The St. Thomas Aquinas High School football team is tackling more than just the gridiron this fall by promoting early childhood literacy in partnership with St. Joseph High School and The Marisa Tufaro Foundation. During National Book Month, STA and St. Joe’s will use their October 19 head-to-head as an opportunity to raise funds for New Jersey’s Reach Out and Read program, which provides free books and literacy resources to young children.
The game, which kicks off at 1 p.m. at Brenner Family Field in Metuchen, will feature donation collections at the gate, with online contributions also being accepted. Proceeds will go toward purchasing new children’s books for healthcare providers in Middlesex County, helping to foster a love of reading from an early age.
In addition to fundraising, STA players and cheerleaders will visit local elementary schools throughout October to read to students, underscoring the importance of literacy and community engagement.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission of servant leadership,” said STA Head Coach Tarig Holman, who is also president of the New Jersey Football Coaches Association. “We are proud to support the Reach Out and Read program and to use our platform to make a positive impact in our community.”
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation will match at least a portion of the funds raised by STA, furthering the reach and impact of the initiative. “This fundraiser has special meaning because of the profound impact reading had on Marisa’s life,” said Greg Tufaro, Marisa’s father. “We are honored to help provide the gift of literacy to children in need.”
St. Thomas Aquinas is currently ranked No. 2 in the Big Central Football Conference and 14th in the state by nj.com. As the team competes this season, they are embracing the opportunity to champion a cause that benefits children and families across New Jersey.