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Community Corner

'Project Heartbeat' Charity Ball This Friday Night

John I. Crecco Foundation will hosts its 47th annual fundraiser

For over four decades, the John I. Crecco Foundation has provided more than $1 million-worth of cardiac care equipment for area hospitals in Essex and Bergen counties.

It sponsors youth league sports teams in Bloomfield and contributes financial support for various charities and natural disaster relief funds. It is a firm supporter of the Helping Hands program, which places signs throughout the community to let children know where to find helping hands in case of need.

Marion Crecco attributes the longevity of the foundation to its founder, her husband, who has endured serious health issues in the last six years, yet is determined to continue the good work.

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"My husband John just doesn’t stop,” said Crecco. “It's very important to him.”

Most recently, the organization donated a brand new electronic scoreboard which was desperately needed at Bloomfield's Foley Field.

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“The kids just love it,” said Crecco, “They are really excited to finally have that new scoreboard.”

This Friday, the foundation will host its 47th annual “Project Heartbeat” Charity Ball at the Mayfair Farms in West Orange. This year the following recipients will be honored for their work:

  • Man of the Year Carmine Pannullo, Vice President Market Manager, Bloomfield Investors Bank
  • Woman of the Year, Madeline B. Wollner, Chairwoman Bloomfield Educational Foundation
  • Physician of the Year, Arthur R. Liberman, M.D. from Short Hills.
  • Chiropractor of the Year, Dr. Donna A. Pontoriero from Nutley
  • Law & Public Safety Award, Steven L. Rogers, Nutley Board of Commissioners
  • Community Service Award, Alfonso Crincoli, Bloomfield FFRC Chair & Founder of the Foley Field Foundation

The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing with music provided by a live orchestra, a five-hour open bar, and a Venetian table.

Tickets for the fundraiser are still available. Prices are $150 each or $1,400 for a table of 10.

To purchase tickets, call 973-857-1925, email jicreccofdn@comcast.net, or visit the John I. Crecco Foundation website at johnicreccofoundation.com.  

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