The grandfather of two former Franklin Elementary School students, Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. is quite familiar with the school-community’s giving spirit.
As a result, Diegnan was not at all surprised to learn the school’s student council and staff would turn South Plainfield Public Schools’ upcoming district-wide “Day of Service” into an invaluable life lesson for students and a fundraiser for a local nonprofit.
“This wonderful act of kindness is really a microcosm of the entire school district and community,” Diegnan said. “As a lifelong South Plainfield resident, I know generosity is a staple of our borough. I couldn’t be prouder of all those who are collaborating to make this ‘Day of Service’ a meaningful and inspirational event.”
Franklin Elementary School will host a Mile for Marisa charity walkathon on May 26 (rain date June 2) with all money raised during a drive leading up to the event benefiting The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.
Students and staff will walk the length of Franklin Avenue to Plainfield Avenue and back, learning that day about The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s namesake and how the nonprofit established in her loving memory assists pediatric patients and underserved children throughout the greater Middlesex County area.
Balloons in Marisa’s favorite color of purple will adorn the walking path. In celebration of the occasion, students and staff will wear commemorative silicone wristbands of the same hue, courtesy of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.
Diegnan, who serves on The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s board of trustees, will jumpstart the walkathon with opening remarks. The event will commence at 9:30 a.m.
Partnering with the borough, houses of worship, local scout troops, municipal agencies, organizations, and community volunteers, the South Plainfield School District will make a difference in the lives of others through their volunteerism.
“Our students participate in so many wonderful charitable events throughout the year, and we wanted to provide the opportunity for the entire district, the borough, and all our wonderful community partners to be involved in an event that serves the community,” South Plainfield Superintendent of Schools Noreen Tansey Lishak told TAPInto South Plainfield.
“The entire ‘Day of Service’ is dedicated to supporting the community through various activities so that our students have a better understanding that giving back builds a stronger community. This special event will give our students and community members an opportunity to join together in a show of appreciation for South Plainfield.”
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation knows all too well the benevolent nature of the South Plainfield community, which has played an integral role in helping the nonprofit make a profound impact.
Since its inception less than five years ago, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated a quarter of a million dollars to fulfill its mission.
The nonprofit has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value.
In addition, the foundation has awarded $21,500 in academic scholarships to 31 inspirational high school seniors including South Plainfield graduates Nick Loniewski, Abdul Cokley, Luke Niemeyer, Joseph Heilmann, and Charles Lovett.
Piscataway High School alumna Emma Broggi, the daughter of Franklin Elementary School fourth-grade teacher and student council co-advisor Kimberly Broggi, is also the recipient of a Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship.
“There was no question in choosing The Marisa Tufaro Foundation for our charity walk,” Kimberly Broggi said. “Children helping children brings light to many hearts.”
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is committed to being a source of comfort to hospitalized children and their families, as well as providing assistance and opportunities to underserved children.
The foundation has assisted multiple families whose children are in medical crisis, providing financial support through the payment of medical and/or personal expenses to help lessen the burden of parents who have lost wages while spending time at the hospital.
“I am proud that Franklin School has chosen to walk for The Marisa Tufaro Foundation,” Franklin Elementary School Principal Shannon Colucci said.
“Our students are raising awareness for a special charity that provides support and care to families in need within our surrounding community. Our first district-wide ‘Day of Service’ event is aimed at teaching our young students about the many benefits of service to others. Franklin students will feel great doing good for The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.”
Marisa Tufaro, who would have graduated last year from Edison High School, survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle. She was just 13 years old.
An honor roll student involved in multiple extracurricular activities, Marisa lived a vibrant life that inspired.
The foundation is a fitting way to keep alive Marisa’s indomitable spirit and allow her legacy to be one of helping others.
The South Plainfield School District has been among the nonprofit’s biggest supporters.
An annual wrestling match, known as the Marisa Tufaro Memorial Dual, between the district’s high school team and rival Old Bridge has generated nearly $20,000 for the foundation.
Franklin Elementary School teacher Bill Pavlak, the former varsity wrestling coach at South Plainfield, played a paramount role in establishing the wildly successful fundraiser.
In addition, student-athletes from many of South Plainfield High School’s other athletics programs have participated in fundraising events, toy drives and the collection of nonperishable food items benefiting the nonprofit and the children it serves.
“We’ve been blessed beyond words with amazing support from so many people, including the South Plainfield community,” said Marisa’s father, Greg Tufaro. “My wife, Cyndi, and I don’t take a second donated or a penny raised for granted. The kindness and generosity of South Plainfield residents is extraordinary.
“This particular fundraiser has added meaning because of its creativity, the wonderful message it sends, and the fact that Marisa’s nonprofit has been privileged to assist South Plainfield children in need. We can’t thank the entire school-community enough and hope its benevolence is exponentially returned.”
As part of a program in which The Marisa Tufaro Foundation provides fully funded grants to make visits from certified therapy dogs available to schools, libraries, and other facilities serving children, a furry friend from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy will be joining the Franklin Elementary School students and staff on their “Day of Service” Mile for Marisa walkathon.
In promotion of South Plainfield’s “Day of Service,” the borough will display specially designed banners throughout town. Community members can purchase lawn signs or T-shirts to show their solidarity. They can also support neighbors, donating to specific causes each district school has adopted, or sponsoring dinners for borough families in need.
For more information, please visit the South Plainfield School District’s “Day of Service” website.