New Brunswick, N.J. – Pockets soon will be flipped inside-out and couch cushions turned upside down as youngsters begin their hunt for pocket change to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) Foundation as part of the “Quarters for the Cure” Campaign. The effort, currently seeking schools statewide to participate, aims to support research, patient care, education and community outreach at CINJ, which is New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
With the campaign beginning this month, participating school-aged children will have until March to complete their pocket change collections in hopes of making a difference. Various fundraising and educational activities are utilized in an effort to fill five-gallon water jugs with quarters. In the past, teachers have incorporated the campaign into math lesson plans as well as entertaining fundraising events. Students also have participated in friendly class competitions and bake sales. Over the past seven years, $109,000 has been raised through the joint efforts of students and teachers throughout New Jersey.
Michelle Walker, director of annual giving for the CINJ Foundation, says “Quarters for the Cure” helps teach valuable life lessons. “Children are learning that small sacrifices in order to put that money in the quarters jug can translate into a positive impact on their community. By taking part in such a unique opportunity to give at a young age, the more inclined they will be to continue these practices as they get older,” said Walker. “
Top fundraising schools will be recognized by CINJ Foundation staff during a special assembly for their outstanding efforts as well as educated on important cancer prevention tips. Schools interested in participating in “Quarters for the Cure” can visit www.cinjfoundation.org or call 732-235-8614 for information on how to register.
About The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. CINJ's physician-scientists engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, quite literally bringing research to life. To make a tax-deductible gift to support CINJ, call 732-235-8614 or visit www.cinjfoundation.org. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCINJ.
The CINJ Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides the highest quality cancer care and rapid dissemination of important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. System Partner: Meridian Health (Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, and Bayshore Community Hospital). Major Clinical Research Affiliate Hospitals: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Medical Center, and Cooper University Hospital. Affiliate Hospitals: CentraState Healthcare System, JFK Medical Center, Mountainside Hospital, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (CINJ Hamilton), Somerset Medical Center, The University Hospital/UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School*, and University Medical Center at Princeton. *Academic Affiliate