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 …
Donations Pour In After Sudden Death Of Hopatcong Dad, 'Exceptional' Soccer Coach, 39 Donations Pour In After Sudden Death Of Hopatcong Dad, 'Exceptional' Soccer Coach, 39
Donations Pour In After Sudden Death Of Hopatcong Dad, 'Exceptional' Soccer Coach, 39 Donations are pouring in for the family of dedicated Hopatcong father, soccer coach, and board member Andrew Parenti, who died unexpectedly on Friday, June 16 aged 39. Born in Bridgewater, Andrew worked as a Commercial Senior Specialist for TruGreen in Randolph, his obituary says. He was also an incredibly passionate coach and board member for the Hopatcong Hawks Soccer Club.  Andrew was a big fan of the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins — but above all, he loved spending time with his family and embraced his role as a supportive father. Andrew’s surviving family members include his…
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…
Tributes Pour In After Death Of Warren County Mom, 'Dedicated Volunteer' Johanna Garrison, 40 Tributes Pour In After Death Of Warren County Mom, 'Dedicated Volunteer' Johanna Garrison, 40
Tributes Pour In After Death Of Warren County Mom, 'Dedicated Volunteer' Johanna Garrison, 40 Tributes and donations are pouring in after the unexpected death of a beloved Warren County mother remembered as one of her town’s “most dedicated volunteers.” Johanna Kelly Garrison, of Great Meadows, died on Wednesday, June 14, her obituary says. She was 40. Raised in Ewing, Johanna was a proud Girl Scout and loved attending dance classes. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township before furthering her education at Mercer County Community College, where she served as the Student Association President and earned an Associates Degree in Humanities, according to her mem…
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…
Sussex County Juniors, EMS Volunteers Hoping To Represent NJ In National Leadership Conference Sussex County Juniors, EMS Volunteers Hoping To Represent NJ In National Leadership Conference
Sussex County Juniors, EMS Volunteers Hoping To Represent NJ In National Leadership Conference Two Sussex County juniors and dedicated emergency squad volunteers are hoping to represent New Jersey during a national leadership conference in Dallas — and they’re more than halfway there with the help of community backing. Vernon Township High School’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter has never qualified for the National Leadership Conference — until this year, two teams earned the distinct honor, a GoFundMe launched by current junior Avery Crafton says. According to the campaign, two students, Daniel Lovett and Marissa Ajamian, placed second statewide in the Emergen…
‘We Lost Everything,’ Says Sussex County Deli Owner, Dad Of 5 After Devastating Fire ‘We Lost Everything,’ Says Sussex County Deli Owner, Dad Of 5 After Devastating Fire
‘We Lost Everything,’ Says Sussex County Deli Owner, Dad Of 5 After Devastating Fire A Sussex County business owner and devoted dad of five is seeking support after a devastating fire destroyed the family’s possessions over the weekend. Gregory Monto, co-owner of DareDevil Deli & Bagel in Wantage, says in a GoFundMe that the “tragedy struck” as he was sleeping in his mother’s summer home the night of Saturday, May 20. “We were [awakened] to a fire inches from our bed,” Monto writes. While the family fortunately escaped safely, the fire ravaged the home, including Monto’s car, which he needs to get to his job about an hour away at Mosquito Joe's in Riverdale. “We los…
Morris County Mom Left With Severe Head Injury After Fall Gets 'A Little Better Every Day' Morris County Mom Left With Severe Head Injury After Fall Gets 'A Little Better Every Day'
Morris County Mom Left With Severe Head Injury After Fall Gets 'A Little Better Every Day' A Morris County mom and physical therapist left with serious head injuries after an accidental fall is getting “a little better every day” with support from the local community. Kristen Heitmann, described as a “devoted wife and mother,” suffered severe head injuries after a “tragic fall,” according to a GoFundMe launched by loved ones on Saturday, March 18. Heitmann is also a part-time physical therapist for children with disabilities, a career in which she is incredibly passionate about, the fundraiser says. Since the accident, Heitmann has undergone several surgeries and therapies — bu…
NJ Triathlete Struck By Car Sees Community Support NJ Triathlete Struck By Car Sees Community Support
NJ Triathlete Struck By Car Sees Community Support Mary Truer was out riding her bicycle when she was hit by a car. Now people in Essex County are coming together to assist her and her family. Truer, a triathlete, will need surgery, said her friend Jonathan Tabuzo, a Bloomfield native, who organized a GoFundMe fundraiser. The money will help Truer and her family during this ordeal, Tabuzo said. As of Monday, May 15, more than $5,700 has been raised.  To donate, click here.
7-Year-Old Paterson Stabbing Victim Sees Community Support 7-Year-Old Paterson Stabbing Victim Sees Community Support
7-Year-Old Paterson Stabbing Victim Sees Community Support Sofia was just 7 years old when her whole life changed. The Paterson native was stabbed, and ended up in the hospital following the attack, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by loved ones. A report by Univision says the girl was comatose following the harrowing incident at the hands of her grandmother, who has since been charged with attempted murder. Since the stabbing, Sofia has undergone numerous surgeries and has had to have a feeding tube installed, the campaign says. Once she regains consciousness, she will have difficulty speaking. Her parents have been traveling back and f…
Boy Killed In Newark Shooting Was 'Life Of The Party' Like His Mom, Loved Ones Say Boy Killed In Newark Shooting Was 'Life Of The Party' Like His Mom, Loved Ones Say
Boy Killed In Newark Shooting Was 'Life Of The Party' Like His Mom, Loved Ones Say Zahmire Lopez was the life of the party. Those who knew the 8-year-old boy, killed when a gunman broke into his Newark home earlier this month, say life will be duller without him. Community members gathered on a Newark sports field to honor Zah in a balloon release and vigil over the weekend. ZAHMIRE LOPEZ R.I.P 💔💔🙏 Posted by Manny Gee on Friday, May 5, 2023 Meanwhile, more than $1,200 had been raised on a GoFundMe for Zah's mom, Lee, who reportedly escaped out a second-story window of her home at the time of the horrific incident, according to abc7. Police shot and killed the gunma…