The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Although there may be a long road ahead for Brian Mansfield, he has nothing but a community of love and support during his time of need. Brian, a 16 year old in New Providence was recently diagnosed last May with Acanthamoeba Keratitis, a rare vision threating parasitic eye infection that affects about one or two out of every 1 million contact lens users. Some of the symptoms that accompany this rare disease include light sensitivity, pain, blurry vision, and excessive tearing. Unfortunately, due to the severity of his illness and the significant pain from the disease, Brian had to stop attending school. 

On Sunday, March 3, the Lions Club in the Borough of New Providence held an event to assist Brian and his family. The William Paca Club donated its building for the event and the Lions held a pancake breakfast for Brian. They called the event “Lions for Brian.”

The Lions Club, founded over 50 years ago in New Providence, is known for its generosity in giving back to the community, and ran and sponsored the event.  Former Mayor Al Morgan, a Lion, helped organize the event.

The Girl Scouts of Troop 1206 volunteered and cleared tables during the event.

Lion Bill Hoefling told TheAlternativePress.com that as she was leaving the event, one of the girl scouts who was volunteering stopped at the front desk and opened up her change purse.  She poured the coins on the table, all of her money totaling $.53, and asked that it be donated to Brian and his family.   Hoefling said, “That’s the kind of community spirit that makes New Providence such a special place.”

New Providence Councilman and Lion Gary Kapner said, “Everyone who turned out and supported the Lions Club for this event just goes to show what a great community New Providence is.”

The owners of the Prestige Diner of New Providence, Jimmy and Harry Vardas, donated all  ofthe pancake batter. Mitch Ping of New Providence was able to secure a donation of coffee from Starbucks.  Dunkin Donuts donated all of the donuts for Sunday’s event. Dawn and Rich Sherman of New Providence, who are also owners of the Party Fair at the Rockaway Mall, donated all of the event supplies.

Sponsors for the event also included:
 

New Providence PBA Local 132
New Providence Republican Committee (NPRC)
Gary & Rachel Kapner
Al & Christine Morgan
Shema Family
Ken DeRoberts
Armand & Marianne Galluccio
F. Mellusi Landscaping (Frank Mellusi)
Kyzima family
EverTech (John Everitt)
Coppola Family
Marguerite & Peter Pizzi
Gorny Family
Ann & Bob Campbell
Dr Bob Robinson
McGrath's Paint and Hardware
Bill and Allison Smith & Family
Paolo's Kitchen
Malone Family
Rob and Teresa Munoz
Michael and Elaine Gennaro
Doug and Barbara Marvin
Gomber Family
StocksandNews.com (Brian Trumbore)
Hitchen Family
Au Family
Deb & Gene Mikijanic
Kerry & Lori Lee
Torbilt Contruction (Carmen & Denise Torsiello)
Adam Smith & Family
A. PARADISE LANDSCAPING COMPANY
Matsikoudis family
Christine Weber 
Geoffroy Family
Steven Madonna
Libertucci Family
Madden Family
Nick Perillo
Jim Wood
Tom & Gail Montrone
Alice Maluso
Clara & Angelo Delmonte
Andy & Monica Cattano
TD BANK
Tom & Randi Kelly
Sebstiaan Devoogd
Frank & Cynthia Fusillo
Tony & Chris Schipani
Nancy Wilderotter
Joseph & Eileen DeMeo
Maureen & Robert Burke
Kathleen & Thomas Jonowich
Christine & Michael Romeo
Matt Dougherty Family
Berkeley Heights-New Providence Lacrosse Club
New Providence High School Boys Basketball Team (Coach: Art Cattano)
Ralph Bartlow (A&P Store Manager)
Scott & Dana Cahill
Kathy & Joe Brady

Checks may continue to be sent to the New Providence Lions Club, P.O. Box 854, New Providence NJ 07974. All donations will be given to the Mansfield family and are tax deductible.

The New Providence Lions are always looking for new members. Information is available on their website: www.nplions.org or by contacting Morgan at (908) 403-8613 or via email: mayormorgan@verizon.net