MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS
Preserving the Spring Lake 5 Through the craziness of raising a family and running a business, Chip and Andrea saw the Spring Lake 5 at a crossroads in the early 2000s when prior race leadership let the town know after 15 years, they could no longer organize the run. “We both agreed. The race was too special an event for the town for it to end,” Chip recalls. Together, with a group of friends, they took on the task of learning the inner workings of the race. They changed the race to a non-profit status, formed the Friends of the Spring Lake 5, and ensured the race’s continuity and its ability to support local causes. One of the nonprofits that has benefited meaningfully from the race is Interfaith Neighbors, a community-rooted organization based in Asbury Park, where Chip now serves as Executive Director. At the time, it was only the beginning of their connection to Interfaith. A seed was planted that would grow into something transformative. Heartbreak & Healing Before that next chapter began, the Craigs endured a heartbreak no family should face when their son Kyle passed away after his junior year of college. The loss was devastating. “The way our friends and the town came together and responded when Kyle died was remarkable,” Andrea reflects. Their friends, family, and faith carried them through the darkest moments. Through the Craigs’ close knit community and their commitment to building something for the greater good, Chip and Andrea deepened their connection to the community as they slowly started to heal. Alongside the support they received, the Craigs channeled their energy into a commitment to the Minding Your Mind organization, a non-profit whose mission is to remove the stigma and destructive behaviors associated with mental health issues. To this day, along with many of Kyle’s friends, they work to change the narrative and educate others about the importance of mental health. Soon after, Andrea transitioned from the board at the Spring Lake Library to becoming the assistant director using her skills as a former art director to develop programming, marketing, and creating lasting bonds with visitors. Chip, meanwhile, stepped into a larger role with Interfaith Neighbors. Having first encountered the organization through the Spring Lake 5, Chip was drawn to its mission to build stronger communities. “Joe Mamora, the founder of Interfaith Neighbors, was a tremendous man. He was instrumental in getting me involved, keeping me connected, and then opening the door for me to become a leader within Interfaith.” Interfaith Neighbors Founded 38 years ago by Joe Mamora with a mission to prevent homelessness, Interfaith launched its first program, Rental & Mortgage Assistance, to keep people in their homes and stabilize their futures. Joe Marmora knew Chip was someone who could build on the foundation he laid at Interfaith Neighbors. Meanwhile, Chip’s faith guided him in recognizing that the comfort he received in
family Craig the
Building Lasting Change
BY KATIE SCHRADER - EDITOR
in Connecticut, Andrea noticed Chip would be out of sorts each spring. “The Sound just isn’t the ocean,” he told Andrea. A weekend trip to Spring Lake changed everything. That weekend they decided Spring Lake would become home, and they poured themselves into it. Andrea took the reins of designing their home, using her artistic abilities and knack for design to make it their favorite place and build their family. Raising a Family Andrea and Chip raised three children. “The ocean was always a draw for us, and it was no different for our children. The boys were always surfing, and our daughter was our water baby.” They remember fondly the kids working at The Breakers and caddying at the Spring Lake Golf Club, with their summers anchored by beach days and patio hangouts. “Patio to the beach and beach back to the patio,” Andrea laughs, “that’s the beaten path.”
Chip and Andrea Craig embody what it means to build things that last. Their story is one of dedication. Dedication to each other, their family and friends, and to the meaningful organizations in and around the community they love. For over 25 years, they have immersed themselves into projects that will create a lasting impact in Spring Lake and beyond. A Desire to Build Chip began his career as an attorney in corporate finance, but after four years, he chose another path.. “I wanted to be on the other side, where instead of just doing the transactions, you stay with a company to help build it and watch it grow.” That desire to build has guided him ever since. The ocean was always a draw for Andrea and Chip. Andrea grew up in a beach town on the eastern shore of Maryland while Chip grew up 30 miles west of Spring Lake, and recalls “always wanting to get to the coast.” After they were married and living
20 May 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 21
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker