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Turkey Giveaway From the Stars

*Photos by Eric Salvary & Submitted. Click on photos to enlarge.

By: Eric Salvary

PERTH AMBOY – On a Cold November night in Perth Amboy 50 families left with warm hearts and hope from the 1 Olive street community Center.
They received turkeys and other Thanksgiving fixings from stars local and national. This was the second annual Edison Jaquez Motivational speaking non Profit turkey Giveaway.

An evening that featured Current Carolina Panthers Offensive lineman Derek Dennis, free agent TE/FB Evan Rodriguez, and Former Steeler and current CFL Wide receiver Kashif Moore.

Edison, who grew up in the Stockton Street projects in Perth Amboy, said that, “Having this event yearly is a dream come true.” Leader of the B-Men Mentorship Program, Jaquez reminisced about his days growing up and being a part of a family who received these kinds of donations. As a child he vowed, “When I get a chance, I want to give back in the same way.” A sentiment that was echoed by his Professional athlete friends who all share the same qualities as Jaquez. This is the reason why they showed up to show support to a community that they have no connection to.

Dennis from New York City mentioned growing up in a “Rough background having family members who didn’t make the right decisions.” He recognized, “Giving back is my way of not forgetting where I come from.” Rodriguez enjoys the concept of Thanksgiving because, “Family can put aside their different agendas and come together and be one.” It was his fuel for giving back. Moore thinks, “Community is everything and to give back is a blessing.”

The night was capped off with a dance performance  by a nonprofit group called Paranormix led by Nicole Figueroa. Figueroa was “Happy the girls could follow her footsteps in giving back.”

The night ended with giveaways and photos with the athletes. This matched Jaquez’ goal of instilling hope and warmth in to the community with goals to double and triple giveaways in years to come.

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