Rotary, through the Red Bank Rotary Foundation, has sponsored the Two Rivers Food & Wine Tasting, enabling us to donate over $225,000 to local charities," says Red Bank Rotary President Chuck Watson. "Past recipients include the Community YMCA, VNA of Central Jersey, Parker Family Health Center, Love INC, Jewish Children & Family Services, Collier Services, Holiday Express, HABcore, Lunch Break and the Affordable Housing Alliance."

The Monmouth County Arts Council will receive the entire net proceeds from the event. "We are honored that the Red Bank Rotary has selected the Monmouth County Arts Council as the beneficiary of this year's event," says Mary Eileen Fouratt, MCAC's Executive Director. "These funds will enable us to ensure that everyone in the county can participate in and enjoy low cost and free concerts, film festivals, plays, community art projects, and dance in their own backyard.  Especially in difficult economic times, the arts lift spirits, inspire creativity, contribute to the economy, and builds community. We are grateful to the Red Bank Rotary for recognizing the importance of the arts to our community, especially in our 40th anniversary year."

The Two Rivers Food and Wine Tasting event has grown to be a fun and prestigious networking event. Each year approximately 350 guests savor samplings from more than 25 of the area's best restaurants, food purveyors, and beer, wine, and spirits distributors. Reservations are $65 per person. For reservations please call 732-933-9111, e-mail DrSteveDC@live.com or visit www.redbankrotary.org.