Sandy Forces Class of 2002 Reunion Postponement; Relief Event Planned

Damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in Seaside Heights has forced organizers to postpone the Manchester Township High School class of 2002 reunion originally scheduled for late November.

The reunion had been scheduled for Nov. 24 at Hemingway's Cafe, located on the Boulevard. With Seaside closed until further notice, organizers will wait until the venue can reopen to host the event and will instead use the day to help others, said Olivia Coppola, one of the reunion planners.

"We have decided to postpone the reunion until Hemingway's can get back on their feet and instead organize a restore the shore day where we volunteer and donate to those effected in our community by Hurricane Sandy," Coppola said. "We are hoping, not to just get our classmates of 2002 involved, but friends and
family as well."

Coppola said that the class will host a "Restore Our Shore" community service day on Nov. 24. Details are being worked out, but organizers hope to help with clean-up, food drives and money collection. Those interested in participating — even if they are not part of the class of 2002 — are asked to contact Coppola at 2002MTHS@gmail.com.

"We have tremendous faith in the residents of the Jersey Shore and their resiliency and will to rebuild. I encourage you to tell your family and friends to participate in doing whatever they can," Coppola said.