By Berit Ollestad
We imagine this would have brought a smile to the late Joseph P. Goryeb, the philanthropist who, with his family, launched the children’s hospital that bears his name at Morristown Medical Center.
Elementary school students across the Morris School District voted to donate $10,600 from their annual Coins for a Cause fundraiser to the Goryeb Children’s Hospital.
Established in 2003, Coins for a Cause collects loose change from pupils over a period of weeks. Students then get a chance to practice democracy, by voting to contribute the money to one of three local organizations that give back to others.
The Goryeb Children’s Hospital edged out Good Grief, a nonprofit that offers free support to children, teens and young adults after the death of a mom, dad or sibling; and Operation Bling, which provides sparkling jewels to cancer patients during their hospital stay.
“A lot of the kids can identify with the winner because they’ve been there. When they get sick that’s where they go,” said Bobby Sparano, gym teacher at the Alfred Vail School and Coins for a Cause co-chair.
Photos by Berit Ollestad.Please click icon for captions.
“It’s a known symbol in the community,” added co-chair Greg Sumski, who teaches second graders at the Woodland School.
For the first time, students from participating schools joined together for an “ice cream social” at the Alfred Vail School, where the winner was announced. More than 300 ice cream bars were given out, compliments of Provident Bank.
“I think it’s a wonderful way to get kids involved in the community and to give back to others,” said teacher and mom Jean Beeck. Over the years, Coins for a Cause has raised more than $100,000 for area charities.
Goryeb, founder of Champion Mortgage, passed away last week at age 84. In 1999, he and his family donated $4 million in seed money for the children’s hospital. The mortgage company also contributed more than $1 million to fight cancer.
