On Aug. 29, 2005, Category 4 Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, causing over $120 billion in damages, destroying more than 100,000 homes, and claiming over 1,800 lives.
I still remember it vividly. I was on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, talking with friends about the devastation. We had a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called The Rock and Roll Music Fund, and as we sat there, we thought about the children who had lost their homes and would be left without a Christmas celebration. That’s when we came up with a plan — one that made me incredibly proud to be part of New Jersey.
We decided to bring Christmas and Santa Claus to those affected. I called New Jersey 101.5 from vacation and spoke with my boss, Andy Santoro, Promotions Director Ray Handel, and Program Director Eric Johnson. They immediately supported the idea.
Our goal was to host a toy drive and broadcast my live radio show from five or six malls, hoping to collect about 6,000 toys. My friend, musician Pat Guadagno, coordinated with Gulf Coast charity organizations and distribution sites. Grace Cangemi managed the volunteers, toy sorting, and show coordination, while Linc Davis built a stunning hand-painted Santa Land backdrop.
Kevin Feehan handled toy transportation, and John created a Santa Land setup with a Santa chair better than Macy’s, complete with a snow machine and Brian McKee’s portable A/C to make it feel like the North Pole. My tailor, Michael Duru Tailors, made me a world-class Santa suit.
Businesses across New Jersey stepped up. Lowe’s donated boxes, Hess provided fuel, and Doug and Denis Gallagher from Coast Cities contributed a tour bus and trailer. New Jersey 101.5’s Tyrone Johnson and his brother drove the Big Yellow van carrying broadcast equipment, while United Airlines flew staff and volunteers to New Orleans.
Through five or six mall broadcasts, we didn’t just meet our goal — we exceeded it. New Jersey residents donated over 80,000 toys. Along with toys, people wrote checks and gave cash to support those devastated by Katrina.
The New Jersey State Police and Long Branch Police escorted us to the state line, and retired Lt. Pat Joyce worked with New Orleans police to ensure we were welcomed upon arrival. Kevin Martin, owner of the Celtic Cottage, hosted a going-away party, and Powerhouse Signs wrapped the tour bus beautifully.
When we arrived, we saw overwhelming damage, but we also saw hope. Over 4,000 children got to see me as Santa, and every single toy reached a child or charity in need. It was a massive undertaking, powered entirely by New Jersey residents, businesses, and volunteers who wanted to bring holiday cheer to families who had lost everything.
Traveling through the Gulf Coast, the destruction was heartbreaking, but the smiles on those children’s faces made it worthwhile. I’ve never been prouder to be from New Jersey. The people of our state stepped up when it mattered most, showing compassion, generosity, and unity.
Thank you, New Jersey, for proving what community truly means.
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