Family's $26K in Scholarships Honors Asbury Park Grad

A family home address became the foundation for a charitable tradition that's now helping its third generation of college students.

The One Joel Road Foundation, named after Victoria and Eugene Swenarton's Ocean Township home, just awarded its 20th scholarship to Asbury Park High School graduates. Since the program began, the family has invested $26,000 in local students pursuing higher education.

Eugene Swenarton graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1945. Eight decades later, his family is marking the school's 100th anniversary by continuing what he and Victoria started: making education accessible to the next generation of Blue Bishops.

This year, two graduating seniors received $1,500 Victoria and Eugene Swenarton Scholarships to attend Brookdale Community College. The awards represent far more than financial support. They're proof that one family's commitment to giving back can create opportunities that ripple across generations.

Victoria Swenarton started the foundation with her six children before her passing. Today, the effort has grown to include 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. That's four generations united by a shared mission to honor their family legacy while lifting up their community.

The family's signature fundraising event is the annual Swenarton 5K, a boardwalk walk and run held every November. Last year's event drew nearly 70 donors and raised over $10,000 for scholarships.

The Ripple Effect

The foundation's impact extends beyond the classroom. Over the years, One Joel Road has donated more than $30,000 to organizations including the Bradley Beach Food Pantry, Autism Services of New Jersey, Melanoma Research Foundation, World Central Kitchen, and American Brain Tumor Association.

From fighting hunger to funding medical research, the Swenarton family has made helping others a lasting part of their story. Each cause they support reflects the values Victoria and Eugene instilled in their children decades ago.

The 2026 Swenarton 5K takes place Sunday, November 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Belmar Fishing Club. The event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, whether they want to run, walk, or simply enjoy a morning supporting local students.

For the Swenarton family, keeping their parents' memory alive isn't just about remembering where they came from. It's about helping someone else get where they're going, one scholarship at a time.