Michael's Feat will host annual summer barbecue
Families throughout the Monmouth County area will be able to take a summer splash and help seriously ill newborns when the Michael Gerard Puharic Memorial Fund Inc (Michael's Feat) holds its annual charity barbeque event on July 26 at its new location, Camp Arrowhead, Route 520, Marlboro.

The eighth annual Michael's Feat Summertime Family Barbecue will take place from 1-5 p.m. at Camp Arrowhead. The event commemorates eight years since the passing of Adam and Dana Puharic's son, Michael.

Held for the past seven years on the picnic grounds of St. Clement's Church in Matawan, the event is being moved this year to accommodate the growing attendance, according to a press release. Those attending the barbeque will also be able to cool off in the Camp Arrowhead pool.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $15 per adult and $8 for children ages 4-10 and free for children 3 and under. The ticket price includes a barbecue, beverages, live entertainment, crafts, face painting, inflatable rides and more.

As part of the celebration, Michael's Feat will honor husband and wife Gregg and June Somma of Hillsborough, longtime supporters of Michael's Feat. The Sommas will serve as honorary co-chairs of the event.

Gregg, a senior vice president with Lehman Brothers, and June, a dental hygienist and instructor at Middlesex Community College, were introduced to Michael's Feat when their godson Andrew Schrager was a patient in Monmouth Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

"We were so impressed with the services that Michael's Feat provided to our godson Andrew when he was at Monmouth Medical Center," Gregg Somma said. "Families in the NICU have the concern of their newborn on their minds. Michael's Feat provides the resources to alleviate a lot of the stress facing these parents."

"Michael's Feat does such wonderful things for families and I am so honored to be associated with them. My husband and I are very proud to serve as honorary cochairs of the Michael's Feat annual family barbecue," June Somma said.

Michael's Feat will also present the Heather Rose Tribute to Courage Award to a family which has displayed grace, bravery and strength in caring for their seriously ill newborn.

"Michael's short life has left such a lasting legacy," Dana Puharic said. "While his loss is still with me every day, I'm so touched by all the support we have received over the past eight years from supporters, sponsors and friends. Michael's legacy has enabled us to benefit numerous families and seriously ill newborns."

The Michael Gerard Puharic Memorial Fund Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been established to support, give comfort and ease the burden for parents caring for seriously ill newborns. The fund was created in memory of Aberdeen residents Adam and Dana Puharic's newborn son Michael, who died after an 83-hour battle with a serious chromosome disorder.

Michael's Feat provides support through the donation of needed items enabling parents to care for their ill children. Since the fund's inception in October 2000, more than $200,000 in benefits have been provided to families, according to the press release.

For more information and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities at the event, contact Michael's Feat at (732) 239- 7887 or visit www.michaelsfeat.org.