Principal Charles Ross eloquently encapsulated his school-community’s unwavering support of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, whose namesake would have graduated from Edison High School last year.

“Our kids come together because we know Marisa is with us,” Ross said shortly after the nonprofit was established in her loving memory. “She’s still a part of our community and we take care of our own.”

The Eagles will continue to fly with an angel as more than 50 football players and cheerleaders from the high school will partake in The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s Tournament of Roses Parade Charity Walk and Food Drive.

The event, which takes place July 18 at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, serves as a community service project for recently graduated Middlesex County student-athletes participating in the Bellamy and Sons Paving Marisa Rose Bowl.

All proceeds from the intra-county all-star football game, formerly known as the Snapple Bowl and Autoland Classic, will benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation. The contest has raised $715,000 for charity since its inception in 1994.

“The administration, from Mr. Ross and everybody above and below him, really does a great job making sure the kids are aware and understand the importance of community,” Edison High School associate head coach Matt Yascko said, noting head football coach Matt Fulham and head cheerleading coach Nicole Gregoire set the same tone in their respective programs.

Bell Pharmacy of Edison is sponsoring the Eagles participating in the charity walk and food drive.

Registration includes a commemorative Tournament of Roses Parade T-shirt, Marisa Tufaro Foundation wristband and beverages. All participants will be asked to wear their commemorative T-shirts during the walk as a show of solidarity.

STORY CONTINUES BENEATH FLYER

The charity walk is a two-mile stroll along the grounds of Saint Joseph’s scenic 70-acre campus to heighten awareness about childhood and family hunger.

The accompanying food drive is a collection of donations for REPLENISH, a regional food bank serving Middlesex County residents, including an estimated 30,000 children, and the Middlesex College Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry.

The entire Edison school-community is among the biggest supporters of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which assists pediatric patients and underserved children throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Since its inception less than five years ago, the nonprofit has donated a quarter of a million dollars to fulfill its mission.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value.

The nonprofit has awarded $26,500 in academic scholarships to 38 high school graduates, and an additional 13 scholarships for middle school and elementary school students to attend a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Art Museum.

Marisa Rose Tufaro survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle.

Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctor’s appointments, she lived a vibrant life that inspired.

An honor roll student at James Monroe Elementary School and Herbert Hoover Middle School, the role outstanding educators from the township played in her overall development can never be overstated.

For two consecutive years prior to the pandemic, Edison football players and coaches joined The Marisa Tufaro Foundation for the Race to Outrun Hunger, a 5K held at Roosevelt Park to alleviate food insecurity.

The gridiron program’s participation is among countless activities reflecting the remarkable support the entire Edison school-community has bestowed upon The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.

Other endeavors include:

  • The swimming program’s annual participation in a county-wide fundraising swim-a-thon for the nonprofit.
  • The bowling team’s involvement in season-opening tournaments that served as fundraisers for the nonprofit and holiday toy drives for pediatric patients the foundation serves.
  • The girls basketball team’s partnership with the foundation to collect baby-care items for mothers in need at the township’s Ozanam Family Shelter.
  • The girls soccer team’s participation in last year’s Soccer for a Cause Charity Festival benefiting The Marisa Tufaro Foundation and Go4TheGoal.
  • Golfers from the high school recently participated in the Tee Off Against Hunger as sponsored guests of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation at Top Golf in Edison.
  • Members of the boys basketball, girls basketball and baseball teams have participated in Greater Middlesex Conference-wide all-star games benefiting the foundation.
  • Wrestlers and other student-athletes have also participated in fundraising events for the nonprofit.