Jackson Charity Remembers Ryan Mogila [AUDIO]

Following Jackson native Ryan Mogila's untimely death last March, a group of friends and family launched the RJM Sports Group in his honor.

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Ryan was just 25 when he passed away.

While offering a chance to let their friend and family member's memory live on, the non-profit is focused on educating and supporting healthy lifestyles and positive decision making in the community.

"Kind of bringing the community together a little bit, fighting for causes that we believe are important, and making sure we're helping the kids day to day," said Erik Gaines, Executive Director.

Although the charity is in its infancy, they already boast some pretty remarkable accomplishments. The RJM Sports Group has supported the local chapter of SADD, held sports clinics for children, as well as other community service activities. Most notably, though, they were able to help local students this year.

"Right now, our main focus and goal is to provide scholarships for local high schools," Gaines said.

They recently gave out four $1,000 scholarships to students at Jackson Liberty and Jackson Memorial High Schools.

RJM Sports Group has two main fundraisers each year, their second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament, which was held in June and an upcoming annual benefit dinner, scheduled for Saturday, August 17th. Gaines says they're fundraising is on a tremendous pace in 2013.

"In the first year, we raised over $20,000," he explained. "We're already over that with only one of our two major events done."

The benefit dinner will be held at Lakewood Country Club on the 17th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event will feature a DJ, entertainment, gift basket auction, & 50/50.

Learn more about the RJM Sports Group and their upcoming events by visiting their website and Facebook page.

More Good News

Operation Backpack 2013

Family Service Association is spearheading its annual Operation Backpack, a program that collects backpacks, fills them with school supplies and gives them to needy kids in South Jersey.

Last year, more than 300 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed. Family Service Association is a non-profit agency that offers counseling services to children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens who are experiencing a variety of personal and relationship problems. The agency has served families and individuals in Atlantic County since 1909. To learn more, visit them online.

The Horizon Foundaton for New Jersey

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey recently awarded $512,250 in grants to 25 non-profit organizations throughout the state.

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey supports charitable organizations that promote health and arts in New Jersey. The $512,250 in grants represents the second round of awards made by the Foundation this year. Some of the organizations that received grants included Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, George Street Playhouse, Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and Monmouth Museum and Cultural Center.