Local Heroes
Student’s Pandemic Chess Tournament Supports Toni’s Kitchen and Local Businesses By Jackie Schatell
C
harles Moroze is a service-minded freshman, soon-to-be sophomore, at Montclair High School. He also loves playing chess. During the pandemic, Charles began thinking about how he could help others and bring people together online. He decided to host an online chess tournament called the “MTC Chess Tournament Fundraiser,” which raised and donated a little over $1000, to Toni’s Kitchen Food Pantry. The money raised came through $10 entry forms, Charles’ $.10 per game donation commitment, and the sale of tournament t-shirts designed by Charles. “We were all so isolated during the pandemic and I thought a chess tournament between past and present MHS students would help keep people busy and in contact during a hard time,” says Charles. According to Charles, over 20 participants, ages 19 and below, played 150 games during the tournament, which ended with three finalists including a champion. The first, second and third place winners received tournament t-shirts with one saying “Champion” and the other two saying “Finalist.” The winner also received $50 worth of gift cards to local businesses, which Charles purchased. “I gave the gift cards as a prize because I wanted to support local businesses as well as Toni’s,” says Charles. When he made the in-person donation to Toni’s, Charles received a tour of the facility. “I feel really good about the fundraiser because it made a beneficial impact, and I enjoyed seeing that impact first-hand via the private tour,” he says. Charles says he enjoyed hosting the event and plans to host another fundraiser in the future.
14
Suburban Essex
Summer 2021
Charles Moroze dons a shirt he designed for his MTC Chess Tournament Fundraiser that raised funds for Toni’s Kitchen Food Pantry.
