By Cindy Christy Fertsch
Jamie Crescenzo lost her life tragically in a car accident nearly 20 years ago, on February 18th , 2000.
Jamie was only 20 years old at the time, an Egg Harbor Township High School graduate and a full time student at Atlantic Cape Community College. She was on her way to work that morning when extreme weather conditions hit, causing Jamie to lose control of her vehicle.
Jamie’s parents, Jim and Margaret Crescenzo quickly establish the Remembering Jamie Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, as a way to honor Jamie’s life. “It is a reflection of everything that was important to Jamie,” says Jim Crescenzo, “family, friends, community and education.”
The Remembering Jamie Foundation gives multiple scholarships each year to Egg Harbor Township High School graduates, Atlantic Cape Community College and Stockton students. It also gives out grants to various community organizations including the Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League, Covenant House and Atlantic County Adopt a Road.
Through the years, her parents, Jim and Margaret Crescenzo have been able to see the recipients of the Remembering Jamie Foundation scholarships grow and achieve their dreams. Many keep in touch and appreciate the investment in them that the Remembering Jamie Foundation provided.
“More than the money, it is the vote of confidence that I think matters the most to the students,” says Jim Crescenzo “It’s like someone saying ‘Hey, I believe in you.”
The Remembering Jamie Foundation holds two fundraising events per year. The first is an Italian Dinner, always the Saturday after President’s Day at the Elks Lodge in Egg Harbor Township. This year marks the 20th year of the event and is lSaturday, February 22rd, 4-8PM. Tickets are available in advance and at the door.
Jamie was very loved by her family and her community. It is not unusual for 500 people to attend and throughout the years several professional football players have been among the guests. Special guests this year will be Miss New Jersey and magician Chaz Barber. The second annual fundraiser is a golf tournament held in Mays Landing in September of each year.
Jamie Crescenzo, in only 20 years touched a lot of lives. “She would do anything for anyone,” says Jim Crescenzo, as he described a time when Jamie purchased gifts for a coworker’s children because they were struggling financially. Jamie was a member of her High School Key Club and the manager of the Girls Basketball team. She worked hard to pay her tuition and understood the value of both education and community.
If you would like more information go to RememberingJamie.weebly.com or Facebook.com/RememberingJamieFoundation
