(RED BANK – NOV. 21) “Giving Tuesday,” founded in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd St. YMCA and the United Nations Foundation, was originally a “response to commercialism and consumerism” during the holiday season.

It has since turned into an international day of giving.

Next Tuesday, Nov. 27, the nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts will join forces with 94.3 The Point and Citi for a day-long, live broadcast from the Basie to raise funds to underwrite free tickets to Basie Center holiday shows for Monmouth and Ocean County first responders and their families.

The first $20,000 raised from the daylong radiothon will be matched by Citi.

“We are very grateful to all the first responders in our communities,” said Tom Widener, Chairman, Count Basie Center for the Arts Broad of Trustees. “We’re delighted to be participating in this effort to make it easier for them and their families to enjoy holiday shows at the Basie.”

In addition, $1 from every ticket sold on Giving Tuesday will be donated to the 200 Clubs of Monmouth and Ocean counties, two 501 (c)(3) organizations dedicated to providing financial assistance to the families of public safety and rescue personnel killed in the line of duty. This includes, but is not limited to, Monmouth and Ocean County police officers, firefighters and EMT technicians.

“We are a group that was created in the 1970’s to support public safety personnel and their families in times of in the line of duty injury or loss,” said 200 Club of Monmouth County President Kim Guadagno. “We help families when they need our help the most. We encourage the public to support our worthwhile cause for the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving our community.”

“This is a very small but meaningful way to give our thanks to the men and women that protect and serve our communities,” said Adam Philipson, President / CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Our Board of Trustees and our entire staff hope that first responders and their families will take advantage of a holiday gift of the arts.”

“I’ve been an active member of the Holmdel First Aid squad for more than ten years,” said New Jersey State Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso. “The people I have been lucky enough to volunteer with in the first responder community are dedicated and selfless. They sacrifice time away from their families and loved ones in order to protect their communities. I have seen truly tragic and miraculous things on the first aid squad, but also witnessed the best in people during times of crisis.”

The arts can provide a necessary outlet for so many,” DiMaso continued. “Through them we can experience joy, sadness, and the beauty that this world has to offer. We can make human connections and that impact on society cannot be understated. I am so proud that we have a vibrant community of artists here in Monmouth County.”

The “Giving Tuesday” broadcast from the Basie will kick-off at 5:30am with 94.3 The Point’s “Lou and Liz In The Morning.” Listeners will be invited to drop by and give donations in person, or to make donations via theBASIE.org. Patrons outside the listening area can tune in via 943thepoint.com.

“The Jersey Shore community takes pride in working together and rallying around important causes, “ said Steve Ardolina, Jersey Shore Regional Operations Manager, Townsquare Media – parent company of 94.3 The Point. “It’s a distinct honor and pleasure to work with team at the Count Basie Center for the Arts to support hard working and dedicated first responders throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties!”

The live “Giving Tuesday” broadcast will feature performances from students of the Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy’s Rockit! Live and Jazz Arts academies, holiday compositions from members of the Basie’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music, musician Jason Mraz (who performs that evening on the Basie stage) and more.

First responders interested in receiving free tickets for their families can click here for full details. Tickets will be available in person only through the Count Basie Center for the Arts box office, located at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank.