WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MAKES POSSIBLE

We are extremely grateful for every contribution that helps to save lives. Since its inception, our Foundation has helped fund numerous projects and programs in the following areas:

Public Awareness And Education

Through special events, public education and community outreach, we bring awareness to the importance of donation and transplantation and give hope to the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Family Support

As of December 31, 2022, the Sharing Network Foundation received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, and a Gold Seal of Transparency with Candid, for our financial performance, accountability and trustworthy practices.

Programs and resources for families of organ and tissue donors, transplant recipients, patients waiting, living donors and caregivers provide ways to celebrate life and honor the legacy of loved ones.

Clinical Advancement

Educational and training programs for clinical staff and hospital partners increase the number of possible transplants and support our efforts in stewarding the gift of life. Our fully accredited state-of-the-art laboratory and highly trained staff play a vital role in our life-saving mission.

Management & General Foundation Programs 76%

12% Fundraising

12%

*2022 Sharing Network Foundation Functional Expenses

Families Giving Back

In 2022, the Sharing Network Foundation welcomed three new named funds to honor and remember loved ones and further our mission through philanthropy.

Scholarships

In collaboration with our family and partner funds, our Foundation is proud to offer scholarships to students who have been impacted by organ and tissue donation and transplantation or are advocates for our life-saving mission.

Since2011

More than $100,0000 awarded to 45 students

The John Levine Fund

In memory of organ and tissue donor, John Levine

Riley’s Path

In memory of organ donor, Riley Kogen

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES!

Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund

LAUREN AMBROSINO

ANGELINA GABUZDA

VICTORIA MAROTTA

In memory of liver transplant recipient and long-time volunteer, Jim Rhatican

Jim received his life-saving liver transplant in 2008 and was thankful for his organ donor and their family each and every day. A retired teacher and coach of 35 years, Jim enjoyed sharing his personal story as part of our high school program, where he educated thousands of students about donation and transplantation.

“So many people have shared with us the impact that Jim made on their lives. Through the scholarship program, our father’s legacy will live on and his impact will continue for years to come.”

– Jay & Julie Rhatican

John was 54 years old when he passed away. Through organ donation, his loving family — including his daughter and son-inlaw, Jennifer & Eric Gormeley — are helping to carry on his legacy by giving back.

“NJ Sharing Network and the Foundation holds a very special place in our hearts. We are honored to be a part of a mission that saves lives, and gives hope to families touched by donation and transplantation.”

– Eric & Jennifer Gormeley

At just five years old, Riley made a lasting impact on the lives of all who knew her. In 2015, she saved the lives of two women through organ donation. Building on the successes of its partner fund Riley’s Dance, the newly established Riley’s Path will aim to support our Foundation’s scholarship program and important public education and awareness initiatives.

Sparta High School

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

In2022

13 scholarships awarded the highest number in a single year

Wall High School

Savannah College of Art and Design

Hearts for Emma Partner Fund

MIA KOLB

Gill St. Bernard’s School

University of Notre Dame

“Riley’s Path is a tribute to my daughter’s legacy, and to the journey she and continue on each and every day. She inspires me to make a difference in this world, and together we are saving lives.”

– Mitch Kogen

Fair Lawn High School

James Madison University

Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund

KILEY HUBBARD

Wall High School

Monmouth University

MIKAYLA MEAD

Manasquan High School

University of South Carolina

SAM PRINCE

West Essex Regional High School

Rowan University

KIMBERLY HUBBARD

Wall High School

University of Maryland

PAIGE MCBOYLE

Millburn High School

Washington and Lee University

SOPHIE WEINBERGER

Hillsborough High School

College of Charleston

NJ Sharing Network Employee Giving Campaign

TANISHA GARRETT

Union County

Charter School

Albright College

Riley’s Path Scholarship Fund

MIA MOORE

West Orange High School

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

PETER EZOMO

West Orange High School

Kean University

Rose Parade Float

Together with our generous partners, Dignity Memorial and MTF Biologics, our Foundation was proud to sponsor four New Jersey families to attend the 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade Float festivities in Pasadena. From the grandstands, family members of donors Hailey Palumbo, Joey Savage and Tyler Rodimer watched as the ‘Lifting Each Other Up’ float adorned with floral portraits honoring their loved ones traveled down Colorado Blvd. Transplant recipient Leena Sandhu rode the float representing all New Jersey residents who have received a second chance at life.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS, the Donate Life Float won The Sweepstakes Trophy, the Rose Parade’s top prize for the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.

Floragraph Honoree

HAILEY PALUMBO

Sponsored by Sharing Network Foundation

Hailey was a loving daughter, sister, and friend who brought joy to all who knew her. On May 23, 2017, Hailey passed away following a motor vehicle accident. The 15-year-old sophomore planned to join the Air Force after high school and then enroll in college to become a surgeon to fulfill her dream to save lives. Despite her family’s overwhelming loss, they chose to make Hailey’s dream come true. Through organ and tissue donation, she saved five lives and continues to give a better quality of life to countless others.

Floragraph Honoree

JOSEPH SAVAGE

Co-Sponsored by Sharing Network Foundation & MTF Biologics

Joey had a joyful, larger than life personality. On October 17, 2017, he passed away at the age of 25 after a tragic car accident. Joey was a registered donor, and he saved the lives of four people through organ donation and enhanced the lives of over 125 more through tissue donation. In 2018, Joey’s mother, Heather Prutzman, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and needed spine surgery. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of NJ Sharing Network and MTF Biologics, Heather remarkably received two of Joey’s donated bone grafts during her spinal fusion surgery.

Floragraph Honoree

TYLER RODIMER

Sponsored by Dignity Memorial

Tyler’s favorite quote, “You can find me on the river or in the woods,” spoke volumes for this fun loving, friend and family oriented forever 23-year-old. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and his passion was fly fishing. In 2019, Tyler suffered a traumatic brain injury. In his final act of grace and kindness, Tyler saved three lives through organ donation and enhanced the lives of 18 others through tissue donation, and his spirit will live on forever.

Float Rider Honoree

LEENA SANDHU

Sponsored by Sharing Network Foundation

Leena grew up in Central New Jersey after immigrating from India with her parents. At age 16, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that led to kidney failure and dialysis. Organ donation has given Leena a second chance at life, twice. In 1997, she received a living kidney donation from her mother. After being placed on dialysis again in 2015, Leena was matched to a deceased organ donor and underwent a second successful transplant. She has now trekked to 30 countries and visited 41 states. She enjoys gardening, photography, and the outdoors–always mindfulof the selfless decisions made by her mother and her organ donor hero.

OCTOBER