Jersey Mike’s Subs will once again “drive” the message of hope to hundreds of children throughout the state when it partners with inspirational golf phenomenon Dennis Walters and The First Tee of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to serve nutritious subs and encourage kids to overcome obstacles and reach for their dreams .

Walters, who became a trick-shot golfer after an accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, will share his motivational story with more than 600 youths at the event.

“Our partnership with Dennis extends for over a decade and during that time we have been proud to showcase his inspiring show and life lesson to kids in cities throughout the country,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO. “By partnering with Dennis and The First Tee we can ensure that children are exposed to a positive message of inspiration that can have lasting impact on their lives.”

During the tour, Walters shares his personal story and the challenges he’s had to overcome, inspiring the kids and adults alike with life lessons as he wows them with some of golf’s most amazing shots.  He is joined by his popular canine assistant, Bucky.  In 2008, Walters was presented the PGA Distinguished Service Award.

“If there is something you really want to do – no matter how impossible it may seem – with enough hard work and perseverance you can do it,” said Walters.

About The First Tee of Monmouth and Ocean Counties

The First Tee of Monmouth and Ocean Counties was founded to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

About Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s, a fast-casual sub sandwich franchise with more than 750 stores open and under development nationwide, has a long history of community involvement and support.  Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike’s serves authentic East Coast-style subs on fresh baked bread – the same recipe it started with over 50 years ago.  The company’s mission is to bring its customers the highest quality, freshest made sub in the industry and give back to the communities in which it operates. A store locator and franchise information for Jersey Mike’s can be found at www.jerseymikes.com.

First Lady of New Jersey Mary Pat Christie visited Jersey Mike’s and Rite Aid in Point Pleasant, NJ to thank these local businesses for their support in the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief efforts.

Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund partnered with Jersey Mike’s Subs in Monmouth and Ocean Counties for the 3rd annual March Month of Giving. Anyone can make a donation to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund at any Jersey Mike’s restaurant.

On March 27, 100% of all donations at Jersey Mike’s franchises in Monmouth and Ocean Counties will be donated to the Fund.

Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s franchisees and team members throughout the country, supported by its generous customers, have raised more than $5 million for worthy local charities and distributed more than 500,000 free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.

At Rite Aid, company officials and employees presented First Lady of New Jersey MaryPat Christie with a $50,000 donation from the Rite Aid Foundation as well as $299,622.47 donated by Rite Aid customers and associates during its in-store fundraising campaign done nationwide last year.

Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund is still deciding where to allocate the money. Part of the funds will go to nonprofits that can help homeowners fill in “the gaps” between money they receive from their own insurance companies, as well as any state or federal loans or grants.

“We’re going to be doing additional rounds of disbursements,” she said. “We have a long term view on this and we’re hoping to donate $1 million to groups working on long-term recovery.”

Donations are accepted at the website.   www.sandynjrelieffund.org

Donations are being donated at Jersey Mike’s.  www.jerseymikes.com.  The fund has joined forces with Jersey Mike’s Subs “Month of Giving” Campaign. It’s a chance to give back during the month of March.

Article by TaraJean Vitale, Video Produced by Noelle Ciumei, Photographs by Calvin Schwartz