A live benefit performance featuring 10 talented Metuchen musicians raised $3,100 for The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.

Hailey’s Harp & Pub on Main Street hosted the March 29 event and generously donated a portion of its receipts to the nonprofit, which assists pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Donations were collected online and at the door during the three-hour show, which included performances from singer/guitarist Bob O’Connell (Just Bob Music) and the original and current lineups of The Commuters.

Tyler Kandel (vocals), who organized the wildly successful fundraiser, and Michael Napolitano (drums) rejoined The Commuters for part of the show. Current vocalist Josh Rubenstein and drummer Danny Cotton replaced the duo, joining longstanding bandmates Chris D’Agnes (keyboards), Chuck Lopez (sax, flute, harmonica), Laura Kane (vocals), Mike Regan (guitar), and Matt Szap (bass) for the remainder of the performance.

“These incredibly gifted musicians selflessly donated their time and talent to raise funds for our nonprofit,” said Cyndi Tufaro, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s co-executive director.

“So many wonderful people from the borough and beyond turned out to show their support. We are appreciative beyond words to everyone involved, including the incredible staff and ownership of Hailey’s Harp & Pub, which generously donated proceeds from the event to the cause.”

“We are eternally grateful to Tyler Kandel for organizing this truly magical benefit show, which keeps alive Marisa’s indomitable spirit and enables her legacy to continue to be one of helping others in need.”

Since its inception in July 2017, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated nearly $400,000 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 to high school seniors and sent 27 elementary and middle school students to a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Museum.

Born with a complex cardiac defect, 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.

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