Tag:

Fundraising

'Goofy, Selfless, Kind-Hearted' Sea Isle City Firefighter Dies: Campaign 'Goofy, Selfless, Kind-Hearted' Sea Isle City Firefighter Dies: Campaign
Jason Steelman Obituary A firefighter in Cape May County is being remembered as a caring father and community servant. Sea Isle City firefighter Jason Steelman died on Sunday, Apr. 21, according to a GoFundMe page. A cause of death was not mentioned. His niece Jacquelyn Steelman wrote on the memorial fundraiser that he was a "goofy, selfless, kind-hearted family man." The Sea Isle City Fire Department also mourned Steelman's death in a Facebook post. "Jason served his community not only as a firefighter but also as a leader of Boy Scout Troop 76," the department posted. "He also was a longtime coach of Dennis To…
HS Spanish Teacher, Three Sons Recovering After South Jersey Home Catches Fire: Campaign HS Spanish Teacher, Three Sons Recovering After South Jersey Home Catches Fire: Campaign
HS Spanish Teacher, Three Sons Recovering After South Jersey Home Catches Fire: Campaign A Somers Point family was rallying for support after a fire significantly damaged the home of a woman and her three sons, according to a fundraising campaign. The family of four was displaced after their Chapman Boulevard home caught fire at around noon on Sunday, Apr. 14, Somers Point firefighters said. No injuries were reported and a cat was rescued from the home. Charlene Welsh started a GoFundMe page for her daughter Karen Welsh, a Spanish teacher at Chartertech High School for the Performing Arts. She has three sons: ages 14, 11, and 7. The fundraising campaign had generated more…
Family Therapist Killed In Crash Mourned By Rowan Sorority Sisters Family Therapist Killed In Crash Mourned By Rowan Sorority Sisters
Family Therapist Killed In Crash Mourned By Rowan Sorority Sisters A 29-year-old mother and therapist killed in a New Jersey crash earlier this month is being remembered by her sorority sisters. Karina Castillo, of Pine Hill, died in the accident that left five others hurt on Black Horse Pike in Hamilton Township on Wednesday, April 3. More than $23,000 had been raised for her daughter, Graciela, and partner Joe on a GoFundMe launched by her sorority sisters of Lamda Tau Omega's Rowan University chapter. The campaign says Castillo was a family therapist and marriage counselor in Vineland, who also worked for NJ's Department of Child &a…
22-Year-Old Dad Of Toddler Killed In South Jersey Crash, Campaign Says 22-Year-Old Dad Of Toddler Killed In South Jersey Crash, Campaign Says
22-Year-Old Dad Of Toddler Killed In South Jersey Crash, Campaign Says A 22-year-old South Jersey man was killed in a March 22 car accident, according to a GoFundMe campaign. Anthony DeAnne Jr., of Berlin, died in the crash, according to his aunt, Gia. The three-car head-on crash occurred in Voorhees, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Anthony left a 2-year-old son, Anthony, behind along with his girlfriend, Faith. "If you knew Anthony, you knew he loved harder than most," Gia wrote. "He never walked in or out without hugging everyone and saying 'I love you'. He was a beautiful person and a wonderful father." Click here to view or donate to the GoF…
Burlington Girl On Ventilator After House Fire: Campaign Burlington Girl On Ventilator After House Fire: Campaign
Burlington Girl On Ventilator After House Fire: Campaign A Burlington mother is asking for help after losing everything in a house fire. Kashira Hannah's daughter Ka’Leah remains sedated on a ventilator after getting trapped in the fire, according to a GoFundMe campaign. "I ask for prayers and anything that you are able to give to help me and my children," she wrote. "I need all the help I can get as I rebuild our lives and find a new home." It was not immediately clear where the fire happened, however, firefighters rescued several people from a home on Route 130 Easter Sunday, according to 6abc. Click here to view or donate to the GoFundMe.
NJ College Student Killed Two Months Before Graduation By Suspected Drunk Driver: Campaign NJ College Student Killed Two Months Before Graduation By Suspected Drunk Driver: Campaign
NJ College Student Killed Two Months Before Graduation By Suspected Drunk Driver: Campaign Friends and loved ones were rallying to support the family of a college student from Burlington County who was killed by a suspected drunk driver, according to a fundraising campaign. Yolanda Pacheco, 22, of Mount Holly, died on Thursday, Mar. 28 when a car crashed into her SUV in Hamilton Township. A state police spokesperson said troopers responded to the crash on Black Horse Pike near the Penny Pot community at around 12:26 a.m. A GoFundMe page had raised more than $21,000 from at least 435 donations as of Wednesday, Apr. 3. "We are all heartbroken and left to pick up the pieces to give…
Grandparents Rescued By Neighbors From West Deptford House Fire See Support Grandparents Rescued By Neighbors From West Deptford House Fire See Support
Grandparents Rescued By Neighbors From West Deptford House Fire See Support A woman from Deptford is raising money for her grandparents who were seriously hurt when a fire ripped through their home on Saturday, March 9. Jessica Espinoza said in a GoFundMe campaign that her grandparents, who live on Chestnut Street in West Deptford, lost their home, their cherished cats, vehicles and all of their belongings in the fire. They were pulled out of the burning home by neighbors and taken to an area hospital by Gloucester County EMS, according to West Deptford police. "Despite the challenges, my grandmother, Karen, has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering …
NJ Family Of Toddler Battling Brain Tumors Rallying For Support: Campaign NJ Family Of Toddler Battling Brain Tumors Rallying For Support: Campaign
NJ Family Of Toddler Battling Brain Tumors Rallying For Support: Campaign A Hazlet family is rallying for support after a three-year-old boy was diagnosed with brain tumors, a fundraising campaign said. Mick Augustitus has four brain tumors and several tumors on his spine, according to a GoFundMe page set up for his family. The boy started having headaches and after several hospital visits, doctors discovered the tumors. The GoFundMe page has raised more than $32,000 from at least 330 donations as of Monday, Mar. 11.  The money will go toward helping Mick's parents Mike Augustitus Jr. and Allison Augustitus. "Dad has been out of work to be with his family,…
'Awful Event': Newlywed Couple's Home Ripped Apart By Fire In Ocean County 'Awful Event': Newlywed Couple's Home Ripped Apart By Fire In Ocean County
'Awful Event': Newlywed Couple's Home Ripped Apart By Fire In Ocean County A fire ripped through a newlywed couple's home in Ocean County, officials said. Firefighters responded to the house on Burnt Tavern Road in Brick Township at around 4 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, the Herbertsville Fire Company said in a Facebook post. The fire was under control in about an hour. According to a GoFundMe page, Allison Gspann lived in the home with her husband Stephen. The couple escaped safely with their dog Canoli. More than $10,000 was raised from at least 141 donations as of Monday, Feb. 26. "No one should ever have to go through this awful event and the burden of finances i…
'Free-Spirited' NJ Dad Killed In Crash, Mom Hospitalized In ICU 'Free-Spirited' NJ Dad Killed In Crash, Mom Hospitalized In ICU
'Free-Spirited' NJ Dad Killed In Crash, Mom Hospitalized In ICU A family is rallying to support Ocean County children whose father was killed in a crash and mother, his wife, seriously injured. State police said 34-year-old George Francis of Lanoka Harbor died when his SUV drove off the Garden State Parkway south at around 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25. The crash happened near mile marker 68.2 in Barnegat. The SUV went down a ditch and hit a retaining wall, along with several trees. George Francis was ejected from the SUV and died from his injuries.  A GoFundMe page said George's wife Beth Francis, also 34 and from Lanoka Harbor, was sever…
NJ Pediatrician Accused Of Leaving Crash That Injured Father, Daughter In Staten Island NJ Pediatrician Accused Of Leaving Crash That Injured Father, Daughter In Staten Island
NJ Pediatrician Accused Of Leaving Crash That Injured Father, Daughter In Staten Island A pediatrician from Monmouth County is accused of leaving the scene of a crash that injured a man and his daughter in Staten Island, according to officials. Dr. Sam Leuzzi, 66, of Middletown, is facing three charges related to a crash on Staten Island, the New York City Police Department said. NYPD officers responded to the intersection of Arthur Kill Road and Drumgoole Road West just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Dr. Leuzzi has a pediatric medical practice on Richmond Road in the Grant City neighborhood of Staten Island, according to Northwell Health's website. Investiga…
Details Released In Parkway Crash That Killed Monmouth U Student Returning From Work Shift Details Released In Parkway Crash That Killed Monmouth U Student Returning From Work Shift
Details Released In Parkway Crash That Killed Monmouth U Student Returning From Work Shift Daily Voice has obtained details about the crash that killed an 18-year-old Monmouth University student last week. Madison Alfano of Staten Island, NY, lost control of her car and hit the driver's side of another vehicle on the northbound side of the Garden State Parkway in Sayreville around 7:50 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, New Jersey State Police  Trooper Troy McNair said. Alfano's car went into another lane and she was hit by an oncoming pickup near mile marker 125.6, just south of the exit for Route 9 and New Jersey Route 35, McNair said. Alfano was rushed to a hospital and she was pronounced…
'Lives Imploded:' Death Of Toddler In NJ Crash Shakes Life For Grieving Family 'Lives Imploded:' Death Of Toddler In NJ Crash Shakes Life For Grieving Family
'Lives Imploded:' Death Of Toddler In NJ Crash Shakes Life For Grieving Family One man's coworkers are rallying to support his family after his three-year-old granddaughter was killed in a New Jersey crash last weekend. A GoFundMe page was created in memory of Kylie Williams, who was identified as the toddler killed in a three-vehicle crash on Route 34 in Howell. Kylie's mother Joelle was severely injured in the wreck and has needed multiple surgeries, according to the fundraiser. The GoFundMe page was made by an employee of Lee Wetherington Homes, a house-building company from Sarasota, Florida. Kylie's grandfather, Jack Williams, is the company's vice pre…
Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Ocean County Town Leaves Behind 2 Children: Family Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Ocean County Town Leaves Behind 2 Children: Family
Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Ocean County Town Leaves Behind 2 Children: Family A family in Honduras is asking for support after a woman was hit and killed by a car in Lakewood on Monday, Jan. 8. Lakewood police said 28-year-old Ana Gabriella Mayorga-Baires was struck while she was walking at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Erica Road just after 5:30 p.m. She was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead at around 6:15 p.m. A 67-year-old man said he didn't see Mayorga-Baires before hitting her, but he stayed at the scene to wait for first responders. No charges or summonses have been filed, and the crash remains under investigation. A GoFund…
Father Of Four Out Doing Laundry Killed, 2 Critical In Head-On South Jersey Crash Father Of Four Out Doing Laundry Killed, 2 Critical In Head-On South Jersey Crash
Father Of Four Out Doing Laundry Killed, 2 Critical In Head-On South Jersey Crash A South Jersey family is devastated by the loss of a father-of-four in a head-on crash. Friday night, Dec. 29, Laurie Procopio-Willitts and her husband, Richard, were in the horrific car crash on Route 70, just 10 minutes from their home in Pemberton Township, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by relatives for the family. Just before 11:30 p.m., Diana Milelli, 49, of Marlton, was heading west on Route 70 when she crossed the center line and collided head-on with a pickup truck driven by Richard Willitts, 56, of Browns Mills, Pemberton Police Chief Jon Glass said. Willitts was …
Mom IDs Daughter, 21, As Victim Of NJ Car Crash Mom IDs Daughter, 21, As Victim Of NJ Car Crash
Mom IDs Daughter, 21, As Victim Of NJ Car Crash Support is on the rise for the family of a 21-year-old woman killed in a car accident days before Christmas. Diana Nicole Marrero Santiago, of South Amboy, died in the Sayreville accident on Friday, Dec. 22, according to her obituary and a GoFundMe campaign. Diana's mom, Aisha, is a chaplain with the Port Authority Police Department, the department said on Instagram. She is raising funds to have Diana buried in her homeland, Puerto Rico. "Diana was a bubbly and beautiful young woman who had unfortunate fatal accident," Aisha writes on the GoFundMe that she launched. "She was my only child …
NJ Dad Killed By Train At NY Penn Station After Holiday Party: MTA NJ Dad Killed By Train At NY Penn Station After Holiday Party: MTA
NJ Dad Killed By Train At NY Penn Station After Holiday Party: MTA A 36-year-old New Jersey dad was struck and killed by a train at New York Penn Station after a holiday party, prompting an outpour of support for the family he leaves behind. Keith Harvey, of Belle Meade, was struck by Long Island Rail Road train #380 on Track 17 just before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, MTA spokesperson Renee Price said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Harvey had been attending a holiday party in Manhattan and had planned to use New Jersey Transit service to return home, Price said, adding that the investigation was ongoing but did not appear suspicious. Meanwhile, …
Thanksgiving Eve Crash Kills NJ Mom Thanksgiving Eve Crash Kills NJ Mom
Thanksgiving Eve Crash Kills NJ Mom Support is on the rise for a New Jersey family whose matriarch died in a crash the day before Thanksgiving. Lauren Gerhold, of Hackettstown, was heading north in a Jeep SUV on Route 517 in Allamuchy Township around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, when a Jeep Wrangler heading east on Ridge Road struck the passenger's side of a Fort pickup truck, heading south on Route 517, New Jersey State Police said. The impact sent the Ford into 33-year-old Gerhold's vehicle, and she was pronounced dead. The other drivers were airlifted to area hospitals. Gerhold is survived by her husband, Casey, and thei…
NJ Prom Queen Delivering Newspapers Killed By Dump Truck Running Stop Sign: Campaign NJ Prom Queen Delivering Newspapers Killed By Dump Truck Running Stop Sign: Campaign
NJ Prom Queen Delivering Newspapers Killed By Dump Truck Running Stop Sign: Campaign A high school prom queen was killed in a crash while delivering newspapers with a friend in Salem County. Kayla Rose Dowling of Blackwood died after the car she was riding in was broadsided by a dump truck that ran a stop sign on Wednesday, Oct. 11, according to a GoFundMe "Nobody expects to lose their child and Jill and Jose are not prepared to pay for a funeral," the GoFundMe says. Kayla, who leaves behind a young daughter, Elliana, was "a vibrant soul who brought joy and love to everyone around her," her obituary says. "The impact she had on those who knew her will forever be impri…
Will Bon Jovi Show Up To His Soul Kitchen's 8th Annual Chili Cookoff This Weekend? Will Bon Jovi Show Up To His Soul Kitchen's 8th Annual Chili Cookoff This Weekend?
Will Bon Jovi Show Up To His Soul Kitchen's 8th Annual Chili Cookoff This Weekend? Will Jon Bon Jovi make an appearance at the 8th annual chili cookoff in Toms River? Last year, the rock star surprised fans by visiting each table at the cookoff. There was fierce competition among a dozen teams. The 8th annual fundraising event to support JBJ Soul Kitchen begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1769 Hooper Ave. A Sayreville native, the rocker founded his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in 2006 to help combat hunger, poverty and homelessness. Diners pay a donation at Jon Bon Jovi's community restaurant chain. The Hooper Avenue location provides free mea…
Lakewood Salsa Dancer ID'd As Victim Of Howell Rollover Crash Lakewood Salsa Dancer ID'd As Victim Of Howell Rollover Crash
Lakewood Salsa Dancer ID'd As Victim Of Howell Rollover Crash Police have identified the 51-year-old man from Lakewood killed when his vehicle overturned in Monmouth County, authorities said. Victor Ardiles was killed in the single-vehicle crash at 11:02 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 near Lanes Mill Road and Lanes Pond Road, Howell Township police said.  Ardiles was operating an SUV in the eastbound lanes of Lanes Mill Road when he ran off the road on a curve and struck a concrete mailbox, police said. Ardiles struck a brick landscaping wall and flipped over, police said.  Ardiles, who was trapped inside, was pronounced dead at the scene. Th…
Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support
Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support The drowning of a New Jersey toddler has prompted a wave of support for his parents. Witten Steigerwald, 18 months, was found in a pool in Spotswood and wasn't breathing around 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, officials in Middlesex County said.  Responders performed CPR, and Witten was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. "No one is ever prepared for the loss of a child and as such no funeral preparations had been made," Witten's uncle, Scott Steigerwald, said on a GoFundMe page for his brother, Kevin, and Witten's mother, Renee. "Their family is now suddenly havin…
‘I Kept Pushing Myself:’ NJ Skier Paralyzed In Accident Describes First Walk With Exoskeleton ‘I Kept Pushing Myself:’ NJ Skier Paralyzed In Accident Describes First Walk With Exoskeleton
‘I Kept Pushing Myself:’ NJ Skier Paralyzed In Accident Describes First Walk With Exoskeleton A 24-year-old New Jersey skier paralyzed in a tragic accident nearly two and a half years ago has taken his first steps since with the use of an emerging exoskeleton technology. Anthony Mouravski's life was changed forever when he fell and fractured his spine while skiing in March 2021, causing him to become paralyzed from the neck down. Mouravski was recently given a free trial of Wandercraft's Atalante X, an exoskeleton technology at NJIT that gave him the opportunity to walk for the first time since the accident. A video clip can be seen on a GoFundMe launched in hopes of funding fu…
$16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire $16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire
$16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire More than $16,000 had been raised as of Thursday, Aug. 3 for those grieving the loss of four people including two children killed in a Lacey Township house fire this week. John Mulligan, an uncle of 14-year-old Angel Allan, one of those killed in the fire on Tuesday, Aug. 1, organized one GoFundMe for the family A second campaign was launched to aid Daniel Wright, the brother of two of the victims. Angel's mother, Melanie, and sister, Hailey, were running errands when the home caught fire, according to Mulligan of Berkeley Township. Also killed were Angel's aunts, Jennifer Wright, 39, and …
‘Beacon Of Light:’ Tributes Pour In For Asbury Park Bartender After Unexpected Death At 36 ‘Beacon Of Light:’ Tributes Pour In For Asbury Park Bartender After Unexpected Death At 36
‘Beacon Of Light:’ Tributes Pour In For Asbury Park Bartender After Unexpected Death At 36 Tributes, condolences, and donations are pouring in after the unexpected death of a beloved uncle and charismatic Asbury Park bartender. Robert Hrapsky Jr. died Saturday, July 15, aged 36, his obituary says. Born in New Brunswick, Robert was raised in Highland Park before settling in Asbury Park about 10 years ago. In addition to being a handy mechanic, Robert was known for expressing his charismatic and spirited nature during his career in the bar and restaurant industry, which started at Uno’s and later led him to Kim Marie’s in Asbury Park. Robert loved to travel, play and watch baseb…
8-Year-Old Boy Killed In South Jersey Crash Remembered For Brightening Everyone's Day 8-Year-Old Boy Killed In South Jersey Crash Remembered For Brightening Everyone's Day
8-Year-Old Boy Killed In South Jersey Crash Remembered For Brightening Everyone's Day The community is rallying to support a family who lost their 8-year-old boy in a tragic crash in Atlantic County. Javier Velez of Philadelphia was killed while sleeping in a car alongside a road in Absecon that got struck by another car, according to a GoFundMe and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. "Javier was so full of love and life," Devin Alford of Philadelphia wrote on the GoFundMe page. The boy had been on a fishing trip with his father when the crash occurred at about 3:25 a.m. on Sunday, July 23, along White Horse Pike, according to the prosecutor's office. The driver o…
Recovering Rutgers Basketball Legend Spurs Memories Of Golden Era With Nearly $100K Raised Recovering Rutgers Basketball Legend Spurs Memories Of Golden Era With Nearly $100K Raised
Recovering Rutgers Basketball Legend Spurs Memories Of Golden Era With Nearly $100K Raised An appeal on behalf of a Rutgers University basketball legend has spurred tremendous fan support — and memories. Phil "The Thrill" Sellers, who was instrumental in the Scarlet Knights' undefeated regular hoops season and Final Four appearance in 1976, is recovering from two major surgeries. His daughter and son-in-law on a GoFundMe page detailed the tremendous cost ahead caring for the 69-year-old retired athlete, which will required aides at home in East Orange or in a rehabilitation center. The fans' response was immense. As of Monday, July 17, more than $97,000 had been raised. They d…
These Are The Victims Of The Toms River Condo Fire These Are The Victims Of The Toms River Condo Fire
These Are The Victims Of The Toms River Condo Fire At least 37 people were left homeless by a weekend fire that gutted an apartment building in Toms River, authorities said. The three-alarm fire broke out at about 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at 30 Inverness Drive, as reported here. At least nine GoFundMe campaigns have been started to help fire victims, including these: For Kasie Sullivan, For Josh Tafuri,  For Casey and Eric,  For Kendall Whitmeyer and her husband JR, For teacher Brian Strohmetz, and his girlfriend Julie, For Brittany and Raymond Jones,  For Nico, Zack, Harley, and Lily, For&nbs…
'Forever In Our Hearts:' South Jersey Football Coach, Dad Of 2 Dies In Motorcycle Accident, 30 'Forever In Our Hearts:' South Jersey Football Coach, Dad Of 2 Dies In Motorcycle Accident, 30
'Forever In Our Hearts:' South Jersey Football Coach, Dad Of 2 Dies In Motorcycle Accident, 30 South Jersey is mourning a devoted father and football coach who died in a motorcycle accident. Jason Paul Crowder, of Winslow Township, died in the accident on Saturday, July 8, his obituary says. He was 30. Born in Vineland, Jason grew up in Hammonton, where he played basketball and football before graduating from Hammonton High School in 2011. An avid sportsman, Jason volunteered as a football coach for the Hammonton Hawks and the Hamilton Knights Organizations and played softball with the Hammonton Rec. League. He was also a member of the Wheels of Soul Nation. Above all, Jason was a …
High School Sweethearts' Dream Home Destroyed In NJ Arsonist's Violent Rampage High School Sweethearts' Dream Home Destroyed In NJ Arsonist's Violent Rampage
High School Sweethearts' Dream Home Destroyed In NJ Arsonist's Violent Rampage A family who lost their dream home to an arsonist's violent rampage through a Central Jersey neighborhood last month is hoping to rebuild. Angel and Brenda Rivas, who are high school sweethearts and share two daughters together, spent their life savings on a lot in Manchester Township's Pine Lake Park in October 2017. They broke ground in October 2022 and were planning on moving in come Fall 2023, according to a GoFundMe page for the family. Fate cared little for their future, though, as on June 7, 2023, the family fell victim to a hate crime at the hands of Ron Carr, prosecutors in Ocean…
Kelce Chugs 5-Second Beer, Pours Shots For Good Cause At Sea Isle Bar Kelce Chugs 5-Second Beer, Pours Shots For Good Cause At Sea Isle Bar
Kelce Chugs 5-Second Beer, Pours Shots For Good Cause At Sea Isle Bar Like everyone else at the Jersey Shore, Jason Kelce was chugging beers —  but at least he was doing it for a good cause. Kelce, a center for the Philadelphia Eagles, hosted his third annual Jersey Shore fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation on Wednesday, June 28 at Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City, raising more than $380,000 for the charity. Kelce, who was joined by his brother Travis, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, won a beer-chugging contest, defeating a Philadelphia radio host by chugging a 30 oz. beer in 5.7 seconds. Jason Kelce defeats James Seltzer, finishing his 30oz …