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Charity

NJ Popstar Buys Teens Lunch At Hometown Pizzeria (VIDEO) NJ Popstar Buys Teens Lunch At Hometown Pizzeria (VIDEO)
NJ Popstar Buys Teens Lunch At Hometown Pizzeria (Video) High schoolers flocked to a New Jersey pizzeria in droves on Tuesday, Oct. 1 for a free lunch. And not just any free lunch — free lunch from a popstar. SZA sza Instagram Sabatino's owner Sabatino Perotta told NJ Advance Media reporter Jeremy Schneider that SZA, a Maplewood native, called him and asked if he could buy lunch for local high schoolers at Columbia High School. Around 11 a.m., high schoolers began showing up. Then, in droves to the Valley Street pizzeria. Schneider shared a clip of the event to X. .@sza bought lunch for Columbia High School students today at Sabatin…
'Sexiest Doctor Alive' Is NJ Physician: Dr. Mike Talks Rise To Fame On Dax Shepard Podcast 'Sexiest Doctor Alive' Is NJ Physician: Dr. Mike Talks Rise To Fame On Dax Shepard Podcast
'Sexiest Doctor Alive' Is NJ Physician: Dr. Mike Talks Rise To Fame On Dax Shepard Podcast A New Jersey family physician whose good looks and medical expertise catapulted him to fame on YouTube is sharing his knowledge on one of the most successful podcasts in the United States. Mikhail Varshavski, more commonly known as "Dr. Mike," is a guest on the Wednesday, Sept. 4 episode of Dax Shepard's "Experts on Expert" podcast — an offshoot of the "Armchair Expert" podcast. Varshavski is a primary care physician at Chatham Family Medicine and has 12.6M subscribers on YouTube. On "Experts on Expert," Varshavski sits down with Shepard and co-host Monica Padman to discuss his rise to fam…
NJ 'Golden Bachelor' Winner Appeared On Family Feud Pre-Divorce In Newly-Aired Episode NJ 'Golden Bachelor' Winner Appeared On Family Feud Pre-Divorce In Newly-Aired Episode
NJ 'Golden Bachelor' Winner Appeared On Family Feud Pre-Divorce In Newly-Aired Episode Well, that didn't age well. A newly-aired episode of "Celebrity Family Feud" on ABC features "Golden Bachelor" couple Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, a New Jersey grandmother, competing on the show before announcing their divorce. The Bachelor-themed episode of "Celebrity Family Feud" aired on Tuesday, July 16, and kicked off with Turner, 72, introducing Nist, 70, to host Steve Harvey as his "lovely wife."  The pair played with their children against other "Bachelor" franchise contestants including Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson. @deciderdotcom Watch #thegoldenbachelor …
Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend
Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend Akhtar Farzaie needed one more person to bring to a charity golf outing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster last month.  Naturally, retired NY Knicks power forward Charles Oakley was the first person to come to mind. Farzaie, 41, who owns Bella Pizza in Hillsborough, met the 60-year-old NBA legend when he said he was elbowed by him during a pickup game at a local YMCA in 2002. The two were later acquainted by mutual friends, and have kept in touch ever since. Oakley agreed to make a special trip out to Somerset County for Farzie last month, and was treated to seared Bronzino, si…
NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year
NJ High School Educator Nominated For National Teacher Of The Year A Monmouth County educator who was named New Jersey's teacher of the year could also get the same recognition nationally. Joe Nappi, a history and social studies teacher at Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, is one of four finalists for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year award, The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) announced. Nappi won the state's Teacher of the Year award in September 2023. The other finalists are Cat Walker from Alaska, Christy Todd from Georgia, and Missy Testerman from Tennessee. Nappi is the third Garden State educator to be a nati…
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' 'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty'
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' Sondra Fortunato, an iconic New Jersey entertainer and model known to many as "Miss Liberty USA," has died. Condolences were widely posted online on Thursday, Jan. 11 for the well-known local celebrity from Toms River, including the town's Republican party organization. "Dear sweet Sondra, I first met you when I was about 12 years old. I'm now 66. We girls would see you in Seaside buying the latest fashion's," one mourner wrote. "We were all fascinated by your stunning appearance. You truly were the first Barbie doll!  "As the years went by it was a delight to see you in Toms River wh…
Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say
Hoboken SantaCon Arrests, Summonses: Guests On Better Behavior This Year, Police Say Guests at Hoboken's annual Santacon were on better behavior this year than last, but arrests were still made, police said. Two people were arrested and another 34 people were issued summonses at the annual SantaCon in Hoboken on Saturday, Dec. 16, authorities said. SantaCon is an annual bar crawl where people dress up like Santa. While the event raises money for charity, it has become reviled by many residents, disgusted by the trail of drunken mayhem left in its wake.  This year's SantaCon had less arrests than year's past, Marci Rubin, a spokeswoman for the city said.  "Arrest…
What We Know About The Jonas Brothers' Private Performance At American Dream Mall What We Know About The Jonas Brothers' Private Performance At American Dream Mall
What We Know About The Jonas Brothers' Private Performance At American Dream Mall Bergen County boy band the Jonas Brothers made a quick trip home last week. Wyckoff natives Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas performed during a private event at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford on Thursday, Aug. 10 for The Children's Place. View this post on Instagram A post shared by American Dream (@americandream) The performance celebrated back-to-school fashion, giving back to communities in need, engaging in interactive kid-friendly activities. According to a press release, The Children's Place and the JoBros launched their "Best S…
You Can Own The Mic NJ's Cardi B Tossed At A Fan You Can Own The Mic NJ's Cardi B Tossed At A Fan
You Can Own The Mic NJ's Cardi B Tossed At A Fan The microphone seen around the world can be yours for just $99,900. The Shure microphone that Cardi B tossed at a fan who splashed her with a drink at a show in Las Vegas last weekend has been listed on Ebay. As of Thursday, August 3, 124 bidders have pushed the price up to $99,900. The auction ends on Tuesday, August 8. Scott Fisher, the owner of an audio company that provides support for shows at nightclubs in Las Vegas, is listing the microphone. "We provided more than one microphone for this particular show and verified with the in house crew which one was specifically used by Car…
Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy
Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy The creator of "one of the most famous food retailers in the world" died at 93 years old, leaving a world-record-breaking grocery store chain to his family.  Stew Leonard Sr., of Westport, CT, died on Wednesday, April 26 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City after a brief illness, according to Stew Leonard's website.  We are sad to announce that Stew Leonard, Sr., the founder of Stew Leonard’s, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023,... Posted by Stew Leonard's on Thursday, April 27, 2023 Leonard launched the first Stew Leonard's in Norwalk, CT, in December 1969.  The successful g…
Park Ridge Family Loses All In Fire, Relatively Minor Injuries Reported Park Ridge Family Loses All In Fire, Relatively Minor Injuries Reported
Park Ridge Family Loses All In Fire, Relatively Minor Injuries Reported Loved ones and friends are rallying for a Park Ridge couple and their three young children who lost just about everything in a fire that sent four firefighters to the hospital. Authorities are investigating the cause of the two-alarm blaze, which broke out in the Henry Avenue home of Matt and Lisa Patterson shortly before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9. Meanwhile, family friend Janet Zakrzewska launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family. GO TO: Tragic House Fire - Matt and Lisa Patterson "They are the most hardworking, genuine, kind-hearted and giving people that we know!!" Zakrzewska …
North Jersey Mom's Babka Business Gets Brick And Mortar Store North Jersey Mom's Babka Business Gets Brick And Mortar Store
North Jersey Mom's Babka Business Gets Brick And Mortar Store A North Jersey mom who had help from her husband and daughters launching a charitable babka business at the height of the pandemic is moving into a storefront. Hoboken's Michal Prevor started Babka Bailout to help pay her housekeeper's rent at the height of the pandemic. On Wednesday, Sept. 14, Prevor will hold a grand opening for Babka Bailout at its new digs on 476 Central Ave. in Jersey City from 1 to 4 p.m. Babka is a dough filled with chocolate then rolled up or braided and baked.  Babka BailoutBabka Bailout Babka Bailout offers a variety of flavors including Nutella-Oreo, cereal…
Hawthorne Youngsters Revive Popular Lemonade Stand To Support Girl, 4, With Brain Cancer Hawthorne Youngsters Revive Popular Lemonade Stand To Support Girl, 4, With Brain Cancer
Hawthorne Youngsters Revive Popular Lemonade Stand To Support Girl, 4, With Brain Cancer A group of Hawthorne kids who raised thousands of dollars with a lemonade stand for a boy battling a rare disease last year are helping another fellow youngster in need. All proceeds of the stand that opens this weekend will go to the family of 4-year-old Natalie Ferguson, also of Hawthorne, who recently had a return of a brain cancer tumor known as an ependymoma on the left side of her brain. Natalie had surgery and 33 radiation sessions over the course of a year before doctors initially declared her cancer-free in March 2021. The tumor recently returned to the very same spot. SEE: Nort…
Bergen County Poker Player Donates World Series Winnings To Charity Bergen County Poker Player Donates World Series Winnings To Charity
Bergen County Poker Player Donates World Series Winnings To Charity A former New Jersey resident and first-time World Series of Poker player is coming home empty handed. Gershon Distenfeld, who recently moved from Teaneck to Hollywood, FL -- will be donating his winnings from the $1,500 No-limit Hold’em Shootout to charity: All $204,063, PokerNews.com reports. Distenfeld was crowned champion after a more than three-hour back-and-forth heads-up battle against Johan Schumacher, the outlet said. Gershon DistenfeldDanny Maxwell for PokerNews.com Distenfeld works in the investment management industry and took up poker about a decade ago, he told Daily Voice…
Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter
Heartbreaking Battle Ends For Beloved Bergen Firefighter A career Bergen County firefighter's valiant battle with cancer ended Saturday, leaving countless loved ones, first responders, friends and others devastated. "We all ask why the great ones are taken to soon and we can't find the answer," Hackensack Fire Capt. Justin Derevyanik wrote as news of the death of Timothy Rice spread on Saturday. Timmy Rice, 42, of Emerson leaves Regina, his wife of 15 years, their daughter, Aubrey, and their son, TJ. He was "one of a kind, truly one of the nicest, most caring people I’ve ever known," Doug Habermann wrote -- just one of a rapidly growing collect…
Fair Lawn Boy, 9, Clings To Life, Loved Ones Hold Onto Hope After SUV Accident Fair Lawn Boy, 9, Clings To Life, Loved Ones Hold Onto Hope After SUV Accident
Fair Lawn Boy, 9, Clings To Life, Loved Ones Hold Onto Hope After SUV Accident Friday promises another ray of hope for the family of a 9-year-old Fair Lawn boy critically injured in a tragic accident last month. Aiden D'Angelo "is opening his eyes and moving his limbs," his father said Thursday. The news is heartening to many. There are Aiden's parents, Joe and Jessica, as well as his brother, Luca. There are the neighbors who called 911 and rushed into the street after Aiden was struck by a Honda CR-V on 17th Street near Morlot Avenue on May 26. There's the local police officer who held Aiden's head in his hands, the EMS workers who took him to St. Joseph's Re…
North Jersey Native, Musician Marc DiCianni Dies After Battling Diabetes Complications, 30 North Jersey Native, Musician Marc DiCianni Dies After Battling Diabetes Complications, 30
North Jersey Native, Musician Marc DiCianni Dies After Battling Diabetes Complications, 30 North Jersey native, artist and musician Marc Louis DiCianni died March 30 from complications of diabetes. He was 30. Born in Denville, DiCianni grew up in Sparta and spent time in California before moving to Burlington, Vermont, his obituary says. DiCianni was known for his relentless love of all things music. He often attended live shows, composed and performed his own songs and created art inspired by his own music, his memorial says. “Marc was a selfless and generous soul, frequently contributing to a variety of charitable causes and always living for others,” reads his obituary. “Mar…
Bergen County Coworkers Rally For 'Angelic' Special Ed Behaviorist Battling Cancer -- Again Bergen County Coworkers Rally For 'Angelic' Special Ed Behaviorist Battling Cancer -- Again
Bergen County Coworkers Rally For 'Angelic' Special Ed Behaviorist Battling Cancer -- Again Ashley Van Valen and Jenny Venezio have long called Cassie Romano their angel. The three met each other working in Paramus for Bergen County Special Services, and have since become close friends. "She has this platinum blonde hair," said Van Valen of Dumont. "She lights up a room and she's so soft-spoken." "She's the sweetest, most generous person," Venezio added. "She cares about her friends, family and the students she works with." And so when Cassie was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer last September, Van Valen and Venezio knew they needed to be what their colleague has…
Support Surges For Family Of Wayne's Late Anthony Bonanni, 35 Support Surges For Family Of Wayne's Late Anthony Bonanni, 35
Support Surges For Family Of Wayne's Late Anthony Bonanni, 35 Support is surging for the wife and child of 35-year-old Anthony Bonanni of Wayne, who died unexpectedly Dec. 5. More than $57,800 had been raised on a GoFundMe campaign for Bonanni's wife, Colleen, and son, AJ, as of Thursday morning. "Anyone who knew Anthony, knew he had a huge heart," says the campaign, launched by Colleen's sister, Laura Byrnes.  "He was kind, generous, and loved his family. He was extremely thoughtful, loyal, and delivered perfectly timed one liners." Anthony graduated from Wayne Hills High School in 2004, where he was a standout player on the varsity soccer tea…
Soccer Great Diego Maradona Dies At 60 Soccer Great Diego Maradona Dies At 60
Soccer Great Diego Maradona Dies At 60 Diego Armando Maradona, considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, died of a heart attack in Buenos Aires early Wednesday, according to multiple reports.  Maradona, 60, who'd been in failing health, has left the hospital after undergoing surgery for a blood clot on his brain earlier this month, according to the Argentinian newspaper Clarín. Known as “El Pibe de Oro” (“The Golden Boy”), Maradona was honored along with Pele with the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award.  Following a 21-year career, he briefly coached Argentina during the 2010 World C…
VIDEO: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Thanks Ridgefield Firefighters With New Kicks VIDEO: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Thanks Ridgefield Firefighters With New Kicks
Video: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Thanks Ridgefield Firefighters With New Kicks Amid this week’s 9/11 remembrances came news of a token of appreciation that meant a lot to volunteer firefighters in Ridgefield. Movie star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Under Armour sent the department 100 pairs of his new $140 training sneakers as part of a rollout honoring first responders. The First Responders Children's Foundation arranged for delivery of the new Under Armour Project Rock PR3 sneakers to departments near Ground Zero. Jillian Crane of the non-profit First Responders Children's Foundation officially presented the new kicks at Engine Co. 2 in Ridgefield last month, but …
NJ Landlord Waives 3 Months Rent During Pandemic NJ Landlord Waives 3 Months Rent During Pandemic
NJ Landlord Waives 3 Months Rent During Pandemic A Montclair landlord is waiving rent payments for three months to help ease his tenants' financial burdens during the coronavirus pandemic. David Placek originally waived rent for April and May and recently added June. Overall, his BDP Holdings LLC and Community Investment Partners is eating about $50,000 -- at an average of $1,200 to $1,500 a unit per month. The goal is to show tenants "some compassion and feelings for what they might be going through," Placek told ABC7. We didn't ask them what financial position they're in." The father of three "exemplifies the spirit we need to see ri…
Dumont Teen Wants To Open Candy Store Dumont Teen Wants To Open Candy Store
Dumont Teen Wants To Open Candy Store A 15-year-old self-described "lollipop maven" from Dumont has launched a kickstarter campaign that she hopes will help her open a candy store. Lilly Trentacosta first started Lillypops, her own lollipop and cotton candy company in 2017, with help from her father. After several successful years in business, she is taking the next step and launched the campaign to help make her dreams of opening a brick-and-mortar store in Bergen County come to life. More than $300 had been raised as of Tuesday. Lilly creates her gourmet treats in several different flavors — blue raspberry, cherry, cinnamon…
Donate Directly To Restore Franklin Lakes Church Demolished By Arson Fire Donate Directly To Restore Franklin Lakes Church Demolished By Arson Fire
Donate Directly To Restore Franklin Lakes Church Demolished By Arson Fire Those who want to donate to the rebuilding of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes can do so directly instead of responding to what could be bogus GoFundMe campaigns."Father John Job and the staff of Most Blessed Sacrament Church are very appreciative for the outpouring of support and prayers from not only our parishioners but also the community," a statement issued Thursday said. "Many people have reached out to us in regards to donating for the restoration of the church." You can mail a check to:  Most Blessed Sacrament Church787 Franklin Lake RoadFranklin Lakes, NJ 07417 Plea…
Fitness Guru Seeks 'Elves' To Help Bring Christmas To North Jersey Homeless Fitness Guru Seeks 'Elves' To Help Bring Christmas To North Jersey Homeless
Fitness Guru Seeks 'Elves' To Help Bring Christmas To North Jersey Homeless Leah Fairchild had just given Christmas bags to a dozen homeless people on the streets of Manhattan when she began to cry. She wanted to do more. Since that Christmas five years ago, she has. “Each year I vow to do it bigger and better,” said Fairchild, who, with the help of volunteers raised nearly $3,500 last year, visited seven shelters in Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties and distributed 350 gift bags to those living on the street. Fairchild, a single mom of three who owns and operates Train on Purpose (TOP) Hybrid Fitness Studio in Lyndhurst, launched her “Christmas Miracle …
Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen Opens At Rutgers Newark Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen Opens At Rutgers Newark
Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen Opens At Rutgers Newark Struggling students at Rutgers Newark won't have to live on a prayer for food much longer. Jon Bon Jovi's Soul Kitchen will be opening a third location on campus in January 2020. The rocker and his wife Dorothea Hurley opened the first pay-if-you-can restaurant in Red Bank in 2011. Customers are asked to pay a suggested $12 donation to cover their meal and someone else's. If they can't, they are asked to volunteer.  Most of the labor and nearly all of the food come from donations. The couple later opened the second JBJ Kitchen in Toms River and are planning on a Jan. 23 opening date…
Community Rallies For Ramsey Mom After Husband's Sudden Death Community Rallies For Ramsey Mom After Husband's Sudden Death
Community Rallies For Ramsey Mom After Husband's Sudden Death The community is coming together for a Ramsey mom after her husband's sudden death. Sean Kinch died on June 26 at 43 years old. More than $14,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe as of Friday afternoon for his wife of 19 years, Anna. The couple had just purchased a home together when tragedy struck. Funds from the campaign will help Anna and the girls stay in their new home. A Midland Park business owner, Sean was remembered for his quick wit and generosity. "We want to provide as much stability and security as possible for Anna while she deals with the shock and loss of her husband, until …
Handgun, Ammo Found In Ridgefield Clothing Bin Handgun, Ammo Found In Ridgefield Clothing Bin
Handgun, Ammo Found In Ridgefield Clothing Bin A handgun and several rounds of ammunition were found tossed into a charity clothing bin in Ridgefield early Monday, authorities said. An employee with Planet Aid summoned police to the H Mart shopping plaza on Broad Avenue just after 8 a.m., Police Chief Thomas J. Gallagher said. While emptying the bin, the employee said, he found a black nylon carrying case that “felt unusually heavy for clothing or shoes,” Gallagher said. "So he opened it.” Inside he found a Star Arms semi-automatic .45-caliber handgun, along with several rounds of ammunition, the chief said. Police seized the weapon …
Support Pours In For Beloved Dumont Bartender Following Head Trauma Support Pours In For Beloved Dumont Bartender Following Head Trauma
Support Pours In For Beloved Dumont Bartender Following Head Trauma If you've been to Grant Street Cafe in Dumont in the past month, you'd know it feels emptier than usual. Beloved bartender and bartender Katie Caspare hasn't been around.  Late last month, Caspare of Bergenfield suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage. Her absence at the cafe has not gone unnoticed. "I hope you recover and come back strong," Eric Maloney said on a GoFundMe that had raised more than $46,500 as of Monday morning. "Miss your friendly face behind the bar and in Grants funny photos." "Katie is everything that you said and more," Pamela Lakefield said. "It was my pleasure to te…
11 Years Running: Upper Saddle River PBA Fills Christmas Wish Lists For Needy Children 11 Years Running: Upper Saddle River PBA Fills Christmas Wish Lists For Needy Children
11 Years Running: Upper Saddle River PBA Fills Christmas Wish Lists For Needy Children For the 11th consecutive year, members of Upper Saddle River PBA Local #218 participated in CUMAC’s Christmas Wish-List program for needy youngsters. CUMAC, located in Paterson, is a non-for-profit dedicated to alleviating hunger in Passaic County and throughout New Jersey. PBA Local #218 received 20 holiday wishes from needy children of all ages -- for toys, books, jackets, diapers and more. There’s still time to contribute or volunteer. Go to: www.cumac.org or call (973) 742-5518.
Lodi Schoolchildren Help Homeless Through 'Blessings In A Backpack' Lodi Schoolchildren Help Homeless Through 'Blessings In A Backpack'
Lodi Schoolchildren Help Homeless Through 'Blessings In A Backpack' Students and staff at Washington Elementary School in Lodi participated in a “Blessings in a Backpack” charitable event to help the homeless. Four dozen backpacks were filled with much-needed supplies. “As always, our students and staff exceeded expectations,” Principal Kevin Dowson said. “They doubled the original goal of 24 backpacks.” School Security Officer Bill Byrnes served as the liaison between the school and charity founder Tony Osso.