(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – NJ Sharing Network (NJSN), the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State, has received a significant boost for its lifesaving mission with a generous $50,000 grant from KBC Advisors (KBC) to the Sharing Network Foundation.
As part of its “Big Give” program, KBC awards a $50,000 grant annually to a KBC employee’s charity of choice, selected through an application and committee review process. KBC’s contribution to the Sharing Network Foundation will support clinical advancements, family support initiatives, and public awareness and education about the benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
“We are honored to receive this generous funding through KBC’s Big Give program,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation. “KBC, along with our dedicated community partners and supporters, is a driving force behind our efforts to care for organ and tissue donor families and enrich the lives of transplant recipients, allowing them to share more special moments with their loved ones.”
Cait English, a Brokerage Professional at KBC, was deeply moved to nominate the Sharing Network Foundation because of her personal connection to its mission. In 2011, while still a high school student, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of a childhood friend who had selflessly registered as an organ donor just months before his passing. English’s bond with the organization grew even stronger in 2016 with the sudden loss of her mother-in-law, who was also a registered organ donor. Inspired by these experiences, English and her friends and family have collectively raised more than $40,000 in their memory and actively participate each year in NJSN’s 5K Celebration of Life.
“KBC Advisors’ contribution will honor the legacy of sacrifice and service to others that organ donors leave behind,” said English. “NJ Sharing Network has helped me turn my grief into gratitude, and my hope is that this grant will provide others with the same opportunity to find healing and hope.”
One organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. However, the opportunity to give the gift of life is extremely rare – not everyone who registers as a donor is able to donate after they pass away. In fact, less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to be an organ donor. To learn more about organ donation, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION
Pictured here are (left-to-right) Michael McGee; Cait English, KBC Brokerage Professional; Janet Zanetich, Manager of Philanthropy, Sharing Network Foundation; and Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation. (PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
