Franklin Elementary School’s Day of Service Goes Extra Mile for Marisa Tufaro Foundation

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ - For the third consecutive year, Franklin Elementary School’s students and staff are turning South Plainfield’s district-wide Day of Service into a fundraiser that simultaneously heightens awareness about a local nonprofit.

Franklin Elementary School will host a Mile for Marisa charity walkathon this Friday, May 24 benefiting The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.

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Students and staff will walk the length of Franklin Avenue to Plainfield Avenue and back, learning that day about The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s namesake and how the nonprofit established in her loving memory assists pediatric patients and other children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area. Balloons in Marisa’s favorite color of purple will adorn the walking path.

Senator Patrick Diegnan, who serves on The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s board of trustees, will jumpstart the walkathon with opening remarks. The event will commence at 9 a.m.

“This wonderful act of kindness is really a microcosm of the entire school district and community,” said Diegnan, a lifelong South Plainfield resident and grandfather of two former Franklin Elementary School students.

“I know generosity is a staple of our borough. I couldn’t be prouder of all those who are collaborating to make this Day of Service a meaningful and inspirational event.”

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The Marisa Tufaro Foundation knows all too well the benevolent nature of the South Plainfield community, which has played an integral role in helping the nonprofit make a profound impact.

Since its inception less than seven years ago, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated nearly $350,000 to fulfill its mission.

The nonprofit has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies, school supplies and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value.

In addition, the foundation has awarded $29,500 in academic scholarships to 42 inspirational high school seniors, including South Plainfield graduates Alex Gibson, Jeffrey Jacome, Nick Loniewski, Abdul Cokley, Luke Niemeyer, Joseph Heilmann, and Charles Lovett.

Emma and Alexis Broggi, the daughters of Franklin Elementary School fourth-grade teacher and student council co-advisor Kimberly Broggi, were also recipients of a Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is committed to being a source of comfort to hospitalized children and their families, as well as providing assistance and opportunities to underserved children.

The foundation has assisted multiple families, including several from South Plainfield, whose children are in medical crisis, providing financial support through the payment of medical and/or personal expenses to help lessen the burden of parents who have lost wages while spending time at the hospital.

Through its partnership with Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is fully funding visits during the Day of Service from therapy dogs and their trained handlers, who will spend time with two Franklin Elementary School special education classes and others at the school.

“Franklin School is excited to once again partner with The Marisa Tufaro Foundation for the Third Annual Day of Service,” Franklin Elementary School Principal Shannon Colucci said. “The Day of Service is a full and very meaningful day dedicated to doing good deeds and participating in invaluable charitable work. The Mile for Marisa is Franklin School’s flagship event of the day, and it is our honor to raise money for such a worthwhile charity.”

The walkathon serves as the centerpiece for the Day of Service at Franklin Elementary School, whose other activities include: a luncheon for South Plainfield veterans; planting flowers, making bird houses, and painting rocks to adorn school property; decorating and filling gift bags for senior citizens at the South Plainfield Senior Center, for local law enforcement officers as an expression of gratitude, and for U.S. military service members including the father of one of the school’s students.

Marisa Tufaro survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle. She was just 13 years old.

An Edison Township Public Schools honor roll student involved in multiple extracurricular activities, Marisa lived a vibrant life that inspired.

The foundation is a fitting way to keep alive Marisa’s indomitable spirit and allow her legacy to be one of helping others.

The South Plainfield School District has been among the nonprofit’s biggest supporters.

An annual wrestling match, known as the Marisa Tufaro Memorial Dual, between the district’s high school team and rival Old Bridge has generated nearly $28,000 for the foundation. Recently retired Franklin Elementary School teacher Bill Pavlak, the former varsity wrestling coach at South Plainfield, played a paramount role in establishing the wildly successful fundraiser.

In addition, student-athletes from many of South Plainfield High School’s other athletics programs have participated in fundraising events, toy drives and the collection of nonperishable food items benefiting the nonprofit and the children it serves.

“We’ve been blessed beyond words with amazing support from so many people, including the South Plainfield community,” said Marisa’s mother, Cyndi Tufaro, who serves as the foundation’s executive director. “We don’t take a second donated or a penny raised for granted. The kindness and generosity of South Plainfield residents is extraordinary.

“This particular fundraiser has added meaning because of its creativity, the wonderful message it sends, and the fact that Marisa’s nonprofit has been privileged to assist South Plainfield children in need.

“We can’t thank the entire school community enough and hope its benevolence is exponentially returned.”

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