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Fundraising

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…
Orphaned Teen In Coma After 5-Car Crash That Killed Vice Principal Mom, Dad In NJ Orphaned Teen In Coma After 5-Car Crash That Killed Vice Principal Mom, Dad In NJ
Orphaned Teen In Coma After 5-Car Crash That Killed Vice Principal Mom, Dad In NJ Support is on the rise for a New Jersey teenager who remains hospitalized following a crash that left both of her parents dead. Rhakeem Oliver and Shavonn Stewart-Oliver, of West Orange, were both killed in the five-car pileup on Courty Road 508 (Newark-Jersey City Turnpike) in Kearny at 7 a.m. Saturday, March 16, according to Kearny police and loved ones. Their 17-year-old daughter, Khameryn, was flown to the hospital where she remains in a medically-induced coma, according to a GoFundMe launched by a relative. Sideout Sports LLC says Khameryn was on her way to a tournament, "to…
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,…
North Jersey Daycare Damaged By Flooding Sees Community Support North Jersey Daycare Damaged By Flooding Sees Community Support
North Jersey Daycare Damaged By Flooding Sees Community Support A New Jersey daycare that has always been there for people in need now needs help of its own. Last week, the Westside Infant Daycare in Englewood at 192 West Demarest Ave. suffered severe damage in flood.  The flood destroyed cribs, toys, books and furniture and the daycare remains closed. A fundraiser has been set up to support the daycare. As of Friday, March 8, more than $2,000 has been raised. Vivi Nguyen, who organized the fundraiser, is a former graduate of the Westside Infant Daycare and Teen Parent Program and said she benefitted from the childcare and counseling they provided…
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…
NJ Diver Killed Walking Dog At Eagle Rock Reservation, Company Says NJ Diver Killed Walking Dog At Eagle Rock Reservation, Company Says
NJ Diver Killed Walking Dog At Eagle Rock Reservation, Company Says Support is surging for a 51-year-old man who loved ones say was killed while he was walking his dog in Eagle Rock Reservation. Tim Hughes was struck on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to Gotham Divers, the company he founded. He died after undergoing two surgeries following the crash, Gotham Divers said. The driver did not remain on the scene, Gotham Divers said.  We are devastated to announce the passing of our co-founder and owner, Tim Hughes. On Wednesday afternoon, Tim was... Posted by Gotham Divers on Friday, January 12, 2024 The Essex County Pros…
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…
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 …
North Jersey's Nicolette Serio Dies At 33: 'Epitome Of Strength' North Jersey's Nicolette Serio Dies At 33: 'Epitome Of Strength'
North Jersey's Nicolette Serio Dies At 33: 'Epitome Of Strength' Nicolette Serio died on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the age of 33, according to her obituary. Serio loved Christmas, makeup and changing her hair color to reflect her mood, her obituary reads. She was a huge Taylor Swift fan who also idolized Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe, and could recite "The Wizard of Oz" from memory, according to her obituary. She felt most at home on a stage, her obituary reads. I love you more than words can say. I’m at my breaking point with this one. I’m not usually at a loss for words. But... Posted by Emily Bonello on Monday, December 11, 2023 Nutley Pride has …
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, …
NJ Driver Killed In Head-On Crash Leaves Behind Wife, Kids NJ Driver Killed In Head-On Crash Leaves Behind Wife, Kids
NJ Driver Killed In Head-On Crash Leaves Behind Wife, Kids Support is on the rise for the family of a New Jersey dad who was killed in a head-on crash earlier this week. Christopher Jones, 56, of Hampton, was driving a Subaru north on Route 31 when he entered the left lane going against the flow of traffic and collided with a southbound Mack truck head-on, suffering fatal injuries around 7:45 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27, Daily Voice reported. Christopher is remembered as a “kind soul” and adored his wife Monica, and their children, Ed, Manny, and Francesco, a GoFundMe launched for the family’s support says. “We lost a key piece of our family when Chri…
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…
Driver Charged In Route 1&9 Crash That Killed Passenger: 'She Slayed Too Hard For This World' Driver Charged In Route 1&9 Crash That Killed Passenger: 'She Slayed Too Hard For This World'
Driver Charged In Route 1&9 Crash That Killed Passenger: 'She Slayed Too Hard For This World' A 22-year-old Newark man has been arrested in connection with a crash that killed a 21-year-old Bloomfield resident on Friday, Sept. 1, authorities said. Gabriel Melo was behind the wheel of the 2018 Audi that collided with the tractor trailer on the Routes 1 & 9 North ramp at Route 139 West, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Melo was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday, Sept. 7, Suarez said. Daniella RosarioGoFundMe Melo's passenger, Daniella Rosario, of Bloomfield, and formerly of Paramus and Haledon, ultimately died, while two other passengers…
North Jersey 8th Grader Diagnosed With Leukemia Gets Outpour Of Community Support North Jersey 8th Grader Diagnosed With Leukemia Gets Outpour Of Community Support
North Jersey 8th Grader Diagnosed With Leukemia Gets Outpour Of Community Support Support is skyrocketing for a North Jersey middle schooler who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Paige, 13, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia last week after visiting the ER due to constant headaches, according to a GoFundMe launched out of Morristown for her family’s support. “Imagine the shock and heartbreak that Paige and her family felt when they heard the prognosis from the doctor,” reads the campaign.  “The road ahead will be incredibly challenging, as the next six months will demand her to endure intensive inpatient chemotherapy treatments in the hospital.…
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…
North Jersey Woman With Severe Facial Bleeding Disorder Seeks Groundbreaking Treatment In Italy North Jersey Woman With Severe Facial Bleeding Disorder Seeks Groundbreaking Treatment In Italy
North Jersey Woman With Severe Facial Bleeding Disorder Seeks Groundbreaking Treatment In Italy Support is quickly rising for a North Jersey woman with a rare facial bleeding condition as she seeks a groundbreaking series of experimental treatments in Italy. Ashley Mortensen, 28, was born with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which causes her mouth, left eye, and nose to bleed profusely and without warning, a GoFundMe launched out of Paramus says. Her aggressive condition often causes her to lose consciousness as a result of low blood pressure, which then requires her to undergo emergency surgery and/or blood transfusions and is considered life-threatening. Mortensen has endured a …
‘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…
North Jersey Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake North Jersey Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake
North Jersey Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake Rayen Bekri, a 13-year-old girl, was trapped in the rubble for six days following an earthquake in her native Turkey in February. Now living with family in Bergen County, the community has come together to help her. While trapped under six floors of a collapsed building, Bekri held onto her brother, though he did not survive. Bekri's mother also died in the earthquake, which killed nearly 60,000 people in Turkey and Syria.  Bekri was finally discovered, though her leg had to be amputated. Bekri's father had previously died in a war in Syria.  Rasha Kattan, Bekri's aunt, flew to T…
Integral Part Of Sparta's Business Network Hratch Kechishian Dies Integral Part Of Sparta's Business Network Hratch Kechishian Dies
Integral Part Of Sparta's Business Network Hratch Kechishian Dies Sparta is mourning the loss of a local business owner after what loved ones call a “difficult medical battle.” Hratch Kechishian died Saturday, July 15, his obituary says. He was 63. An integral part of Sparta’s business network, Hratch was the owner of The Leather Zone in Sparta — a business “he put his whole heart and resources into,” reads a GoFundMe launched by Melissa Prestipino for his family’s support. “Hratch was a generous man who would donate the shirt off of his back,” Prestipino writes. “He gave the community and healthcare workers many of his own supplies during the pandemic…
'Your Soul Lives On:' North Jersey Educator, Mom Of 4 Dies From Knee Surgery Complications, 40 'Your Soul Lives On:' North Jersey Educator, Mom Of 4 Dies From Knee Surgery Complications, 40
'Your Soul Lives On:' North Jersey Educator, Mom Of 4 Dies From Knee Surgery Complications, 40 Morris County is mourning the unexpected loss of a beloved educator and mother of four after complications from a recent knee surgery. Rebecca L. Koo died on Thursday, July 6, her obituary says. She was 40. Born in Denville, Rebecca spent time in Jefferson, Randolph, and Roxbury before settling in Dover 14 years ago. Rebecca attended Ellen T. Briggs Elementary School in Lake Hopatcong and graduated from Roxbury High School. She was a Brownie, a skilled softball player, and a 4-H club member. After high school, Rebecca attended the County College of Morris and worked for more than two dec…
North Jersey Township Rallies Around Longtime Sunoco Employee Injured In Crash North Jersey Township Rallies Around Longtime Sunoco Employee Injured In Crash
North Jersey Township Rallies Around Longtime Sunoco Employee Injured In Crash Aaron Curry, who has worked at the Sunoco in Mahwah for 30 years, has had a rough time recently. Curry developed an illness, which led to him getting in a car crash last month and he has been hospitalized ever since. With insurance not covering most of his expenses, a fundraiser has been created to assist him. As of Tuesday, July 18, almost $13,000 has been raised. Aaron "is the kindest, most hardworking, and most dependable person on our morning shift his colleagues have ever met," Bill and Maureen Laforet, who run the Mahwah Sunoco said.   Donors also expressed their love for C…
Devoted North Jersey Mom Of 3 Karen Parham Dies, 50: 'Touched The Lives Of Everyone Around Her' Devoted North Jersey Mom Of 3 Karen Parham Dies, 50: 'Touched The Lives Of Everyone Around Her'
Devoted North Jersey Mom Of 3 Karen Parham Dies, 50: 'Touched The Lives Of Everyone Around Her' North Jersey is in mourning for Karen Ann "Penny" Parham, a devoted mother of three who died Monday, June 26, aged 50. Born in Brooklyn, Karen moved to Newark with her "Aunt Ruthie" and "Uncle Late” after she was adopted at age seven and attended the Alexander Street School, her obituary says. She earned multiple awards for her academic achievements before she began attending Arts High School. She later went to John F. Kennedy and Willingboro High Schools after her family moved to Willingboro in 1989. When Karen was 17, she became "severely ill" and transitioned into Sonya Redd’s care, lat…
Morris County Mourns Death Of High School Student Matthew Augustine After Long Illness Morris County Mourns Death Of High School Student Matthew Augustine After Long Illness
Morris County Mourns Death Of High School Student Matthew Augustine After Long Illness The Randolph community is mourning the loss of a beloved high school student. Matthew John Nuncio Augustine died in his family's loving embrace at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on Friday, July 7 after battling a long illness. He was 15. Born in Denville, Matthew lived in Randolph Township his entire life and was preparing to start his sophomore year at Randolph High School, his obituary says. Described as a “kind, bright, caring and gentle young man,” Matthew was a spirited member of the RHS Marching Band and St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Succasunna. He loved spending time wi…
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 Jersey Shore Bar Kelce Chugs 5-Second Beer, Pours Shots For Good Cause At Jersey Shore Bar
Kelce Chugs 5-Second Beer, Pours Shots For Good Cause At Jersey Shore 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 …
Community Rallies To Save Passaic County Deli Community Rallies To Save Passaic County Deli
Community Rallies To Save Passaic County Deli Ingwersen's Delicatessen has been an institution in Passaic County since it opened in 1960. Owner Scott Ingwersen was faced with closing the North Haledon deli and he turned to the community for help. He created a fundraiser that raised $5,775, more than the $5,000 he was seeking. "This is a humbling and embarrassing situation," Ingwersen said. "It’s killing me to ask but I don’t know what else to do. I’ve been advised by numerous concerned people to do this. Being a stubborn German I have a hard time asking anyone for their help. But I am asking for some help to restart my business."  Ha…
Services Set For Former Police Officer, 2 Kids Killed In Sussex County Crash Services Set For Former Police Officer, 2 Kids Killed In Sussex County Crash
Services Set For Former Police Officer, 2 Kids Killed In Sussex County Crash Funeral services have been set for the former police officer and his two children who were killed in a devastating Sussex County crash last week. Thirty-six-year-old Andrew “Andy” Benavente, his 13-year-old son, Andrew “AJ” Jr., and 5-year-old daughter, Madelyn, died after a Jeep crossed over the double yellow lines on Newton-Sparta Road in Andover Township, striking their Ford Ranger pickup around 4 p.m. on Friday, May 26, Daily Voice reported. A GoFundMe for Digna Melendez-Benavente — Andy’s fiancée and loving mom to AJ and Madelyn — was launched by Edwin Melendez shortly afterward and h…