The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold will once again hold its Annual Stock Market Picking Contest, now in its fifth year, it has been announced today.

The annual challenge will kick off on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and last for five weeks, every Thursday evening at the CentraState Medical Center.

The free educational program allows young adults, from fifth to eighth grades, to gather knowledge of how the stock market functions, as well as how to research company financials, and how to invest. Children are divided into teams of two or three and are presented with pretend funds in the amount of $10,000.

Each meeting is comprised of a half-hour lesson followed by another half-hour of portfolio management, where they can buy and sell stocks. The top three teams to make the most profit by the close of the program are awarded trophies.

We are proud to be hosting the 5th Annual Stock Market Picking Contest, said Club President Shari Scaramuzzo. Our club members are happy to volunteer and share their knowledge and experience with students in our area, helping to Bring out the Best in Kids.

Last years program saw more than 70 children participating in the challenge, outgrowing the YMCA Community Center venue.

Those who would like to guarantee a spot are urged to pre-register by emailing participants name, contact phone number and email, grade, and teammate(s) to furieb@hotmail.com.

For more information, visit http://freeholdsunriseoptimists.com/.

Comedy Night January 20!

The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold will be hosting a special night of comedy on Jan. 20, 2017 at the Freehold Senior Center (116 Jackson Mills Rd.) at 8 p.m.

Featuring three prized acts, including Tom Daddario, John Clark and Bobby Gaines, A Night of Comedy will raise proceeds to benefit programs sponsored by the Optimist Club. Tickets are $25 per person, and can be purchased at the door or by mailing a check to Sunrise Optimist, PO Box 351, Adelphia, NJ 07710.

For more information, visit Night Of Comedy.