3 minute read
Local Heroes
Student’s Pandemic Chess Tournament Supports Toni’s Kitchen and Local Businesses
By Jackie Schatell
Charles 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.
Charles Moroze dons a shirt he designed for his MTC Chess Tournament Fundraiser that raised funds for Toni’s Kitchen Food Pantry.
COMMUNITY RALLIES SPIRIT
of One of Its Own During Pandemic
By Jackie Schatell
On the way to buy flowers for his wife Anne, who was recovering at home from her fourth bout of chemo for stage 1 breast cancer, Jeff Fischman, of West Orange, suddenly got an idea to create a get-well card on his eight-car driveway. At the store, he purchased $25 worth of chalk. He then made a post on the West Orange Buy Nothing Group Facebook page asking if anyone wanted to stop by and sign the “big card.”
To Jeff’s surprise, over 50 people and families came by, many that he did not know personally. Some people brought their own handmade cards, and flowers. In addition, Sunny Sentiments stopped by to put up a complimentary lawn sign too.
“I was surprised at the outpouring of support,” says Jeff. “I had hoped that perhaps 5-10 people might join in, but I never expected 50.”
Jeff says Anne had been very tired all week and he wanted to do something nice for her. Due to COVID and her weakened immune system, Anne could not have visitors and was feeling down. Jeff’s goal was to put a smile on Anne’s face, and he succeeded!
The couple’s bedroom overlooks the driveway, which is why Jeff chose the area for the card. Anne says, “I was overwhelmed when Jeff opened the shade. First, I thought he had done it himself, which would have been amazing. But then, he pointed out that all those people came out in support and I just lost it. What an amazing community!”
“It is remarkable that in a time of pandemic, so many people opened up their hearts to Anne,” says Jeff. There are so many heroes in this story.”
Anne and Jeff Fischman
