The Remembering Jamie Foundation will host its annual Italian Dinner Night on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Egg Harbor Township. The event continues a longstanding community tradition that brings friends, families and supporters together in remembrance and purpose.
The fundraiser honors the life of Jamie Crescenzo, whose life was cut short in a car accident on Feb. 18, 2000, while traveling to work during severe weather conditions. She was 20 years old. Jamie was a graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School and a full-time student at Atlantic Cape Community College, where she was pursuing her education at the time.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Jamie’s parents, Jim and Margaret Crescenzo, sought a way to honor their daughter’s life while helping others move forward. They established the Remembering Jamie Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the values Jamie lived by — a strong sense of family, commitment to education, generosity toward others and active involvement in the community.
Each year, the foundation awards scholarships to graduating students from Egg Harbor Township High School, Atlantic Cape Community College and Stockton University. In addition to scholarships, the foundation provides grants to local organizations that support youth and vulnerable populations, including the Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League and Covenant House.
Now in its 26th year, the Italian Dinner Night remains the foundation’s primary fundraiser and a meaningful annual gathering for those who knew Jamie as well as those who have come to learn her story through the foundation’s work. Over the years, countless scholarship recipients have remained in contact with the Crescenzo family, sharing updates on their education, careers and lives, and expressing appreciation for the encouragement they received at a pivotal moment. Jim Crescenzo has often said the scholarships represent far more than financial assistance. He describes them as a vote of confidence — a sign that someone believes in a student’s potential and future.
At the time of the accident, Jamie was both a full-time employee at the Mays Landing CVS and a full-time student at Atlantic Cape Community College. She had been accepted to Stockton University for the following semester to continue her education. Jamie’s legacy of kindness and service continues to inspire. She was active in her high school Key Club, served as manager of the girls basketball team and was known for her quiet generosity toward coworkers and friends in need. Those qualities remain at the heart of the foundation’s mission.
Proceeds from the Italian Dinner Night directly support the foundation’s ongoing scholarship and grant programs. Tickets and additional information are available at www.rememberingjamie.org
