PARK RIDGE, N.J.—As part of its Month of Giving program, Jersey Mike’s at Park Ridge’s Ridgemont Shopping Center will donate a percentage of all sales on Monday, March 29 and Tuesday, March 30 to American Legion Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial Post 153.
Let the cashier know that you want to support this local veterans organization when paying your bill.
The post, struggling against a dire financial situation—it’s nearly $25,000 in the red—says it much appreciates this opportunity. The post are local veterans, sons of veterans, and an auxiliary unit.
Jersey Mike’s, at 185 S. Kinderkamack Road, is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers a variety of hot and cold sub sandwiches and catering boxes. Orders can be customized; pickup and delivery are available. If ordering via the store’s app, send a copy of your receipt to store manager Ryan Rebasch, at rrebasch@gmail.com, and the post will receive credit.
Meanwhile, the Chestnut Ridge Road Exxon Tigermarket donated $1,500 to the post: funds from the store and its customers. Its owners say they’re just “paying it forward.”
Hard times strike good folks
The Legionnaires are looking to make up for losses due to the post’s lack of events and fundraisers due to Covid-19 in 2020. The post plans and executes many community events in the tri-boro area, including the Memorial Day Parade and Sept. 11 and Veterans Day observances, and relies on fundraising to make these events happen.
On its website, Post 153, a 501(c)19 registered non-profit, says, “Thanks to all who have generously contributed to our 2021 Revitalization Fund. The pandemic has caused us to cancel all fundraisers, meetings, rentals, and member functions.”
It says the pandemic has also hampered members’ ability to contribute to veterans programs and charitable efforts in the community. “We hope that our annual Memorial Day parade will take place this year and are waiting for guidance from local and state government.”
Mayor Keith Misciagna supports the Jersey Mike’s fundraiser, and said in his weekly update to residents last week, “If you aren’t able to participate, please consider sending a donation directly to the post.”
He said the post has been unable to rent out its hall in nearly 12 months and that its expenses have exceeded revenue by almost $24,000.
“Essentially, the pandemic has brought to a halt all sources of the post’s revenue. The Legion is made up of veterans who take the lead in some of our most sacred ceremonies. These commemorate some of our bravest and most selfless residents who have served our country and their members continue to serve our community,” he said.
Misciagna noted Commander Steve Stewart recently requested his members dig deeper to help keep the post going, and his honor now turns to all residents in a direct appeal:
“Consider making a donation if you can. Tax deductible donations can be sent to: American Legion Post 153, 118 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Consider sending a check payable to American Legion Post 153; no amount too big or too small and all donations are greatly appreciated.”
Misciagna added, “The Legion is always there when we need them; let’s be there for them.”
A record of giving back
To celebrate Jersey Mike’s 11th Annual Month of Giving fundraising campaign, its locations across the country are joining forces with more than 200 local charities.
According to a company press release, during the month of March customers can make donations through the Jersey Mike’s mobile app or onsite. Charities include hospitals, youth organizations, food banks, and more. As added incentive, special deals will be announced each week on Twitter and through Jersey Mike’s email club.
The campaign culminates with a nationwide Day of Giving, on Wednesday, March 31, “when local Jersey Mike’s owners and operators will donate their resources and every dollar that comes in to local charities.”
At its first nationwide fundraiser, in 2011, all of Jersey Mike’s 454 locations raised $600,000 for 66 charities. Since then, Jersey Mike’s annual Month of Giving has raised more than $32 million for local charities, the company says.
This year, Jersey Mike’s says it hopes to raise a record-breaking $8 million for local charities striving to fulfill their missions and make a difference.
Chestnut Ridge Road Exxon Tigermarket donates
Speaking of his business’s donation to the post, Chestnut Ridge Road Exxon Tigermarket co-owner Martin Gallagher III told Pascack Press last week, “During the tough times we’re all going through this seemed like a good time to reflect on organizations and individuals that inspire us through their charity and generosity.”
Gallagher, who runs the business with his brother, Brian—and said the donation was in customer support and store matching funds—said, “It also reminded us of the many organizations we’ve helped along the way during our 47-plus years in business at this location. Maybe we can inspire others to ‘pay it forward’ if they’ve been helped by someone.”
He said, “Generosity takes many forms, not just monetary donations.”
The Gallaghers said they donated to the post with their father in mind. Martin J. Gallagher Jr. of Montvale was a Post 153 member and U.S. Navy veteran. He died in 2019.
The Gallaghers also have:
- Raised and donated more than $10,500 to the VFW to benefit wounded vets;
- Raised and donated $5,500 to the American Legion;
- Raised and donated more than $2,000 to the American Red Cross;
- Raised and donated more than $5,500 to the Montvale D.A.R.E. program as its primary sponsor in the 1990s;
- Acquired more than $22,000 in grants for schools in Montvale and Park Ridge since 2001 through the ExxonMobil Educational Foundation;
- Donated more than 17,000 pairs of disposable gloves, as well as hundreds of masks, water bottles, nutrition bars, and hand sanitizers, to Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, and Upper Saddle River police departments and The Valley Hospital; and
- Supported charities and events to benefit dozens of local organizations such as Montvale PBA, Tomorrow’s Children Fund, Knights of Columbus, Montvale Fire Department, and Saddle River Valley Lions Club.
Just celebrated its centennial
American Legion Post 153 was chartered Sept. 29, 1919 as the Pascack Valley Memorial Post 153 American Legion. Founding members received the charter from national headquarters in Indianapolis.
According to past commander and Centennial Chairman Dick Bozzone, in the leadup to centennial activities, including an open house, in 2019, “This charter was received after returning doughboys from the Great War, later referred to as World War I, with Navy and Marine veterans gathered to incorporate their centennial post.”
He said the American Legion, chartered the same year, has become the largest veterans unit in the world, now boasting more than two and a half million members.
At the open house, in the upstairs hall, photos, artifacts, and other materials related to the history of the post were displayed. Light refreshments were available, and guests were encouraged to stop in.
In 2017, a memorial ceremony for USMC Medal of Honor recipient Jedh Colby Barker, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his supreme sacrifice, was held at Post 153.
For more information visit https://njalpost153.org.