Inaugural FunFest To Support Manalapan-Englishtown Schools

MANALAPAN, NJ — The Foundation for Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Schools (MERS), an independent nonprofit that has granted more than $1 million to programs across all eight MERS schools since 2009, is set to host its inaugural Foundation FunFest in September.

This family-friendly community celebration aims to bring together the families, students, educators, and businesses that make MERS a community worth investing in, officials said.

The Foundation FunFest will take place Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Ivy League Day Camp, 140 Gordon's Corners Road, Manalapan.

Proceeds from FunFest will support the work of the foundation, which aims to educate, enrich, and empower every PK-8 student in the district.

This is done by partnering with families, educators, PTAs/PTOs, and the community to expand access to opportunities that support academic, emotional, and social growth both in and beyond the classroom, officials said.

In practice, that has meant everything from hands-on critical thinking kits in every K-5 classroom to grants awarded across all eight MERS schools.

According to foundation officials, FunFest is designed as the beginning of an annual tradition: a day that brings the full MERS community together in one place while building the local support that helps ensure every student has equitable access to the opportunities that prepare them to learn, grow, and lead.

"Over the previous sixteen years, the Foundation has invested through its grants more than a million dollars back into MERS District classrooms, funding the programs that make a real difference for our students," said Ricardo Rivers, President of the Foundation for Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Schools.

"FunFest is how we bring that whole community together in one place," Rivers continued. "Every family that attends this event is helping us do more for the students in all eight of our schools."

Attendees at the event can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including:

• Inflatables & Games
• Bounce Houses
• Kids' Activities
• Live Entertainment & DJ
• Food Trucks
• Vendor Fair

The event is designed to offer something for everyone while strengthening community ties and supporting local education.

Admission & Ticket Information

• General Admission: Free
• Activity Wristbands: $20 in advance / $25 at the event
• Specialty Rides: $10 in advance / $15 at the event

Advance wristband purchases help families save while supporting the foundation's mission.

For wristband purchases, vendor registration, sponsorship opportunities, and event updates, you can visit: foundation4mers.org