For the second consecutive year, Franklin Elementary School’s students and staff are turning South Plainfield’s district-wide Day of Service into an invaluable life lesson and fundraiser for a local nonprofit.
Franklin Elementary School will host a Mile for Marisa charity walkathon this Friday 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 receive commemorative buttons, courtesy of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.
Senator Patrick 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 a.m.
“This wonderful act of kindness is really a microcosm of the entire school district and community,” said Diegnan, a lifelong South Plainfield resident and grandfather of two former Franklin Elementary School students.
“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.”
Partnering with the borough, 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.
“We are so excited to host our Second Annual Day of Service,” Superintendent Dr. Noreen Tansey told TapInto South Plainfield, noting the Day of Service is built around the slogan Doing Good Feels Great.
“Our students have been working hard to come up with philanthropic endeavors to support numerous charitable organizations.”
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 six 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 $26,500 in academic scholarships to 38 inspirational high school seniors including South Plainfield graduates Nick Loniewski, Abdul Cokley, Luke Niemeyer, Joseph Heilmann, and Charles Lovett.
Emma and Alexis Broggi, the daughters of Franklin Elementary School fourth-grade teacher and student council co-advisor Kimberly Broggi, were also recipients of a Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship.
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.
“Franklin School is excited to once again partner with The Marisa Tufaro Foundation for the Second Annual Day of Service,” Franklin Elementary School Principal Shannon Colucci said.
“The Day of Service is a full and very meaningful day dedicated to doing good deeds and participating in invaluable charitable work. The Mile for Marisa is Franklin School’s flagship event of the day, and it is our honor to raise money for such a worthwhile charity.”
The walkathon serves as the centerpiece for the Day of Service at Franklin Elementary School, whose other activities include a luncheon for South Plainfield veterans, a kickball tournament for Sing Aphasia, the making of homemade placemats and decorating of flowerpots for the South Plainfield Senior Center, the creation of homemade cards for military veterans, the making of treat bags for dogs and cats of the Plainfield Animal Society, and the stuffing of backpacks with donations for JK Blessings.
Marisa Tufaro 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 Edison Township Public Schools 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 $25,000 for the foundation.
Recently retired 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 mother, Cyndi Tufaro. “We 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.”