JTB Foundation Instrumental in Advancing National Bill to Improve Emergency Preparedness in Schools
n September, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation inspired by Kittim Sherod, Brandon James and John Babbitt, all high school students who died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
The HEARTS Act (Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools) was re- introduced by U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (D – 6th District – NJ) in December 2023 after nearly a decade-long quest to improve sudden cardiac arrest training and JTB was there and spoke about the importance of passing this critical piece of legislation.
JOANNE BABBITT in Washington, DC to raise awareness about the importance of passing the Hearts Act.
HCM, commonly known as an enlarged heart, is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in people under 30. Athletes comprise 20% of all HCM-related deaths in the United States, studies show. “I introduced the HEARTS Act because too many young people are tragically dying from sudden cardiac arrest…” Pallone said in a statement when re-introducing the bill.
Earlier this year, the bill was amended to include key aspects of the Damar Hamlin sponsored “Access To AEDS Act” which further strengthened the support for this critical piece of legislation.
The HEARTS Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with other agencies and
stakeholders, to develop and distribute educational resources on cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of disability and sudden cardiac death among young people. The bill also calls for guidelines regarding the placement of AEDS in schools and child care centers, the establishment of cardiac arrest response plans and information on CPR training.
JOANNE BABBITT SPEAKS at the press conference introducing the Hearts Act at Edison High School, N.J.
In addition to support from the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation, endorsements were received from the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation, and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. “Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a public health crisis,” said Mary Newman, president of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. “It strikes 356,000 people a year in the U.S., including 23,000 youth. Enacting this legislation will undoubtedly help improve the current survival rate of (less than) 10 percent not only in schools, but also in communities.”
The Hearts Act had more than 100 co-sponsors in the House and bipartisan support in the Senate. The bill now heads to the Senate (note: as of October 2024) for approval.
Smart Heart Sports Coalition Achieves Major Milestones
he JTB Foundation is excited to share news about the progress being made by the Smart Heart Sports Coalition.
Launched in 2023 by the National Football League, along with other major sports organizations and leading patient and health advocacy groups, the Smart Heart Sports Coalition advocates for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies that will help prevent fatal outcomes from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) among high school students. These include: (1) an athletic emergency action plan that is venue specific, widely distributed, posted rehearsed, and updated annually;
REPRESENTATIVES FROM the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, and Starting Hearts, with JoAnne Babbitt at the Smart Heart Sports Coalition Stakeholders Conference.
(2) clearly marked automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at each venue; and (3) CPR education, including AED training, for coaches. The coalition has 40 member organizations including Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation and other
A LETTER FROM THE BABBITT FAMILY
ear Friends and Supporters,
What an exciting and busy time for us! We are pleased to announce that the Foundation has grown this year in various ways. We have increased the Foundation’s footprint at the Jersey Shore with our first successful charity fundraiser at Monmouth Park in Ocean Township. More importantly, we are working with local community organizations to help us communicate our heart-safe message across Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Meeting new people who embrace our mission has indeed been a gift.
We hope you enjoy reading about how the JTB Foundation has entered the national stage with its active participation in the Smart Heart Sports Coalition and the National AED & CPR Rally this past June in Washington, D.C. The alliances created in these forums allow us to share our successes and learn from colleagues across the country about how to improve and execute our strategy to save lives.
In last year’s newsletter, we discussed partnering with other organizations to have a greater impact. The seeds we planted with Morristown Memorial Hospital, Duke University, and other national organizations like Parent Heart Watch continue to grow.
Most importantly….. did we mention growing? We are overjoyed that our own family has
also grown this year as Andrew and Colleen welcomed Owen Murphy Babbitt on May 18th. Owen joins his older brother John (age 3), and we cannot wait to watch them experience all the wonderful things this great big beautiful world has to offer!
As John Taylor Babbitt Foundation supporters, we consider you part of the team. We thank you for your commitment to our mission of saving lives and creating heart-safe communities. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way with training and acquiring AEDs.
With much gratitude, The Babbitt Family
John Taylor Babbitt Foundation Goals and Objectives
he John Taylor Babbitt Foundation is a notfor-profit 501(c)-3 organization founded in John’s memory and dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death.
Goals and Objectives:
• Install defibrillators (AEDs) in schools, athletic venues and public gathering places and facilitate training of individuals in the use of AEDs and CPR
• Propose and sponsor legislative efforts to encourage widespread placement of AEDs
• Raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and the key role of bystanders in saving lives
• Fund research on genetic cardiac disorders that increase risk of sudden cardiac death
• Promote and support screening for sudden cardiac arrest risk factors
Research:
• Support research on genetic cardiac disorders, including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and other diseases that increase the risk of sudden cardiac death
Screening:
• Promote screening programs to identify individuals at risk for sudden cardiac arrest and efforts aimed at improving the accuracy and cost effectiveness of screening programs
Defibrillators and Training:
• Provide assistance for the planning, purchase and deployment of defibrillators
• Deliver and sponsor training programs in CPR/AED
Legislation:
• Propose legislation and advocate for state-level and federal laws on defibrillators
• Work on municipal policies and procedures to support the purchase and maitenance of defibrillators
Awareness and Education:
• Raise awareness of cardiac arrest and how to save lives at high schools, universities and among young adults
• Team on educational campaigns and outreach with the American Heart Association, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, Parent Heart Watch and other organizations
Contact info: For more information go to www.jtbfoundation.org. Also on Facebook
“The John Taylor Babbitt Foundation,” Instagram “John Taylor Babbitt Foundation,” and Twitter @thejtbtweet
Address: PO Box 698 Chatham, NJ 07928
973-722-1212
National CPR & AED Awareness Week
n early June the weather could not have been better for, hundreds of people to descend on our nation’s capital in recognition of National CPR & AED Awareness Week. A march and rally, planned and coordinated by Ed Kosiek from Every Second Counts Foundation, was held to raise awareness about the importance of bystander CPR and use of an AED. The attendees marched from the National Mall to
JTB BOARD MEMBER Frances Chester, JTB President and Co-founder Dave Babbitt and In A Heartbeat Foundation President Mike Papale at the start of the march
the Capitol, and a second march was held the following day to the White House. The highlight of the two-day event included onsite CPRAED training in front of the White House, a CPR AED contest, dissemination of sudden cardiac arrest information and visits with legislative representatives to discuss the Hearts Act.
“It was great to meet so many people from organizations that share our passion to save lives and engage in meaningful dialog about
PARTICIPANTS DOING CPR on the National Mall at the CPR & AED Awareness Rally & March
sudden cardiac arrest and our respective initiatives to prevent death,” said Dave Babbitt. “Each year this event continues to grow, and I cannot wait to see what next year brings to our collective movement.”
Plans are currently underway for the 2025 National CPR & AED Rally & March scheduled for June 5th – 7th in Washington D.C. We would love for you to join us so SAVE THE DATE for this impactful event!
Did You Know??? Most Cardiac Arrests Occur
at Home
ost people think sudden cardiac arrests occur in a gym or at work, but that is not the case. Approximately 74% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in a home, with only a 6% survival rate. These alarming statistics have created an important initiative to establish “Heart Safe” homes across the United States. “Everyone knows to find a fire extinguisher in case of a fire or find a safe place in a bathroom or basement if a tornado should strike. But what do you do if a family member becomes non-responsive?”, said Dave Babbitt.
The Kalmowitz family from Jackson NJ knows all too well what to do. Tyler Kalmowitz and his family recently jumped into action to save his father, Rob, who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest event at home. Immediately after calling 911, Tyler began performing CPR. The 911 dispatcher stayed on the phone and advised the family to move Rob from the bed to a hard floor. Tyler’s mom and sister waited outside the
Gene Therapy Funding Provided To Duke University Shows Promising Results
ith support from the JTB Foundation, Duke University has been pursuing a new approach to gene therapy to treat patients with arrhythmic cardiomyopathy (ACM). Patients with ACM are at risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias, which can lead to cardiac arrest and heart failure. There are no therapies that can slow or reverse the progression of ACM. We know that many forms of ACM are caused by genetic mutations that can be passed down in families. Understanding these genetic mutations is key to understanding who is at risk, how the disease progresses, and perhaps for new therapies. Recently, there has been tremendous excitement around correcting these mutations and whether fixing the genetic defects of patients might be a new therapeutic area for ACM. This is known as gene therapy.
viruses. However, the new virus being used is able to not only carry the gene therapy but can successfully deliver it. When tested in human heart cells, this new virus can deliver
DR. ANDREW LANDSTROM, MD PhD Director - Duke University Research Scholars and the gene therapy research team.
The ability to deliver gene therapies to the heart has become of increasing interest. Duke University has been trialing a new approach for gene therapy using cardiac myocytes made from individuals with ACM. The lab has been working on packaging a new gene therapy into a specific kind of virus with a larger size capable of delivering a unique payload into the heart. This payload is too big for traditional gene therapy
a new gene therapy payload successfully, and the gene therapy survives within the heart cells for days and weeks with one treatment. In addition, the heart cells are tolerating the gene therapy well without signs of cell harm. Current experiments in the Lab are working to show that this gene therapy approach can be effective in helping patients with ACM and that it corrects the cellular abnormalities that lead to arrhythmias and heart failure. The team hopes this approach might yield a new pathway for treating patients with ACM.
house for the local police and emergency services to arrive, therefore helping to avoid delays in getting to Rob. Tyler continued doing CPR as instructed by the 911 dispatcher until the police used an AED, which revived his father.
Rob Kalmowitz is one of the growing numbers of at home sudden cardiac arrest survivors thanks to the quick actions of his family and other first responders. As Rob recently told Dave Babbitt, “the important actions that saved my life were: calling 911, starting CPR, a quick police response time and an AED”.
The JTB Foundation hears stories about cardiac arrest all the time and loves to hear when attempts to resuscitate a victim are successful! How can we shift the paradigm? How can we get that 6% survival rate up to 60%.... even higher? We encourage all our supporters to have that conversation around the dinner table. Share with one another the immediate action steps to take if a family member becomes non-responsive. Last but not least, learn CPR and how to use an AED as soon as possible.
Project Heartbeat Program Continues to Grow Thanks to JTB Support
n 2021, the JTB Foundation joined forces with Morristown Medical Center – Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute to help meet the increasing demand for automated external defibrillators within the community served by the hospital. Kevin McGovern, the Executive Director of Cardiovascular Services at Morristown Memorial Services, said, “This year we have provided 19 non-profit organizations with 21 AEDs and the appropriate education and training. These non-profit organizations range from food pantries, temples, churches, and youth sports programs.” He added, “Everyone is extremely appreciative, and the program is
successful due to the JTB Foundation’s efforts and generous support.”
Future plans call for expanding the scope of the program to include the creation of a truly “heart safe” community in Morristown, where given a sudden cardiac arrest event, access to an AED would take no more than 4 minutes. The Babbitts understand this is an ambitious task yet one that has been successfully implemented in a handful of communities across the nation. For additional information about Project Heartbeat, please contact the JTB Foundation at info@jtbfoundation.org or Kevin McGovern at kevin.mcgovern@atlantichealth.
THE KALMOWITZ FAMILY – Rob, Connie, Tyler and Julianna at the Day At The Races
2024 WALK WITH HEART
t is always great coming back each year to the Pingry Campus to welcome long-time supporters and meet many new faces. This was our 18th year gathering as a community to celebrate lives saved from sudden cardiac death
FAMILY AND FRIENDS gathering at the start of the 2024 Walk With Heart
and although we did have a few rain showers the night before, the weather cooperated as we gathered on what turned out to be a brisk May morning.
Dave Babbitt started the event by welcoming the 200 guests and invited everyone to enjoy homemade crumb cake, fruit salad, coffee,
bagels, and other snacks before the start of the walk. Once again, the competition was fierce as many guests took advantage of the CPR contest while others enjoyed participating in the raffle which featured homemade pies from The Able Baker in Maplewood, Amazon Gift cards, a TM Ward (Chatham NJ) gift basket and other assorted electronics and goodies.
This year’s theme was A Call To Action – The Importance of Lay Person Rescue. “I wanted to convey to our guests the importance of bystander CPR and use of an AED,” said JoAnne Babbitt. She added, “when faced with a sudden cardiac arrest event, you cannot wait for emergency services to arrive as time is the enemy.” The call to action is for all lay people to learn CPR and how to use an AED. JoAnne also asked those in attendance to do every-
thing in their power to ensure all places of public assembly were equipped with an AED. She added that learning CPR and how to use an AED in conjunction with discussing an emergency response action plan can improve a victim’s chance of survival from 5 to 7% up to nearly 70%.
JoAnne wrapped up her remarks by sharing John’s story with the guests. “I knew his story was going to be hard for me, our family
JTB SUPPORTERS BRAVING the brisk morning temperatures while raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest
Youth Making A Difference.... Heart Clubs At Schools
CHATHAM High School student making sudden cardiac arrest fact signs
TB Heart Club students have been busy this year when it comes to raising awareness about the importance of learning CPR and how to use an AED. It all starts at the beginning of the school year when plans are discussed and put in place to recognize Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month (October) and Heart Month (February). Clubs at Pingry, Chatham High School and Seton Hall Prep participated in a number of activities including an AED scavenger hunt, wear RED day in recognition of Heart Month, an American Heart Association Fashion Show, and creating sudden cardiac arrest fact signs to display around the school campus.
Excitement continues to build throughout the school year and culminates with the active participation of high school club members at the annual WALK WITH HEART held in May each year.
This year
EMMY CHAZEN proudly lets us know that 50,000 more lives can be saved with CPR and an AED
JTB welcomed a new Club from Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, NJ. Club members from Seton Hall Prep presented a check to the foundation at the Walk With Heart representing the proceeds of their fundraising efforts. Plans are in place to work with the students to identify an organization in need of an AED and CPR training.
PINGRY STUDENTS participate in the Go Red Fashion Show at the Bridgewater Mall during Heart Month
SETON HALL PREP STUDENT Scott Morgan (far right) and classmates present a $1,500 check to JTB at the Walk with Heart
HEART – A CALL TO ACTION
and John’s friends to hear but I also felt it needed to be told as it has been 18 years since John passed and therefore many did not know him or know the circumstances surrounding his untimely passing”. Her passionate delivery of his impactful short life left a lasting impression on all who heard it.
For the past 18 years, student ambassadors have hosted the WALK WITH HEART. This year’s Walk was a collaborative effort made up of over 50 students from JTB Heart Clubs at Chatham High School, Pingry and Seton Hall Prep. The students’ participation, enthusiasm
and commitment to creating “heart safe” communities are nothing short of amazing. As long-time foundation supporter Mary Peloquin said, “Year after year our youth show up to support this cause….they really get it!” Special recognition and many thanks go out this year to Oliver Neumann-Loreck and Emmy Chazen – Chatham High School; Mia Libretti and Lane Purcell – Pingry; and Scott Morgan –Seton Hall Prep for their leadership in making the 2024 WALK such a successful event by raising more than $50,000 towards our efforts to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest.
Donors Over $1000
e would like to thank all our donors for their generous support and recognize the following major contributors, all of whom gave the Foundation $1,000 or more.
Without generous donations from individuals, families, foundations, and corporations, our organization would not be able to continue making a difference in saving lives!
Tom and Kylen Anderson
Marianne Andreach
Stephen and Evelyn Auth
David and JoAnne Babbitt
Fred and Sandy Babbitt
William Babbitt
Alan and Penny Blake
Nick and Fran Boccella
Bill and Candi Booker
Amy Bradach and Mark Gibbens
Christ Church of Short Hills
Defibtech
Delta Financial Group
Sean and Kate Donovan
Diane Duffy and Walter Willinger/Duffy Family Trust
Rich and Dottie Fama
Jim and Annemarie Ferguson
Jim and Anne Greener
Mike and Kathleen Healy
Herman Goldman Foundation
Highline Hospitality Partners LLC
Bill and Patty Jewett
Janis Joseph and Dr. Al Ritter
Warren and Sarah Kimber
Bob and Sharon Kiss
Richard and LeeAnne Lan
Kirk and Diane Lucas
Rich and Deborah Mazzella
Dan and Clare McAloon
Gavin and Barbara McElroy
Jean and Mike McFadden
Dan and Lynn McLaughlin
Frank and Patty McNicholas
George and Margan Mulvaney
New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen Charitable Organization
O’Toole Family Foundation-
Brian and Leslie O’Toole
Edward and Robin Orazem
David and Diane Pasi
Mary Beth Peloquin
Frank and Jean Pfeffer
Frank and Lucille Plantemoli
Platinum Filings LLC
Mike and Joan Pompeo
Kevin and Lynn Reynolds
Rob and Marcy Rosen
Gerry Scales
Seton Hall Prep
Spring Lake – Brielle Rotary Club
The Able Baker – Julie Pauly (Owner)
Robert Thornton
Gifts through Charitable Events:
Fairmount Country Club –Ladies Sundowner’s Charity Event
The Bar Method – Madison –Heart Month fundraiser by Victoria Heskett in memory of Jackie Gyimesi
The Spring Lake 5 –Tom Healy
The Spring Lake 5 –
Stephen Auth
The Bennett Family – Facebook Birthday Fundraisers –Ken and Tanya
THE BABBITT FAMILY (L to R) Dave, JoAnne, Andrew, John and Colleen
DAVE AND JOANNE BABBITT greeting the 2024 Walk With Heart Guests
JTB HEART CLUB Student Ambassadors at the Walk With Heart
“DAY AT THE RACES” A Huge Success
IN – PLACE – SHOW was the lingo for the day as the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation hosted its first Jersey Shore charity event at Monmouth Park on August 31, 2024. Over 210 people enjoyed a fun day in the Terrace Club, overlooking the finish line, for an
ENJOYING THE DAY AT THE RACES are Gerry Scales, Patty Jewett and Cynthia Fitzpatrick
afternoon of thoroughbred racing. It was an exciting event for everyone, young and old. “For the past two years we have been thinking about hosting a second fundraiser in addition to our annual Walk With Heart and we really wanted something that would appeal to all age groups, said JoAnne Babbitt. “Day At The Races certainly exceeded our expectations and we were so excited about welcoming first time event attendees who hopefully will become long time foundation supporters.”
JTB VOLUNTEER Deirdre Rock-Torcivia greeting visitors at the information booth
Dave Babbitt welcomed everyone and invited them to enjoy the delicious “tailgate themed” buffet and take a chance at some of the 30 unique chance and silent auction baskets. “Our guests really enjoyed the auction, said board member Gerry Scales, as it was another activity as they waited for the next race to start.” Most however would agree that the hat contest was the highlight of the afternoon. The judges had difficulty selecting the best hat, but Carol Boylan and Rob Rosen were declared the winners after much deliberation!
HAT CONTEST WINNER Rob Rosen with his family
JoAnne Babbitt provided an update about various foundation activities and accomplishments this year. She also introduced Mike Papale, founder of In A Heartbeat Foundation located in Wallingford Connecticut who spoke about his journey as a sudden cardiac survivor and the importance of CPR/ AED training in our communities. “Mike is with us today because a bystander took action, JoAnne told the crowd, and that is exactly what you need to do if you ever find yourself in the situation to help someone in cardiac arrest.”
As the saying goes, it takes a village! The Babbitt Family is so appreciative for all the support received from the Board of Directors as well as the many volunteers who gave so selflessly of their time and effort
IN A HEARTBEAT FOUNDATION founder Mike Papale sharing his survival story with Day At The Races guests
to make Day At The Races such an amazing success. They are also thankful for the generosity of all the event sponsors for without their financial support, this event would not have been possible.
JTB BOARD MEMBERS and Sponsor Representatives …at the finish line for the JTB race held in memory of John Taylor Babbitt
Smart Heart Sports Coalition Achieves Major Milestones
nationally recognized organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, American College of Cardiology, Parent Heart Watch, NBA, NFL, and the NHL, just to name a few.
According to JoAnne Babbitt, “When we started the coalition, 43 states needed to adopt at least one policy to have all three in place. The progress we have made in the past year has been amazing, with at least 18 states having all three policies in place. This work is very labor intensive as each state decides which policies are implemented.”
In addition to numerous legislative achievements, the Smart Hearts Coalition Programming Committee, of which JTB is a participant, launched the “AEDS for Youth” Program. “AEDs for Youth” offers new AEDs, essential accessories, and device management support to all K-12 schools as well as youth sports organizations across the country at substantial discounts. Additional resources, which can be found on the Smart Heart Sports Coalition website, include guidelines for placement and installation of AEDs, an AED comparison chart, and instructions for how to take advantage of the discount pricing.
It certainly has been an active and productive year for the Smart Heart Sports Coalition members. “Recognizing forward movement and the achievement of key milestones is so rewarding, especially when those achievements help to create a heart safe world,” said JoAnne Babbitt.
THE JOHN TAYLOR BABBITT FOUNDATION is proud to be part of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition and the launch of the AEDS for Youth program.
In 2024 the Foundation Donated 41 AEDs and Trained Over 1,200 People
John’s Story
JJ
ohn was 16 years old when he collapsed and died from an undetected heart condition while playing basketball with his friends. He was a 2003 graduate of St. Patrick’s School in Chatham N.J. and a junior at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge. An avid sports fan, John played football, basketball, soccer and baseball. His knowledge of sports was legendary, and he loved nothing more than sharing that knowledge with his friends and family.
Virtuous, decent, kind and caring, John was a great friend, brother, son and grandson. He always listened when people wanted to talk and had the ability to bring a smile to the faces of those he touched.
John Taylor Babbitt Foundation Trustees and Board of Directors
President David C Babbitt Chatham, NJ
Vice President JoAnne Taylor Babbitt Chatham, NJ
Treasurer Gerald Scales Dobbs Ferry, NY
Secretary Diane Duffy M adison, NJ
Marianne Andreach Basking Ridge, NJ
Andrew Babbitt Hoboken, NJ
Frances Chester Chatham, NJ
Kathleen Donovan Chatham, NJ
Sean Donovan Chatham, NJ
Marian Joyce Sarasota, FL
Jason Kluger New York, NY
LeeAnne Lan Chatham, NJ
Martin S. Maron, MD
Beth Israel Lahey Health - Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Burlington, MA
Michael Martinez Hoboken, NJ
Patrick McCahill Jr. Madison, NJ
Mike Papale – President - In A Heartbeat Foundation Stamford, CT
Chuck Pomerantz Johns Island, SC
Leslie Wolfson Peapack, NJ
Inventive ways to give
orporate matching, pre-tax payroll deduction, or designating JTB for your corporate donations are great ways to support the mission and activities of the JTB Foundation.
Most corporate programs allow you to direct your donation to any registered tax-exempt nonprofit organization in the U.S., including the JTB Foundation.
If your company has a United Way program, a corporate matching or pre-tax payroll deduction program, please consider leveraging them to help us save lives from sudden cardiac arrest. Contact the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation at 973-722-1212 or email info@jtbfoundation.org.
@TheJTBtweet @jtbfoundation.org @jtb_foundation
Babbitt Ball brings 500 young professionals to Manhattan
he second year for the Babbitt Ball in February at the New York Athletic Club on Central Park South brought an overwhelming response from 500 guests, most of them young New York and New Jersey professionals.
Fundraising Events Raise Funds....and Friends
work of the foundation but about heart safety in general.
t’s not just about raising funds, it’s about building a community of supporters who believe in your cause”, said JoAnne Babbitt, about fundraising events hosted by friends, family and philanthropic organizations.
“Everyone says it is the social event of the year,” said JoAnne Babbitt, vice president of the JTB Foundation. “It was a great success.”
The JTB Foundation started the Babbitt Ball last year with an eye toward reaching out to the millennial crowd, not only to make them aware of the
Fundraisers benefitting the foundation this year included a “Heart Month” fundraiser hosted by The Bar Method in Madison NJ. Victoria Heskett recommended the idea in memory of her mother Jackie Gyimesi who had a heart condition. The foundation was also the beneficiary of Fairmount Country Club’s “Sundowners” Charity Golf event which raised $6.5K in support of the foundation’s efforts to prevent sudden cardiac death. In May, JTB participated in the Spring Lake 5
FAIRMOUNT COUNTRY CLUB
“Sundowners” Charity Golf Event –(l to r) Birgit Mitsch, Nancy Ross and Fran Boccella
“How do you get the millennial generation to become aware of sudden cardiac arrest and become advocates for emergency treatment?” asked foundation board member Andrew Babbitt, 26, who works at Deloitte in New York. “We thought we could accomplish that at a gala and formed a group of about 30 young people to organize it.”
Mile Race (SL5). Always a fan favorite, the SL5 is the official “Jersey Shore” kick-off to summer event, and this year the JTB team set a record by raising over $8,000 for the foundation.
“We are so thankful for all the fundraisers, grants, and gifts that benefit the JTB foundation,” said Dave Babbitt. “We have met so many inspirational people who really care about our mission and want to help us on our journey.”
Many on the committee, he said, were friends of his brother John, a student at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge who died 11 years ago at the age of 16 from Sudden Cardiac Arrest at a basketball game. The friends reached back with John as far as grammar school. Moreover, Andrew’s friends from Pingry, Holy Cross and the Chatham area also came forward to serve and did an incredible job.
BAR METHOD “Heart
Babbitt Ball. From left are Anthony Cordio, Christine Mascera, and Enza and Tony Cordio of Garden City, New York.
Beside delicious food and dancing to a great band, there was a photo booth and a chance auction featuring mixology lessons, tickets to the musical “Hamilton,” tickets to a Coldplay concert, dinners at Peter Luger steakhouse in Brooklyn and Red Rooster in Harlem, and the opportunity to learn to “fly” on the trapeze at The Trapeze School of New York on Pier 40 overlooking the Hudson River and in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
However, the event wasn’t just a night of fun and young professional networking. After a short talk about training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillators
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS from the metropolitan area packed the Babbitt Ball in February at the New York Athletic Club, among them Kelly Peloquin (right) and Julianna Fricchione, both of Manhattan.
(AEDs), the foundation had more than 60 ballgoers sign up for training at CPR123, a professional lifesaving training firm in Manhattan.
Primary sponsor of the ball was BCB Community Bank, with locations in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union Counties. Platinum sponsors included: Julianna Fricchione, Marianne Andreach, John Chestnut, Dave and Barbara Murphy, and Ed and Peggy Wolf. ♥
AGES MIXED at February’s
SL5 – Jean McFadden and Kathy Connolly engaging in pre-race strategy planning.
SPRING LAKE 5 (SL5) Team - John Taylor Babbitt Foundation
Month” Fundraiser –Victoria Heskett and JoAnne Babbitt
