Toms River Education Foundation Donates $10K For Music Program

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Toms River Education Foundation has donated $10,000 to the Toms River Regional Schools for the music program.

The foundation, started in 2020, has been raising funds to help support the schools in a variety of ways amid ongoing state aid cuts by the state Department of Education.

The $10,000 donation, presented by president Erin Cosentino and vice president Jennifer Howe, will allow the department to buy new instruments. It is the most recent donation to the school district.

"I am especially proud of this donation," Cosentino said. "Music is so important to so many students. Instruments are expensive, and they wear out. We certainly won’t be providing 76 trombones, but I love knowing we’re helping someone ‘defy gravity’ for at least one day more."

"It’s an honor to be a part of something that believes in music and the arts just as much as sports," she said.

"I am so happy to be a part of the TREF," board member Dana Tormollan said. "Our children along with their teachers, advisors, and coaches are so important to our community and helping to provide them with the things they need to continue their journey is something special.

TREF was conceptualized and created by then-Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach, who serves as board secretary.

The foundation said that while the pandemic put a damper on many of the fundraising opportunities the foundation wanted to hold, the members are ready to kick their planning up a notch.

Events that are being considered include a 5k run/walk/roll, golf outing, and a casino night. In addition to Cosentino, Howe, Turnbach and Tormollan, board members Mike Horgan, Nick Pagano and Bill Rankin proudly serve the students of Toms River. More information is on the foundation website.

Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters here, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Toms River Patch on Facebook.