The host East Brunswick High School girls and boys wrestling teams swept Perth Amboy in the Marisa Tufaro Memorial Duals on Tuesday, but the real winners of the fundraising event were children in need.

Donations collected at the door benefited The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which assists pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE EVENT

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation paid forward the incredible act of kindness of both programs by supporting other nonprofits in their respective school communities, making a $1,000 donation in the name of the Bears to Mayor Cohen’s Charity Fund (MCCF) in East Brunswick and another donation of $1,000 in the name of the Panthers to the Raritan Bay Area YMCA of Perth Amboy.

Handsome plaques were awarded to the top girls and boys performers from each school. Perth Amboy’s Elizabeth Adebola (152) and Fernando Grande (285) took home Wrestler of the Match honors for the Panthers, while Ari DeMaio (126) and Aedan Samson Huggins (126) earned the hardware for the Bears.

The East Brunswick boys recorded eight pins in a 51-19 victory. The East Brunswick girls claimed six of the first seven bouts in a 39-18 win.

During a brief ceremony between the girls and boys dual meets, wrestlers and coaches from both programs made check presentations to individuals representing Mayor Cohen’s Charity Fund and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE DONATION CEREMONY

The event also served as Alumni Night for East Brunswick. Former letterwinners and coaches returned to their alma mater to support the high school’s current wrestlers. Former Bears mentor Stu Kohn provided play-by-play and commentary during an EBTV broadcast of the matches.

“What the East Brunswick and Perth Amboy wrestling programs did by turning their matches into a fundraiser was outstanding,” Greater Middlesex Conference Executive Director Frank Noppenberger said.

“Not only was this event a wonderful way to showcase talented girls and boys wrestlers from both schools, but it heightens awareness about three wonderful nonprofits who do tremendous work in the community.

“I am immensely proud of the coaches, student-athletes, and administrators of both high schools for supporting children in need.”

Mayor Cohen’s Charity Fund is dedicated to serving nonprofits and children and adults in need throughout East Brunswick. The organization also furthers the social welfare of township residents via community grants, individual grants, and scholarships.

The Raritan Bay Area YMCA is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through programs that develop the values of caring, honesty, faith, respect, and responsibility. Serving all people regardless of age, religion, gender, or financial means, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA is committed to developing healthy minds, bodies, and spirit through life-changing services.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DUAL MEETS

Established in loving memory of its namesake and as a way to allow her legacy to be one of helping others, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is honored to support Mayor Cohen’s Charity Fund and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA in the name of the East Brunswick and Perth Amboy programs.

Since its inception six and a half years ago, the foundation has made a profound impact, donating more than $300,000 to fulfill its mission.

The foundation has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, school supplies, winter jackets, baby supplies and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value. In addition, the foundation has awarded 42 scholarships totaling $29,500 to exceptional high school seniors and sent 20 elementary and middle school students to a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Art Museum.

Marisa is the daughter of longtime Middlesex County educator Cyndi Tufaro and former Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com sportswriter Greg Tufaro.

Born with a complex cardiac defect, Marisa survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing in 2017 to a rare form of cancer 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 was an honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities who lived a vibrant life that inspired.

“We are grateful beyond words for all who played a role in making tonight’s memorial match come to fruition, including the superintendents, boards of education, administrators, athletics directors, coaches, wrestlers, parents, and supporters of both programs,” said Cyndi Tufaro, who is the foundation’s executive director.

“We wish both programs continued success and all the best in their future endeavors.”