All American Ford in Old Bridge hosts their first ever charity Texas Hold’ Em event in their showroom for JAR of Hope

1st Annual JAR of Hope Charity Texas Hold’ Em Tournament

The 1st Annual JAR of Hope charity Texas Hold ‘em tournament was held on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at All American Ford in Old Bridge. It’s the latest in a line of creative events thrown by JAR of Hope to raise awareness and critical funds needed to research a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Jim Raffone is the founder and CEO of JAR of Hope. He founded the non-profit with his wife, Karen, after their son, Jamesy, was diagnosed with DMD. Doctors said that there was nothing they could do for Jamesy, but the Raffones refused to give up. They created JAR of Hope to raise awareness and funds for research into finding a cure to save not only their son, but all children affected by this disease. Visit jarofhope.org for more information.

This event was incredibly special to Jim and JAR of Hope as it was a way to honor the life of Mario Dell’Anno. The Dell’Anno family was present at this event and also participated in the poker tournament. As stated by Jim Raffone, “This event was important to the Dell’Anno family, as it was a way to support a great cause while honoring the memory of their father who enjoyed playing cards.”

The Event was a Huge Success

Over 150 attendees were at the event and nearly $150,000 was raised from sponsorships, $200 tournament buy-ins, re-buy-ins and raffles. The top 8 players took home over $10,000 between them, with the winner receiving $5,600. Everyone in attendance had a great time and it was unanimously decided that this could become a yearly occurrence.

JAR of Hope & the Dell’Anno Family

The connection between the Dell’Anno family and JAR of Hope dates back to 1985, when Jim Raffone and Mr. Mario Dell’Anno’s son played basketball together in high school. Due to the support from Mr. Dell’Anno and his family, JAR of Hope has been able to get the Phase I mHBOT study off the ground, and has also helped in the launching a phase II study that can change the trajectory of this disease.

All American Ford and JAR of Hope

Jim Raffone has always been a Ford guy and he would always go to Oasis Ford in Old Bridge to get his trucks. Rich Savino purchased the location and changed the name to All American Ford in September 2008. Rich is the Dealer Principle as he runs the day-to-day operations along with his three sons, making it a truly family owned and operated business. When Jim came back for his next truck he met Chris Savino, the General Manager of the store and Rich’s eldest son. Jim discussed JAR of Hope with Chris, leaving him truly inspired. They worked out an incredible deal to get Jim a new truck that would assist him in continuing his fight against DMD. Much like the truck that he drives, Jim and his son Jamesy are truly Built Ford Tough.

Jim has been such an inspiration to the Savino family as their values closely coincide. Over the last few years, All American Ford in Old Bridge and JAR of Hope have worked closely as their relationship has grown. Together, they have worked on many exciting projects, all in an effort to raise more awareness and funds for JAR of Hope & DMD research. Throughout the All American Auto Group locations, you can find JAR of Hope logos and information proudly displayed on the TVs and digital display boards.

JAR of Hope Sponsorships

From sponsorships to multiple events including marathons & races, the JAR of Hope Gala, Stadium Run, Golf Outing, a 1969 Mustang Raffle and so much more, the All American Auto Group continues to be there to support Jim and JAR of Hope.  In February of 2019, Jim traveled half way around the world to Australia to participate in race that would raise DMD awareness. The Savino family proudly flew JAR of Hope flags outside of their locations to show support. When the flag was raised at the Old Bridge location, Mayor Owen Henry came out to show his support as well.

In the winter of 2019, Jim mentioned to the Savino’s that he was planning a charity Texas Hold ‘em tournament and was in need of a location to host it. Chris and Jason immediately offered their dealership showroom at their Old Bridge, NJ location without charging anything to Jim or JAR of Hope. This event was another perfect opportunity to give back to the community, while helping out Jim and JAR of Hope. It was also exciting for them to be hosting their first charity Texas Hold ‘em event at the dealership. All American Ford cleared out their entire showroom while NJ Casino Nights and JAR of Hope had their staff and many volunteers help turn it into a professional poker floor.

List of Event Sponsors – THANK YOU!

Below is a list of all of the event sponsors that made it possible!

Venue Sponsor
– All American Ford in Old Bridge

Main Event Sponsors
– Zelouf
– Bella International Textile
– BBM Group

Food Sponsors
– Dynamic
– Grandma Marie Dell’Anno
– Aunt Marie Dell’Anno
– The EV Style

Final Table Sponsor
– Interior Building Services

Open Bar Sponsors
– Northwestern Mutual
– Olmstead Properties
– Whale Malozzi & Padget
– C+C Heating and Air Condition
– John F. Kilroy Co.
– Carl Cambino
– Boscovs
– G&G

High Hand Sponsors
– Ansell Grimm & Aaron
– Paulie Lombardozzi
– Vanessa Boutique
– Jack Dugo

Individual Table Sponsors
– Bond, Shoeneck & King
– Schaeffer & Associates
– William Doyle
– The Retail Therapy
– Cuttler Produce
– Richard Morabito
– Traeschler Insurance
– Arrow Limousine
– Jason Birk
– RMS Title and Appraisal
– Bart Salant
– Jeffery Gersten
– Evangelos Ouzouner
– Isabel Cabrera
– Mitchell Grabow
– Design Collection
– K Offices
– Jeffery Gersten
– Priority Payment Systems Local

Photographer
– Rough Edge Media

Tags: all american ford, charity, charity event, ford, JAR of Hope
Posted in Charity Event, Old Bridge Ford Dealer | No Comments »