Reverend Craig Dunn, head of the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation (MNDC) and Councilman Peter Yacobellis announced an online fundraising effort Wednesday to raise revenue to revitalize and restore the Project Oasis summer program for youth.

The fundraiser seeks to bring in at least $9,000 to help expand program curriculum and allow more young people to participate. Those funds would pay for two additional program coordinators and three student counselors as well as support curriculum development.

“Project Oasis is a program that is near and dear to me,” said Rev. Craig Dunn. “I began my affiliation with the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation when I was 10 years old. The summer program was an important part of my youth. Having played in the basketball league throughout high school and working in the program when I was in college, I can say that Project Oasis and MNDC has had a hand in shaping the man I am today. Growing up in the area around Glenfield Park, I know the impact the program has had on my peers who took advantage of what was offered. It is my desire to see the program expanded to transform young lives and lead them to a pathway to a brighter future.”