Upon receiving a tour of the Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County last year, our nonprofit’s leadership was immediately struck with the services the center provides for Central Jersey residents of all ages, especially children.
The visit resulted in The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, whose mission is to help pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area, donating to the JCC to support the outstanding programs it provides for infants through teens.
On Thursday night, the Jewish Community Center graciously recognized our foundation’s leadership, making a presentation to executive director Cyndi Tufaro and Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., who serves on our nonprofit’s board of trustees.
Cyndi was presented with a beautiful handmade quilt with patchwork of art children from the center’s Bright Beginning’s Preschool created.
“This gift is so meaningful,” said Cyndi Tufaro, noting her daughter, Marisa, loved art and would have greatly appreciated the kindness and creativity that went into making the quilt. “Words can’t express our gratitude to the JCC and its students for finding such a unique way to express their own thanks. Our foundation was honored to donate to such an outstanding center, one that does such wonderful work serving the community.”
The Jewish Community Center offers aquatics, health and wellness, physical education, fitness, preschool and youth activities, and a wide array of adult programs.
“The work that the JCC does for the Middlesex community is incredible,” Diegnan said. “The support for people of all ages from childhood to adulthood knows no bounds. From their unique and interactive Pre-K program to the support and extensive special needs programs and the accommodating senior programs, the JCC has it all.”
For nearly four decades, the JCC has served the community, providing cutting edge programs for adults, children, families, and those in need.
The JCC has an active membership of more than 12,000 state residents. Before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, approximately 1,000 people benefited daily from JCC programs.
More than 2,000 seniors and approximately 400 early childhood and special needs students benefit from the services and programs the center provides.
With a strong presence and impact upon residents of Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Highland Park, Monroe and beyond, the JCC serves the communities of Middlesex and Monmouth counties.
The JCC continues to grow, adapt, and meet the changing needs and interests of its members and the greater community, providing opportunities for enrichment, social stimulation, health and wellness, education, culture, and the arts.
Expanded programs are offered for those seeking a warm, nurturing, and safe environment for all who come through the Jewish Community Center’s doors.
Last year, the JCC was awarded $250,000 in state funding from the New Jersey Legislature for facility upgrades and expansion.
“This funding enables us to add much needed program space in order to enhance and expand existing programs for our most vulnerable populations, especially those with special needs and senior adults as well as for our children,” JCC Chief Executive Officer Adam Glinn said.
The JCC’s mission, in many ways, aligns with that of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, whose namesake passed away nearly five years ago.
Marisa, who would have graduated last year from Edison High School, was born with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome, a complex cardiac defect which required six open-heart surgeries. Marisa developed two life-threatening conditions that necessitated a heart transplant. The transplant was supposed to extend her life, but tragically cut it short when a postoperative complication developed into a rare form of cancer to which Marisa succumbed in 2017 following a valiant battle. She was just 13 years old.
Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctor’s appointments, Marisa, who as an honor roll student in elementary and middle school was involved in multiple extracurricular activities, lived a vibrant life that inspired.
Marisa’s parents, Cyndi and Greg, established the foundation to keep alive their daughter’s indomitable spirit and to ensure her legacy could be one of helping others.
Since its inception nearly four and a half years ago, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has already made a profound impact, donating more than $235,000 and spearheading multiple community initiatives 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 foundation has awarded 25 college academic scholarships in Marisa’s name to high school seniors and 13 scholarships for elementary and middle school students to attend a summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Art Museum.