Spring has sprung, and the Tigger Stavola Foundation has plunged into raising awareness. Thank you to all those who got their feet wet with us earlier this month! We cannot fight addiction alone, and whether it's jumping into the ocean or picking up the phone to call for help, we are stronger together. Because of Tigger, we work tirelessly to help others carry on his legacy. We thank you for standing by our side as we attempt to tackle this monumental task. |
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What's Been Happening at TSF? |
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Tigger Stavola Foundation's 3rd Annual Polar Plunge to Freeze Addiction |
On Sunday, April 3rd, despite gloomy skies and steady rain, over 75 supporters gathered to participate in Tigger Stavola Foundation's 3rd Annual Polar Plunge. The Plunge was held at Edgewater Beach and Cabana Club in memory of Judd Zagata, a kind and gentle soul who lost his life to substance use disorder last April, nearly a year ago. The Zagata family was in attendance and were happy to share their son's life through stories, photos, and many tears.
With supporters, members of the Student Alliance, Ambassadors, Advisory Board members, and staff in attendance, Carley Dietrick, TSF's Addiction Navigator & Student Alliance Coordinator, kicked off the program. She spoke of the struggles of today's youth and how our Student Alliance program is helping many in need.
Carley led the room in a moment of silence to send strength and hope to those currently suffering from addiction, those on their recovery journey, and those we have lost. Shortly after, with Sea Bright EMTs, lifeguards, and local fire and police on hand, at least fifty participants braved the rain and ran towards the 40-degree water while many looked on, shouting words of encouragement!
Mia LeLand, a 7th grade Markham Place School student, shared her experience and said, "My favorite part of the day was running into the water, and I can't wait to bring all of my friends next year. It was a blast, even in the rain!"
Overall, the Polar Plunge was a huge success! We want to once again thank our sponsors for their generosity and support:
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Tara and Matt Kelly - Cozy Toes Sponsor
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Achieve Wellness Recovery - Warm Heart Sponsor
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H. Grant and Erica Rosenblum Charitable Giving Fund - Hungry as a Polar Bear Sponsor
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The Chrysanthopolus Family - Big Bear Sponsor and who rallied for us by bringing lots of students to hear our message!
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The Zagata Family - Bear Hug Sponsor
Thank you to all those who attended, donated, or supported the 3rd Annual Polar Plunge! We are already looking forward to jumping in again in 2023!
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Tigger Stavola Foundation 2022 Plungers |
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Tigger Stavola Foundation Student Supporters |
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Members of the TSF Student Alliance with Michael Earle, Student Alliance Fundraising Manager, and Joseph Earle, Student Alliance Membership Manager
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The Zagata family, embraced by Tigger Stavola Foundation Ambassadors Jamie Jablonowski, Thomas Carter, and Mikaela Grande |
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Rachelle Paul, Saint Peter’s University Director of Athletics, Mia LeLand, Markham Place Student, and her mother, Andrea LeLand |
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The Team at Tigger Stavola Foundation - Rosanna Fazio, Andrea LeLand, Tim Paul, and Carley Dietrick |
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Frozen shark, Carley Dietrick with her husband Zach Dietrick |
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Tamara Woolley, Frank Olivadotti Jr., and Barbara Goldfarb - Supporters of TSF |
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Update on TSF's Scholarship Program |
Since the Tigger Stavola Scholarship launched in February, applications have rolled in with many great candidates. All applications were due on April 1, and we are pleased to announce that we've received applications from students at Rumson-Fair Haven High School, Trinity Hall High School, Wall High School, Middletown High School South and Middletown High School North!
The TSF Scholarship was offered to any student at a participating school who felt they had been a positive role model either in the community or for their peers. Eligible students were required to be high school seniors pursuing a two-year college degree. The foundation is looking forward to continuing to partner with schools in the community next year. Please stay tuned for future announcements!
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TSF and Open Heart Yoga Participate in Markham CARES Day |
On April 8th, TSF was invited to Markham Place School in Little Silver to participate in Markham CARES Day, a local program offered to sixth graders. The program included five local non-profits with a common goal to promote Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self Control (CARES).
This year, TSF was invited to participate and was excited to have the opportunity to speak with a younger age group. The students were very enthusiastic as Team Tigger led them in a conversation about leadership, community, and making healthy choices.
Mary Ansell, the owner of Open Heart Yoga and a TSF partner in the community, also participated and discussed the importance of breathing, stretching, and mindfulness with students.
Overall, the program was well-received by all, and Team Tigger is looking forward to coming back next year!
Interested in trying a class at Open Heart Yoga? Find them at their new location at Anderson/Sickles Building, 200 Monmouth Street, 4th Floor. Click here to learn more or try a class!
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Meet Dr. Kristen Spencer, TSF Ambassador! |
Kristen is a medical oncologist specializing in treating patients with gastrointestinal cancers. She obtained her undergraduate degree and Master's in Public Health at Duke University and her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She completed her medicine residency and oncology fellowship at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Kristen recently started a new position as a Phase I Developmental Therapeutics Program Director at NYU!
Kristen began working with TSF in 2021 after the death of her younger brother, Bryan, due to an opioid overdose. She is also passionate about sexual assault and domestic violence education and intervention. She is a member of the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN) Speakers Bureau and an educator for the Safe, Not Sorry program in conjunction with the Holmdel Police Department.
In her free time, Kristen enjoys tennis, hiking, time spent with her family and friends, and hanging out with her dog Oliver. She is honored to be an Ambassador with TSF!
We would like to formally welcome Kristen and congratulate her on her new role at NYU!
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We Are Looking for High School Volunteers!
Interested in becoming involved with TSF? Team Tigger needs your help! We're looking for high school students to assist with fundraising activities, including helping around the Red Bank office, helping spread the word about TSF to local businesses, making phone calls in preparation for the annual gala, etc. You'll have the opportunity to earn hours that can be used to meet National Honor Society requirements. This is also a great way to grow professional skills and build a resume for college!
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Interested in Becoming a TSF Ambassador? |
The TSF Ambassador Program began as a group of friends joined by the common experience of losing a loved one to addiction. This group felt compelled to make a difference in their communities and to strengthen the impact of the TSF mission.
Over the years, this program has expanded to include all members of the community who passionately believe in ending the opioid epidemic.
TSF Ambassadors are the boots-on-the-ground advocates in the community who understand what our community needs, engage those impacted by addiction, and share the mission of TSF.
Team Tigger views our Ambassadors as pivotal members of our team. Not only are they an extension of the TSF mission within the community, but they are also acting as a role model to the next generation of leaders. Their personal success stories, leadership role(s), triumphs, and tribulations are all meaningful to the role of a Tigger Stavola Ambassador.
As an Ambassador, TSF provides personal and professional development workshops, opportunities to sit on committees, involvement in Student Alliance activities and program development, and so much more.
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Thank you for letting us share our news and what means most to us at TSF - the people we get to connect with! We hope everyone has a nice holiday weekend and would like to wish all those celebrating a very Happy Easter and Passover!
To keep up to date with TSF programming and events, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
As always, should someone you care about be struggling with addiction, our Addiction Navigator is always available at 732-865-1559 for support and resources.
With love,
Tigger Stavola Foundation
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Support Tigger Stavola Foundation through one-time donations or monthly giving. Your donations help TSF continue our mission and grow our programs. |
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Save the Date!
Tigger Stavola Foundation's Annual Gala - October 1, 2022
Beach Yoga with Open Heart Yoga - July 2022
2nd Annual Danny Gaughran/The Butcher's Block/TSF Golf Outing at Trump National,
Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and you are seeking help, please reach out to our Addiction Navigator at carley@tiggerstavolafoundation.org or 732-865-1559. We are here to offer support and provide a list of options so that you and your family can make the best choice together.
Want to Get Involved?
If you know someone who may be interested in learning more about TSF, please forward this newsletter to a friend!
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