South Brunswick Raises $6k to Stop Skydiving Senior

In the first two years of his birthday skydiving fundraiser for the South Brunswick Food Pantry, 92-year-old Aaron Rosloff was able to raise over $5,000 for the less fortunate.

As it turns out, people will pay far more money to prevent Rosloff from skydiving than they will to watch it happen. After breaking his ankle last year, Rosloff's friends started the "Stop Aaron" campaign to keep his feet on the ground for his birthday on July 3.

The pantry received about $6,000 through the recently completed drive, thus forcing Rosloff to make good on his promise to not jump if the drive exceeded last year's total of $3,600.

"Once again, I am proud to be an American and a resident of the very special town of South Brunswick," Rosloff said. "It all started because I broke my ankle when I skydived for my 91st birthday and folks challenged me to not jump, but reverse the jump theme that I had used as a fundraiser in prior years."

Included in that $6,000 total was $1,000 of Rosloff's own money that he pledged to donate if the drive matched last year's total.

"There was such an outpouring of support to make sure that Aaron doesn't jump, so we're significantly thrilled he didn't jump and thrilled he's thrown the focus on supporting the food pantry," said township Social Services Director LouAnne Wolf. "I think this fundraiser is something that will continue for years to come in honor of Aaron and all he's done for the community."

The donations come at a time when the pantry is in dire need of support. Social Services saw over 150 families in April and May, with an average of three new families per month. April alone brought the second highest total ever for the pantry at 76 families. 

"The food pantry provides a way for people to anonymously seek help," Rosloff said. "It may be for food or the need to pay a water bill or the electric bill without embarrassment. Some of today's recipients were previously donors and may be so again when things improve for them."

The pantry is still in need of the following items:

• Boxed milk
• Snack foods (granola bars, popcorn, crackers, etc.)
• Canned meats (chicken, chili, stew)
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit
• Laundry soap
• Cleaning supplies
• Personal care products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, tooth paste)

For more information about donating or volunteering for the South Brunswick Food Pantry call 732-329-4000 ext. 7674.  

"I want to thank all the generous folks who rose to the occasion and gave so generously to the food pantry," Rosloff said. "I am especially moved by the people who are not even residents of South Brunswick but used this as a reminder that people in need are everywhere. The drive is over but the need continues."