JD release, 8.16 - Gift of Life Donor Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ilene Miller, 610-304-7451
[email protected]
14th Annual Jessie’s Day - “Give the Gift of Scholarship”
Raises funds to send local pediatric organ transplant recipients to college
(Philadelphia, PA August 16, 2016.) You can help a young person fulfill their dream of a college education
at the 14th Annual Jessie’s Day - “Give the Gift of Scholarship” event, September 25, 2016, 1 - 4 PM at
the Independence Seaport Museum. Funds raised from the event will provide college scholarships for four
local pediatric organ transplant recipients.
Jessie’s Day honors the late Jessica Beth Schwartz, who received a heart transplant when she was just 14
years old. This life-saving operation gave her eight and a half additional years of life, and she lived them to
the fullest.
Jessica went on to graduate from Harcum Jr. College and then continued studies at Temple University. Her
dream was to finish college. As a Journalism major, she wanted to be able to share her story with others. She
was just beginning her Senior year when she passed away at the age of 23!
Last year’s scholarship recipients.
That is why The Jessica Beth Schwartz Memorial Fund - in partnership with Gift of Life Donor Program,
was founded to help college-bound pediatric transplant recipients achieve their dreams of attaining higher education.
“Health is the greatest gift,” says Jessie’s mother, Janice Schwartz Donahue, and “education is the greatest
wealth.”
Since 2002, Jessie’s Day has awarded over $100,000 to 45 local high school graduates. This year four liver
transplant recipients will each receive $2,500: Abigail Byington (Temple University), Danielle Hess (Arizona
State University), Leanne Purcell (Villanova University), and Olivia Vassot (Cedar Crest College).
Philadelphia local free-style graffiti artist Alloyius McIlwaine will create an original artwork for auction at Jessie’s Day.
Jessie’s Day is a family event! Special happenings include an appearance by DJ Casey and crew of radio
station Q102 to provide games and give-aways, additional music by DJ A-Run and the creation onsite of an
original artwork for auction by internationally-recognized local free-style graffiti artist Alloyius McIl-
waine. Attendees will partake in breathtaking views of the Philadelphia waterfront and enjoy entrance to the
museum, a silent auction, drinks in the beer garden, local restaurant specialties, music, a magician, and
interactive entertainment. To purchase tickets visit www.jessiesday.org; @jessiesday03.
There’s still time to sponsor at $2,500 scholarship, donate to the silent auction or participate as a food vendor.
For information contact Natasha Richardson at [email protected], 215.315.4399 x703.
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About Gift of Life and 501C(3) information:
About Gift of Life Donor Program: For the past 42 years, Gift of Life has coordinated more than 42,000 life-saving organ transplants, along with more than 600,000 lifeenhancing tissue transplants. Just one organ and tissue donor can save and enhance the lives of up to 50 others. For more information or to register, visit
www.donors1.org.
The official registration and financial information of Transplant Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free in Pennsylvania
800-‐732-‐0999 501C(3) non-‐profit status number Tax ID # 31-‐1481798.