The Greater Middlesex Conference swimming community once again pooled its resources to make a splash for The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.

Student-athletes from across the conference became “Marisa’s Minnows” at North Brunswick Township High School’s Gregg Anderson Pool on Sunday as part of an annual fundraising event known as “Practice for a Purpose” with all donations collected benefiting the nonprofit.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE EVENT

More than 50 swimmers participated in a relay carnival, using their time in the pool to compete in various relay events alongside student-athletes from other schools as teammates. The fun competition promoted camaraderie and sportsmanship.

“North Brunswick Township High School is proud to host ‘Practice for a Purpose’ and honored to contribute to such a remarkable foundation,” North Brunswick head coach CarrieAnn Egan-Ragavas said.

“The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is important to me as a coach because it inspires young athletes to embrace values of compassion, community service, and resilience. It fosters a sense of responsibility to give back and make a difference in the lives of others, all while honoring and keeping Marisa’s memory alive.”

Established in its namesake’s loving memory seven years ago, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated more than $350,000 to fulfill its mission of assisting pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

The nonprofit has also spearheaded multiple initiatives resulting in the collection of thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter coats, baby supplies, school supplies, and other items for donation upon which it has placed no monetary value.

In addition, the foundation has awarded 46 scholarships totaling $33,000 in Marisa’s name to high school seniors and sent 27 elementary and middle school students to a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Museum.

Former conference swimmers Emma Broggi of Piscataway, Libby Dobrzynski of Sayreville, George Wenson of Woodbridge, Alexis Broggi of Piscataway, and Caroline Schleif of Metuchen are among The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s scholarship recipients.

The Greater Middlesex Conference swimming community has played an enormous role in the foundation’s success, generating nearly $30,000 for the nonprofit through its first five fundraisers, while simultaneously heightening awareness about the foundation’s mission.

“The importance of the swimmers participating in ‘Practice for a Purpose’ is that they not only showcase their dedication and discipline but also make a tangible impact on the communities in need,” Egan-Ragavas said. “By using their skills and passion to support a meaningful cause, the swimmers raise awareness and inspire others, creating a ripple effect of generosity.”

Dalisha Romero of Perth Amboy, who swam for the Panthers in last December’s fundraising event, was honored earlier this year as the recipient of a Greater Middlesex Kindness Counts Award, which The Marisa Tufaro Foundation sponsors in conjunction with The Peter Fund. Epitomizing the benevolence of swimmers who take part in “Practice for a Purpose,” Romero and three other award recipients each received a $500 check to donate in their name to the children’s charity of their choice.

Egan-Ragavas said “Greater Middlesex swimmers will always and forever be Marisa’s Minnows.” The slogan, which the conference swimming community adopted for its fundraiser, is more than just a literary device.

The clever use of alliteration is apropos as the carefully chosen words reflect what transpires in the pool, where competitors from rival programs swim together, as minnows will in large shoals, for a common cause.

Several of Marisa Tufaro’s former classmates – she would have graduated from Edison High School in 2021 – have participated as “Marisa’s Minnows” in previous “Practice for a Purpose” events.

Born with a complex cardiac defect, Marisa Tufaro survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing in 2017 at the age of 13 to a rare form of cancer.

Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctors’ appointments, Marisa was an honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities. She lived a vibrant life that inspired.

Mother Seton head coach Carolyn DeMaio had a personal connection through her daughter Cara, who was a classmate of Marisa at James Monroe Elementary and Herbert Hoover Middle School in Edison.

“I remember Cara telling us about Marisa in kindergarten and watching her journey,” DeMaio recalled during last year’s event. “It was always inspiring to me because Marisa always had a smile on her face. I loved watching her in the (school) plays. She was like the star of the show. We still talk about her and it’s just so nice to be a part of this and be able to remember Marisa and have the (Greater Middlesex Conference swimming community) give back in her memory.”

Greater Middlesex Conference Executive Director Frank Noppenberger, who serves on The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s board of trustees, said he continues to be impressed with the swimmers and coaches who remain committed to the cause.

“What’s most impressive to me is all the kids and coaches who come out to pay it forward,” Noppenberger said. “The kids understand ‘Practice for a Purpose’ is for a good cause. Along with that, you see teams bonding in a non-competitive atmosphere, which I think is the first step in developing great sportsmanship.”

State Senator Patrick Diegnan, who is also a member of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s board of trustees, said, “by its nature, sports are competitive, and this event proves that young people, in particular, will always join together for a common cause and do what is right.

“We should celebrate their participation in this outstanding event.”