On Thursday, June 19, 2008, the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) honored the Keller Family, owners of the Madison Hotel and Rod’s Steak and Seafood Grille, at its Seventh Annual Celebrate Scholarship and Excellence Benefit Gala at the Madison Hotel in Convent Station.

Four members of the family accepted the College’s Champion of Scholarship and Excellence Award, which is presented annually to a corporate or community honoree in recognition of philanthropic leadership, professional integrity and service to community.

CSE Women’s College student Kathryn Scheil, ‘11 led guests to dinner playing the bagpipes. (Photo by Courtney Smolen)

“Tonight, we honor the Kellers for their community involvement, compassionate caring and service as well as for their professional success,” said Sister Francis Raftery, president of CSE. “It is indeed an honor to say thank you and congratulations to Gene, Kathy, Peter, and Richard and to remember Rod, Regina, Robert and Rod, Jr. in this special way.”

Members of the Keller Family include:

• Eugene J. Keller of Sea Girt, who is vice president of Timbers, Inc., the parent company of the restaurant and hotel combination, and has worked in the family business since 1959.

• Kathy Keller Donohoe of Harding, who has been human resource director for the family business since 1995.

• D. Peter Keller of Chatham, who is the executive vice president of Timbers, Inc.

• Richard Keller of Morris Township, who serves as vice president of Food and Beverage Service for Rod’s. 

(l - r) Peter Keller, Gene Keller, Kathy Keller Donohoe, and Richard Keller (Photo by Donna Lindemeyer) 

In offering a word of thanks on behalf of the family, Peter Keller introduced his “new best friend,” student speaker Oluwatobiloba Ajala, ’10, one of the many students assisted by funds contributed to the College.

“I needed a place where I would feel comfortable, a place I could find help easily when I needed it, a place where I could make a noticeable difference, a place to belong. There was no better place for me than the College of Saint Elizabeth,” said Tobi, a Chemistry major from Nigeria who cared for her ailing mother and a younger sister while she studied. Although Tobi’s mother died this year, she intends to complete her degree and to pursue advanced medical studies to research a cure for multiple sclerosis.

Nearly 250 people attended the black tie affair, which featured Irish tunes by Billy Keenan and the PrimeTime Showband, fine dining, dancing, and a silent auction.

But the icing on the cake to the evening’s soiree was the amount of money raised by the College’s generous benefactors. Revenue of nearly $140,000 was produced in this year’s annual evening, providing student scholarship assistance and in supporting educational activities.

“[It is] because of your presence and generous support [that] many worthy students will benefit from a support and challenging academic environment at the College of Saint Elizabeth,” said Sr. Francis. “On their behalf, I thank you!”

The evening’s festivities also included an array of auction items such as gift baskets, weekend getaways, golf outings, jewelry and season tickets to various events at the silent auction tables, and a 50/50 cash raffle. This year’s top prize was $5,225.

For more photos click here to NJ.com.