Summit’s Annual Turkey Drive Highlights 25-Year Legacy of the Other Fellow First Foundation
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SUMMIT, NJ – The Summit community turned out Sunday for the 18th annual Frozen Turkey Drive, a memorable day of giving that also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Other Fellow First Foundation’s decades of support for neighbors in need.
As cars rolled down Union Place outside the Summit Diner, volunteers greeted each vehicle with enthusiasm, accepting frozen turkeys, groceries, and cash donations. The air buzzed with excitement as families, friends, and first responders exchanged smiles, waved to familiar faces, and took part in a community tradition that has grown over nearly two decades. |
Summit Community to Gather for the Annual Frozen Turkey Drive, Celebrating 25 Years of Other Fellow First Foundation
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SUMMIT, NJ — Autumn’s colors swirl along Union Place as the city prepares for a signature moment of generosity.
On Sunday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m., just outside the iconic Summit Diner, the Other Fellow First Foundation (OFFF) will host its 18th Annual Frozen Turkey Drive — while marking its 25th anniversary of quietly supporting neighbors in crisis. The event reflects a long-standing partnership with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), which helps ensure that the collected food reaches families in need across the state. |
Summit’s Other Fellow First Foundation Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Frozen Turkey Drive and Tribute to First Responders
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SUMMIT, NJ — For 25 years, the Other Fellow First Foundation (OFFF) has quietly provided Summit residents in need with rapid, discreet financial assistance, often stepping in during moments of crisis when time is critical.
Central to that effort is the long-standing collaboration with the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, a full volunteer emergency service that responds to every call without charging residents or relying on city funding. Leah Griffith, president of the First Aid Squad, emphasized the synergy between the two organizations. |
Community, Compassion, and First Responders: Summit Celebrates 25 Years of the Other Fellow First Foundation
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SUMMIT, N.J. — The crisp autumn air on Sunday, November 23, will carry a deeper meaning for the Hilltop City.
As the community gathers for the 19th Annual Frozen Turkey Drive, the event will brandish an additional badge of honor: the 25th anniversary of the Other Fellow First Foundation (OFFF). This milestone marks a quarter‑century of swift, discreet aid to residents in crisis — and this year the spotlight turns to those on the front lines of that mission: Summit’s first responders. |
Other Fellow First Marks 25 Years with Summit Police at Annual Turkey Drive
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SUMMIT, NJ – As the Other Fellow First Foundation (OFFF) celebrates its 25th anniversary, the milestone will be marked alongside this year’s Annual Frozen Turkey Drive on Nov. 23 — an event that Summit Police Chief Ryan Peters says reflects the organization’s deep impact on the community.
“Community policing, for us, is a part of our main mission and our philosophy,” Peters said. “We’re always looking to bridge that gap between the police department and the community. And I think Other Fellow First allows us to bridge that gap with people who are in need as well.” |
'Other Fellow First' Marks 25 Years by Celebrating Summit and Its First Responders
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SUMMIT, NJ – For 25 years, the Other Fellow First Foundation has quietly woven generosity into the fabric of Summit, serving as the town’s safety net — and on Sunday, Nov. 23, the community will celebrate that impact at this year’s Annual Frozen Turkey Drive.
“This year, it’s not just a Turkey Drive — it’s our 25th birthday party,” said David Haire, vice president of the foundation. “We’re welcoming the whole community to come together, bring their families, and celebrate while helping others.” |
Other Fellow First Foundation Marks 25 Years of Quiet Service as Turkey Drive Nears
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SUMMIT, N.J. — The Other Fellow First Foundation, a grassroots nonprofit known for its swift and discreet response to families in crisis, is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary at this year’s 18th Annual Frozen Turkey Drive on Nov. 23.
Founded in 2000 by Summit Diner owner Jim Greberis and resident Brett Haire, and later expanded with the leadership of former Mayor Jordan Glatt, the foundation has become a steady presence in town, offering emergency aid in moments when speed and dignity matter most. |
How Summit Diner’s Exterior Restoration Grant Came Together in a Day
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SUMMIT, N.J. — So many residents were thrilled to learn about the grant that the Summit Diner received, which TAPinto Summit reported on Wednesday.
But few know the amount of hustle and behind-the-scenes work it took to make the project a reality. In a remarkable 24-hour turnaround, the Summit Diner secured a $50,000 grant for exterior restoration, thanks to the swift action of Summit Downtown, Inc. Nancy Adams, Executive Director of Summit Downtown, Inc., coordinated the application process after Mayor Fagan and Councilwoman Hamlet alerted her to the opportunity. |
Summit NJ's Record Turkey Drive Brings Holiday Cheer
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SUMMIT, NJ -- With Thanksgiving just a few short days away, Sunday proved to be a momentous day for the Other Fellow First Foundation -- a local volunteer organization that looks to put a smile on the faces of so many families that may be facing hard times and struggling to enjoy a bountiful turkey day with all the trimmings.
During its 17th Annual Frozen Turkey Drive, the group collected a record five tons of turkeys donated by a generous local neighbors, who dropped their food off outside the front of the Summit Diner, where it was all placed on a 36-foot tractor trailer waiting to ship the goods off to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. |
Local Non-Profit Delivers Teddy Bears to First Responders
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SUMMIT, NJ - A local non-profit is looking to help children in Summit who may need a little extra boost.
The Other Fellow First Foundation donated 50 teddy bears last week to The Summit Rescue Squad and Summit Police Department, to give to children during times of crisis. “We are lucky to have such a dedicated Police Department and Rescue Squad who always run toward danger to protect our community,” said Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan. |
Thank You, Summit
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Thank you, Summit!
More than 2 decades ago, we started our little foundation with a mission to help Summit-Area families in crisis. We established our “world headquarters” at the Summit Diner, a local institution that reflects our mission to remain small, bureaucracy-free and community-based. We serve anyone in need, regardless of race, religion or life circumstances. If we learn of someone in an immediate financial emergency, we are set up to quickly respond and provide support. We are the “safety net” for our community. |
We Need Your Help
Dear Friend,
The Other Fellow First Foundation has had the privilege of providing emergency financial support to Summit-area families in crisis for over two decades.
One of our most rewarding efforts was rallying support for Edward Roman (who many of you will recognize from the Village Trattoria) in his fight to overcome cardiomyopathy, a fatal hereditary disease which took the lives of his mother and twin brother. Edward could have easily (and understandably) given up hope.
The Other Fellow First Foundation has had the privilege of providing emergency financial support to Summit-area families in crisis for over two decades.
One of our most rewarding efforts was rallying support for Edward Roman (who many of you will recognize from the Village Trattoria) in his fight to overcome cardiomyopathy, a fatal hereditary disease which took the lives of his mother and twin brother. Edward could have easily (and understandably) given up hope.
However, with the generous help of the Summit community and the Other Fellow First Foundation, he soldiered on and received a life-saving heart transplant.
Miraculously, Edward has returned to work at Village Trattoria; he and Linda have been blessed with a beautiful son named Leon.
Please watch the video below to hear Edward's story and please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Other Fellow First to help us continue our important work.
Miraculously, Edward has returned to work at Village Trattoria; he and Linda have been blessed with a beautiful son named Leon.
Please watch the video below to hear Edward's story and please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Other Fellow First to help us continue our important work.
Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting our little Foundation.
Thank you,
Jim Greberis, Jordan Glatt, Neale Trangucci, Courtney Zanelli, Mary Cummins, David Haire, Jamie Haire, Brett Haire
Thank you,
Jim Greberis, Jordan Glatt, Neale Trangucci, Courtney Zanelli, Mary Cummins, David Haire, Jamie Haire, Brett Haire
'Tons' of Support: Summit Community Once Again Delivers the Goods at 'Frozen Turkey Drive'
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SUMMIT, NJ - The Summit community once again showed the 'Frozen Turkey Drive' tons of support.
As in 3.5 tons ... of turkey. The 16th edition of gobble goodness and generosity that is the Other Fellow First Foundation's signature event collected 365 birds -- the afore-mentioned 3.5 tons -- along with 2.5 tons of groceries and more than $1,000 for the Community of FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ). The benevolence of the Hilltop City community filled up the CFBNJ truck on Union Place, and saw the event run out of collection boxes and pallets. |
Summit 'Frozen Turkey Drive' Set for Nov. 19
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SUMMIT, NJ - For 15 years, the Summit 'Frozen Turkey Drive' -- founded by Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation to help bring together those in need with those who have -- has operated under the belief that adversity doesn’t develop character, it reveals it.
The 16th edition of the Foundation's flagship event -- the 2023 'Frozen Turkey Drive' -- is just around the corner, once again providing Hilltop City residents with the opportunity to help those less fortunate. |
Community's Assistance Sought for Summit Electrician Whose Life Changed in an Instant
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SUMMIT, NJ - Most folks know the maxim that "Life can change in an instant."
However, when those words become reality, it can be -- at times -- wonderful, but also -- far too often -- the new reality can be devastating. Master electrician and crew leader Zenoviy (Zen) Khomyn checked all the boxes as ideal employee during his 13-years working at Summit's Oliver Browne & Sons -- soft-spoken, honest, hardworking, loyal, knowledgeable, and courteous. Ukrainian-born Zen holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the Lviv Polytechnic Institute in Ukraine. He immigrated to the US with his wife and daughter in 1996. |
Summit Foundation's Drive Collects Six Tons of Turkey for Area Residents in Need
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SUMMIT, NJ - The 15th Anniversary Summit Frozen Turkey Drive collected a bumper crop of birds, with the Summit community donating six tons of turkeys -- along with four tons of groceries and $4,000 cash -- through the annual event administered by the Other Fellow First Foundation.
All the food and money collected goes to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. The event was, literally and figuratively, facing some hefty headwinds, with icy gusts whipping about the Hilltop City along with cost increases and turkey shortages part of the landscape this year. These challenges, however, did not deter the traditional strong support of the Summit community which, once again, responded with spectacular generosity. |
Summit Community Supports Native Son's Journey to a New Lease on Life
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SUMMIT, NJ - Edward Roman's life-changing moment has a specific date attached to it. May 3, 2022.
That's when doctors at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx successfully completed his heart transplant surgery. His prognosis for a full recovery is excellent and, miraculously, his always friendly face and demeanor are once again back behind the counter at Summit's Village Trattoria.There's more life-affirming elements to his story, as he is engaged, and he and his fiancée Linda Reyes have a son, Leon. |
Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad Recognizes Graduating Junior Members
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SUMMIT, NJ - Nine members of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad's 'Juniors Program' -- all residents of the Hilltop City -- were recently celebrated at the Squad's annual graduation ceremony.
The juniors were honored for having fulfilled their commitment to the program as they graduate from their respective high schools. In addition, five members of the graduating class received scholarships as they embark on the next phase of their education. |
Mike D’Ecclessis Concludes Five Decades-Long Shift at Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad
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An organization in Summit that specializes in such generosity is the Other Fellow First Foundation, which is calling attention to Mike’s service by funding that scholarship in his name. Local firebrand Brett Haire started OFFF, as he calls it, with Jim Graberis, who owns the Summit Diner. Brett was introduced to Mike when the Squad was trying to raise big money to build a new headquarters. Brett and Jordan Glatt, Summit’s former mayor, decided to lead the fundraising campaign through the Other Fellow First Foundation. That partnership spurred in Brett a deep respect for Mike’s service.
“To be in his presence is humbling,” Brett said. “He’s a guy that has a family, children, a career, yet he did this for a huge portion of his life.” Haire hopes that by shining a light on Mike’s extraordinary service, the scholarship, and the stories about Mike it inspires, will prompt another generation to step up and contribute to their community. As it was in 1970, the country is split into fractious tribes and agitated about inflation and war. But someone like Mike, who is so “conspicuously gallant,” as Brett put it, might arouse some local harmony -- and perhaps encourage others to give of their time or treasure. “If you can point to somebody who is doing something for no reason other than somebody needs to do it and, if they don’t do it, it won’t get done, and what they’re doing is saving someone’s life, you can agree that person is special and rare.” |
2022 Thank You Letter
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More than 2 decades years ago, we started our little foundation and chose the iconic Summit Diner for our world headquarters.
Why? Summit is a little city with a huge heart. The Summit Diner has been a Summit landmark since 1929. Through its doors walk a wide variety of people who speak numerous languages, practice a myriad of faiths, have many different skin colors, have all sorts of income levels. In short, these folks set aside all their differences and come to the Diner because of the great comfort food, Jersey friendliness and the intimacy of the place. Everyone is special in the Diner. Everyone is treated the same and always with respect. We have seen US Senators wait in line for their takeout coffee behind garbagemen. |
Summit's Terrific Turkey Drive Turnout Yields Six Tons of Food Donations for CFBNJ
Other Fellow First Foundation's 14th Annual 'Summit Frozen Turkey Drive' Set for Nov. 21
14th Annual Frozen Turkey Drive |
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Mary Cummins Joins Other Fellow First Foundation Board of Directors
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SUMMIT, NJ - Mary Sheehan Cummins, longtime Summit resident and the owner of Marigolds, has joined the Other Fellow First Foundation's Board of Directors, Foundation President Jordan Glatt announced. She joins a Board which includes Co-Founder Jim Greberis, Co-Founder and Chairman Brett Haire, Neale Trangucci, Courtney Zanelli, Jamie Haire and David Haire.
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74-Year Old Summit Nurse Loses Home to Fire and NEEDS HELP
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74-Year Old Summit Nurse Loses Home to Fire and NEEDS HELP! We are asking the broader Community for Help, as a recent fire ravaged the home of Margaret Wanic, who lives with her son at 51 Huntley Road. Margaret and her son managed to escape the house in their pajamas, but unfortunately, Margaret’s son is in the hospital with smoke inhalation injuries. Their home is not livable, they lost everything in the fire, and they find themselves overwhelmed. Please consider joining us by supporting our GFM appeal (link in bio). Margaret has always been there for others, and now it’s our tur to be there for her and her family. #HelpingOthers
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A Special Thank You To All Other Fellow First Foundation Supporters
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Last year was difficult for all of us. Our community suffered through unprecedented trials.
2020 also marked the 20th Anniversary of the Other Fellow First Foundation. Given the circumstances caused by the pandemic, the Foundation's Trustees -- in lieu of a celebration -- chose to focus on increasing its resources and support for the Summit-area families in need. As a result, the Foundation provided a record level of monetary grants -- more than $140,000 -- to support families facing unforeseen challenges. |
Other Fellow First Foundation Reflects on 2020
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While it is easy to wish for 2020 to disappear, we think that would be a mistake without a quick review of some Summit positives.
Like most communities, this year posed a serious challenge to the word normal in Summit. The COVID-19 virus seriously disrupted our lives and our way of life. Worst of all, Families were deprived of the precious language of the caring hug. . All of the above occurred in the blink of an eye and changed everyone’s behavior in Summit. |
Other Fellow First Foundation's Matching Gift Supports 'Summit Warm Hearts' Initiative
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SUMMIT, NJ - Stepping in and stepping up to help the Summit Interfaith Council's 'Summit Warm Hearts' initiative, Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation is pledging a $10,000 matching gift to help the program reach its $20,000 goal. Funds raised will help provide overnight accommodations and meals for 13 homeless Summit residents.
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Summit Community Gobbles Up Opportunity to Set New Frozen Turkey Drive Collection Record
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SUMMIT, NJ - Chalk it up to 'Just Summit Being Summit'.
Despite the pandemic and the many hardships it has presented to all, the Hilltop City again showed that giving back is a major part of its DNA. A fact reinforced in bold numbers -- specifically the record-setting numbers achieved during the 13th Annual Summit Frozen Turkey Drive staged by Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation. |
Summit's Annual Frozen Turkey Drive Set for Nov. 22
Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation Establishes Fund to Assist Victims of Morris Ave. Fire
Trio of Other Fellow First Foundation Initiatives Help Raise $75,000 for Five Summit Agencies
Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation, Peter Wallburg Studios Capture Family Doorstep Memories
Fighting Food Insecurity in New Jersey
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While establishing a delivery service during the Covid-19 crisis for house-bound seniors and other vulnerable neighbors in our community, two dire situations were exposed: the ubiquity of food insecurity in our towns and the harrowing disruption of the Meals On Wheels supply chain due to the global pandemic. This heroic organization needed immediate help. Through a collaborative effort, community leaders came together swiftly and decisively to answer that call. This is their story.
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Moment in Time: Summit Family Photo Opportunity Part of Foundation's Push to Help Community Agencies
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SUMMIT, NJ - Caught In a time like no other in recent -- or even distant -- memory, community members find themselves engaged in behaviors that include practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing their hands constantly, and celebrating achievements like getting their hands on disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer or toilet paper at the market.
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Sticking It to The Virus, Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation Continues Fundraising, Starts Bumper Sticker Campaign
Other Fellow First Foundation Asks Summit Community to Push Onward, Upward as Fundraising Effort Approaches $50,000
Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation Launches Effort to Help Those Who Help Others
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SUMMIT, NJ - Over the past two decades, Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation has responded to myriad community needs, helping families and individuals that were in distress. Facing unprecedented circumstances presented by the coronavirus pandemic, the Foundation is asking for the community's help in meeting the latest challenge.
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Courtney Zanelli Joins Board of Summit's Other Fellow First Foundation
Responding to Family's Adversity, Summit Community Helps Weaver Street Fire Victims Get Back on Their Feet
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SUMMIT, NJ - The day after Christmas, Martha Ramirez and her family were burned out of their home on Weaver Street. Some of the residence's occupants were forced to leap from second-story windows and ended up in the hospital. Mercifully, there were no life-threatening injuries, and all are now doing much better.
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Other Fellow First Foundation Springs Into Action, Establishes GoFundMe Site for Summit Family Devastated by Boxing Day Blaze
Other Fellow First Foundation, Central Church Collaborate to Help Selfless Summit Servant
Serving Others: Summit Foundation Steps In to Assist Diner Employee Who's Fallen on Tough Times
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SUMMIT, NJ - Mae's smile and sunny demeanor light up the iconic Summit Diner as she greets Hilltop City residents and folks from neighboring communities, one of many reasons the venerable Summit eatery is so popular with those who come there from parts near and far to experience a true New Jersey original.
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Life And Debt: These Twins Need New Hearts And A Whole Lot Of Money
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At just 24 years old, the Roman twins have each had heart surgeries that cost more than $1 million. If they’re lucky, they’ll both have another million-dollar surgery in their futures. They’ll need even more good fortune to be able to afford to stay alive.
Edwin and Edward Roman have a condition known as cardiomyopathy, which causes the muscles in their hearts to enlarge, thicken and harden, reducing their ability to pump blood throughout their bodies. Symptoms include swelling in the legs, bloating in the abdomen, fatigue and difficulty breathing. |
Summit Area YMCA Honors Community Partners in Annual Celebration
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We’re a very small foundation with a very simple mission. We think of ourselves of a quiet community shock absorber. There’s only 5 of us, we don’t have a grants committee. Our board meetings are short, typically at the Summit Diner, and it doesn’t take us very long to address a community need. Having limited resources keeps us hungry, flexible and creative,” said T. Bret Haire, Other Fellow First Foundation President. “We’re small, we mainly raise money, so we need partners who are good with helping people and organizations like Summit Tap and the Y fit the bill...We have been exceptionally inspired by the powerful and positive role modeling that you and your organization provide our community. Following your shadow, we work very hard to keep the unity in community.”
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Serving Others: Summit Foundation Steps In to Assist Diner Employee Who's Fallen on Tough Times
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"SUMMIT, NJ - Mae's smile and sunny demeanor light up the iconic Summit Diner as she greets Hilltop City residents and folks from neighboring communities, one of many reasons the venerable Summit eatery is so popular with those who come there from parts near and far to experience a true New Jersey original."
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Leroy Horn's Medical Bills
As many of you know Leroy Horn , fondly known as coach Horn, suffered a stroke in early August. He was hospitalized for almost 2 weeks and underwent quite a few tests and procedures. Thankfully he is doing well but still is unable to return to work at the Summit YMCA. He will be undergoing further procedures and surgery next month. Unfortunately Leroy has no insurance and no income. His medical bills are mounting and he has exhausted all his funds. Leroy needs our help to get through this very tough time.
This page has been created to reach out to as many people as possible who may not know the dire situation that Leroy is in. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Let's all pull together to help Coach Horn.
This page has been created to reach out to as many people as possible who may not know the dire situation that Leroy is in. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Let's all pull together to help Coach Horn.
Billy's Good Samaritan Fund
Summit New Jersey's Good Samaritan, Billy MacAdam needs your help…
Recently, Billy MacAdam was beaten to within an inch of his life. Stopping at night on Route 24 to help two strangers who were stranded proved to be a mistake. The intoxicated man viscously turned on Billy and broke his leg, his hip and caused serious bleeding on Billy’s brain. For most of us, this would be a traumatic life changing event, for Billy, who had a heart transplant 8 years ago, and is now on dialysis, and in need of a kidney transplant, this is just more bad luck.
Billy is a longtime Summit resident, a recently retired Captain of the Summit Auxiliary Police Department and a serial volunteer at Summit events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Day Parade, 4th of July fireworks, National Night Out, and the Turkey Drive before Thanksgiving, just to name a few.
Billy has been in rehab and unable to work. Additionally, he has also lost his apartment and is now homeless and temporarily, until he gets back on his feet, living with his brother. Before the incident, Billy was able to work a few hours a day as a crossing guard which, in addition to his disability check was barely sustaining him.
The little Other Fellow First Foundation, which exists to assist Summit families in distress is helping Billy get back on his feet and secure enough financing for him to find an apartment and deal with his crushing load of expenses.
Please help him if you can.
Recently, Billy MacAdam was beaten to within an inch of his life. Stopping at night on Route 24 to help two strangers who were stranded proved to be a mistake. The intoxicated man viscously turned on Billy and broke his leg, his hip and caused serious bleeding on Billy’s brain. For most of us, this would be a traumatic life changing event, for Billy, who had a heart transplant 8 years ago, and is now on dialysis, and in need of a kidney transplant, this is just more bad luck.
Billy is a longtime Summit resident, a recently retired Captain of the Summit Auxiliary Police Department and a serial volunteer at Summit events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Day Parade, 4th of July fireworks, National Night Out, and the Turkey Drive before Thanksgiving, just to name a few.
Billy has been in rehab and unable to work. Additionally, he has also lost his apartment and is now homeless and temporarily, until he gets back on his feet, living with his brother. Before the incident, Billy was able to work a few hours a day as a crossing guard which, in addition to his disability check was barely sustaining him.
The little Other Fellow First Foundation, which exists to assist Summit families in distress is helping Billy get back on his feet and secure enough financing for him to find an apartment and deal with his crushing load of expenses.
Please help him if you can.
Summit Community Forms Effort to Help Victims of New Year's Eve Apartment Fire
