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A Toast to Dennis
TO SUPPORT THE LT. DENNIS W. ZILINSKI, II MEMORIAL FUND




Looking back at the 2011 Toast

A Toast To Dennis was again hosted by Maureen and Randy MacDonald in their beautiful riverside home in Rumson, New Jersey, on Saturday September 10, 2011.

Background music was provided by Johnny Petillo and guests were again treated to fine cuisine by former White House Chef, John Grifo. A selection of imported wines were served, as well as beer, soft drinks and water for our non wine drinking friends. Individually rolled cigars were made on premises by Cortez Cigars. The evening was topped off with fine pastries, cake and cookies.

Major Kevin Burke, New Jersey State Police, Retired, the committee chair was the emcee for the evening. Major Burke opened the evening by introducing Ronnie Brooks, who sang the National Anthem. Major Burke then spoke about the memorial fund which honors 1Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II, who was killed in Bayji, Iraq on November 19, 2005. Major Burke explained the importance of the fund and how the fund has assisted many wounded servicemen/women in the area, as well as providing for outlets for them to enjoy. Major Burke introduced 1Lt. Matthew J. Zilinski, New Jersey Army National Guard, who introduced the Honor Table, which honors the fallen and the POW's and those missing in action. Matthew is also the brother of Dennis.

There was a very special message from Bob Woodruff of ABC News shown as he was not available to attend the event and a short video of Dennis and the run/walk which is held in November of each year at the PNC Arts Center.

Senator Jennifer Beck, an Honorary Committee Member of a Toast to Dennis, was there to present Dennis and Marion Zilinski, and Randy and Maureen MacDonald, with a New Jersey State Senate Resolution for the work that they are accomplishing through this Memorial Fund.

Marion Zilinski opened with a short story about her son and also shared the memories of the full moon that was so prominent in the sky, as well as the beautiful rainbow. She explained to those attending the importance of supporting our wounded soldiers and what it means to them to be remembered. She shared that many of their benefits stop after they are discharged from their branch of service and that we as a grateful nation need to do more to assist them for their sacrifice beside just saying thank you.

Marion Zilinski closed the presentation portion of the event with a quote and toasts to our hosts, to Christine Burke, the event planner, to the event committee members and to all in attendance.

All current and prior servicemen/women were called to the stage and presented with an Honor Coin on behalf of the memorial fund.

A reverse auction was then held where the attendees were invited to bid on hand crank bikes, customized to fit each amputated soldier individually. The auction became electrified with the crowd's active participation. An amazing amount was donated to assist the fund in being able to purchase 7 more hand crank bikes.

If you missed this event the year, don't miss it next year. The event is incredible and you will not leave there without feeling good about yourself, feeling fed with wonderful food, sharing in the best imported wines and ending with coffee and cookies for the road.

If you are a golfer, we will be hosting the 6th Annual Golf With Dennis, on Monday, October 17, 2011, at the beautiful Pine Barrens Golf Course in Jackson, NJ.

We look forward to seeing you at the 6th Annual Run With Dennis, on November 13, 2011 at the PNC Arts Center, Holmdel, New Jersey. This year we will be hosting a new youth 1 mile Run for ages 8-15. This is a great day to share your support of our servicemen/woman and our own hero, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II.