The GSFF kicks off in Asbury Park on Thursday, April 4^th at 7 PM by honoring the heroes of Superstorm Sandy and supporting the residents and businesses who were affected by the storm.  “We are trying get the word out that the Jersey Shore is open” said Diane Raver, Executive Director, “We will be showing exclusive footage of the devastating storm (provided by our friends at the Asbury Park Press), followed by fun Jersey short films which show our tenacity and spirit!” 

 

The Thursday night event “The Shore Must Go On” is in honor of all of the heroes who jumped in to assist others during and after the storm.  As a special thank you, the GSFF is offering the public an opportunity to purchase one ticket ($12.00) for the Thursday night fundraiser and get one free so they can treat their “hero” to a fun night out. Tickets are available at http://www.gsff.org/festival-info/buy-tickets/.  In addition to known heroes such as first responders, city officials and public servants, Heroes can be anyone who offered kindness, a hug or any kind of help.  You decide who your hero is!

 

The Asbury Park Press, presenting sponsor of the Garden State Film Festival has produced a commemorative, fundraising photo book “Sandy: The Jersey Shore in the Eye of the Storm” which has sold over 15,000 copies.  All profits from the book are being donated to the American Red Cross Jersey Shore Chapter and the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau.  According to Gina Longo, Marketing Manager of the Asbury Park Press “We wanted to help both the residential and business communities which were seriously affected by Superstorm Sandy.”  Donations will be presented to the beneficiaries at this special event and the book will be available for purchase.  Contributing photographers will be on site to sign the books.  If you’ve already bought the book, you’re welcome to bring it along for signatures. 

 

The evening will end with the whole audience singing, “One Light” written by Lori Drazenovich, which will be filmed for later use to boost tourism throughout the Jersey Shore this summer! Municipalities are encouraged to attend bearing signs with the town name on it to show the world we are unified and strong! For more information, please go to www.gsff.org.