2016 Gift Of The Heart – Pitman

Woodbury, NJ April 18, 2016
For Immediate Release

The law firm of Hoffman DiMuzio has allocated close to a half a million dollars to its “Gift of the Heart” Community Service Scholarship Foundation. Forty-one graduating seniors from Gloucester & Salem County High Schools have been selected to receive a one thousand dollar scholarship for embodying the service ideals of the program. This week, the 2016 “Gift of the Heart” Hoffman DiMuzio Community Service Foundation recipients are from Pitman High School: Jessica Thurman and Brian Foley.

Jessica Thurman

It is a special individual who is able to take a personal tragedy and allow it to shape his or her life in a positive way. Jessica Thurman is that special individual. Jessica was very close to her grandfather when he passed away from cancer when she was in the seventh grade. He had such an impact on Jessica; she started volunteering for the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. She has helped set up various fundraisers for her team and volunteered at the events. Helping cancer survivors and their families gives Jessica the satisfaction she is keeping her grandfather’s legacy alive.   Jessica has also been involved in charitable activities through school. She is a four-year member of the Key Club currently serving as Secretary. She has also been a teacher’s aide for two years. For the past four years, Jessica has participated in Community Clean-up. She has also volunteered at the Easter Egg Hunt with the National Arts Honor Society and has also volunteered with the Susan Komen Walk for the Cure. Great job Jessica!

Brian Foley

Helping children in need along with their families has been the focal point of Brian Foley’s volunteer spirit. He is a member of the Ronald McDonald Teen Advisory Council. This group of dedicated students helps reduce the stress of families who have critically ill as well as injured children. Brian led the school-sponsored fundraiser selling candy grams at lunchtime. He also participated in the Spare Some Love bowling fundraiser by obtaining a sponsor and selling tickets for the event. The Teen Advisory Council was able to raise over $30,000 for various projects at the Ronald McDonald House.

Brian has also volunteered at his local church and food bank. He helped pack the bags and give them out to families in need. Brian is a member of his church’s youth council assisting them with various activities including decorating the church during Christmas season. During the summer, he assists with the Vacation Bible School working with the students. Brian enjoys his volunteer activities as it allows him to meet new people while helping those less fortunate and making their lives a little bit easier. Way to go, Brian!

Congratulations are extended to Pitman High School students Jessica Thurman and Brian Foley as well as to their proud family and friends! Their community service to others exemplifies the true meaning of a Gift of the Heart!

Next week’s featured recipients will be from Washington Township High School.

Click here to read more about the Hoffman DiMuzio Gift Of The Heart Scholarship Foundation.

If you’d like to see the rest of the 2016 scholarship winners, click here.