NORTH BRUNSWICK – Eighty pounds of pasta. Thirty-two hundred meatballs. Four cases of tomato sauce.
An unlimited amount of support.
North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3 lent its firehouse space on Jan. 15 to a community-wide effort to support the victims of the Governor’s Pointe complex fire from Dec. 8, 2018.
Michael Cipot, the head coach of the North Brunswick Township High School football team, brought about 40 of his varsity players to help set up, serve and clean up the dinner, which was open to the community but also honored those affected by the fire as well as first responders.
“I think it is important for them to be enthusiastic and passionate about playing football, but we have to be the same way with the community,” said Cipot, who noted the team’s theme for football is “together.”
A homegrown, former Pop Warner player himself, Cipot discussed his idea with members of the Adams Athletic & Social Club, which runs the Pop Warner program, and whose headquarters is located not too far from Governor’s Pointe, and decided to not only welcome the victims of the fire for a complimentary dinner, but to also collect gift cards and provide a monetary donation. More than 200 residents attended the dinner and, as of press time, each of the 12 families affected were going to receive $500.
“This really hits close to home,” said junior Chris Arnold, whose grandparents live around the corner from the Albury Way fire. “For those people who showed support [police, first responders, etc.] I feel I need to show support back.”
Having returned to his hometown of North Brunswick in August after living elsewhere, Chris said, “This is where I always felt at home. Even playing Pop Warner, everyone knows everyone. … I feel it’s my job to support the community.”
Fellow football player Amaan Maiden said, especially following the football team’s successful season of making it to the state championships with a 10-2 record, it is important for the players to support the community that supported them.
“The atmosphere was great. The whole school was into it. The whole town was into it,” he said of the playoff run. “I think it’s a nice thing to do for the community … and it’s good to do positive things. … Whatever they ask us to do [tonight] we’re going to do without any complaints.”
The team is familiar with involving themselves in the community, as teammates bag at ShopRite, help with Buddy Ball special needs programs, and place flags at the graves of veterans.
For the dinner, Chartwells Schools Dining Services donated the staples. Garden State Farmer’s Market donated four cases of lettuce, and a case each of cucumbers, basil and parsley. Bimbo Bakery donated bread and desserts. McKee Foods also made a contribution.
More than 30 volunteers from the Adams AC Men’s Club and Ladies Auxiliary, plus the Pop Warner Booster Club and the football players, helped with the evening’s preparations.
“This shows what the Adams AC is about: it’s about community,” Joe DiPane said. “You live in a town, you have to help each other. You never know when it’s your turn.”
DiPane said it was especially nice to see the football players, many of whom came up through the Pop Warner program, displaying characteristics instilled in them as children.
“We’ve gained respect,” he said. “These kids are learning.”
The Township of North Brunswick is collecting gift cards, toiletries and/or money for the victims. Drop off items or mail to the North Brunswick Municipal Building, 710 Hermann Road, North Brunswick 08902 Attn: Janice Larkin. For more information, contact Larkin at jlarkin@northbrunswicknj.gov or at 732-247-0922, ext. 201.
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@newspapermediagroup.com.
