Amber Discusses Distracted Driving in Seventeen Magazine

August 19th, 2010

In the September issue of Seventeen magazine, Casey’s friend Amber Staska was featured on p. 221, discussing her mission to stop distracted driving. The article reads:

“Amber, 22, lost her best friend, Casey, when she was killed in a crosswalk by a driver who glanced away from the road. That day, Amber vowed that no one else would ever die from something so preventable. So last spring, Amber and her honors fraternity organized a local benefit concert. To promote it, they stood at an intersection on campus where two other girls had been hit, and waved signs that said, “Honk for Safe Driving.” They sold T-shirts to help raise $2,600 for charities like The Partnership for Safe Driving, which educates people about all kinds of dangerous driving. To spread the word or organize your own event, go to caseyfeldmannetwork.org ”

To read more about the benefit concert, go here.

Tags: ,
Posted in Fundraisers, News, Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving, Press Coverage, West Chester University - Phi Sigma Pi | No Comments »

A Day of Service and Remembrance on Casey Feldman’s First ‘Angelversary’ -July 17, 2010

July 20th, 2010

Bob Gibson, Steve Kennedy, Jason Spector and Brett Feldman (Casey's brother-front) painting the interior of the shelter

July 17, 2010 marked the one year anniversary of the death of Casey, a  2006 graduate of Springfield High School and Fordham University senior who was struck and killed in a crosswalk last summer in Ocean City, N.J. In keeping with the spirit of this past year in honoring Casey Feldman’s memory in a positive way, the Feldman family and Casey’s friends dedicated the day to service. On her first “angelversary,” many of Casey’s family members and friends, as well as those who never even knew Casey but were inspired by her story, volunteered their time and service in different cities to remember and honor Casey’s life.

Melissa Zirolli, Annette Newlin, Emily Hobson, Joel Feldman and Matt Thornton painting the 2nd floor hallway

On the morning after the dedication of another pink tree to Casey’s memory in Cumberland County, N.J., over 40 volunteers traveled to the Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals in Radnor, PA, including Casey’s parents, Dianne and Joel, and her brother Brett. After the Day of Service, the whole interior of the two story no-kill animal shelter was painted. 

Cousin Jamie Gallagher walking a dog at Beacon Animal Rescue on July 17, 2010

Rachel Kemmey, Amber Staska, and Jackie Cahill taking a break from cleaning Springfield parks

“This is a genuinely invaluable gift to Francisvale,”, commented Executive Director, Jodi Button, “The opportunity to put a new face on an over 100 year-old establishment will pay substantial dividends to the animals, volunteers, donors, community partners and staff alike – to say nothing of what a marvelous lift it is to morale.”

At lunch everyone gathered to acknowledge Casey’s contributions to the world, in her life and in her passing, and to dedicate the collaborative act of goodwill to her memory via a plaque that will hang forevermore in a prominent place at Francisvale.

The Chicago cousins baking cookies for the Ronald McDonald house

Casey’s cousin Jamie and Aunt Janice Gallagher remembered Casey by volunteering their time at the Beacon Animal Rescue in Ocean View, N.J. They walked dogs and donated food to the animals, a cause which was close to Casey’s heart.

In Chicago, Casey’s cousins, Drs. Ted and Marie Feldman and their daughters, Tess, Katie, and Julia cooked dinner for 18 families at the Ronald McDonald house. “We proudly wore our pink Casey T-shirts as we cooked and served the meal and we told Casey’s story to the director at the Ronald McDonald house,” the Feldmans said. 

In Springfield, Casey’s friends Amber Staska, Rachel Kemmey, and Jackie Cahill organized a more intimate clean-up of three parks in town. The girls recalled fond memories of cleaning up the beaches in Sea Isle City during high school with Casey, and beautified Elson Glenn, Walsh Park, and Library Park in her memory.

Releasing pink balloons into heaven for Casey

The Ceffaratti family, family friends, fed the homeless in Philadelphia. Michael,” We had a wonderful day. We provided at least 75 lunches and lots and lots of ice cold water. We also got to spend time just talking and listening to homeless men and women. Many also asked us to pray with them. They loved our shirts and we were able to share Casey’s story and Casey’s love with them. One homeless woman asked me to bring her a Casey shirt next time. I know that Casey would like that….My mom [Rachael Ceffaratt] couldn’t come to Philly but she wanted to honor Casey, so she paid for the food in Casey’s honor.”

The entire staff at Bob’s Grill in Ocean City, N.J. wore the pink, “I Brake For Pedestrians” t-shirts in Casey’s memory (Casey had been walking to her job at Bob’s Grill last summer at the time of her accident) as did the staff at the 14th St. Bike and Surrey Rental. Visible on the entire fleet of Ocean City Municipal vehicles were the pink, “Stop For Pedestrians” bumper magnets.

Following the day of service, more friends and family gathered at the Feldman’s home in Springfield for dinner and to release some 60 pink balloons into the sky. Casey’s spirit was visible as everyone donned their pink “I Brake for Pedestrians” t-shirts and released a balloon into the heavens with a loving message for Casey.

View more photos from July 17, 2010 in the photo gallery of the Casey Feldman Memories website.  Join the Casey Feldman Network or contribute to the Casey Feldman Foundation  and make this world a better place. Visit The Brotherly Love Project to learn more about the efforts of the Cefarratti family and others to feed the needy in Philadelphia.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in July 17, 2010 Day of Service and Remembrance, News | 1 Comment »

Pink Tree in Cumberland County, N.J. to be Dedicated to Casey Feldman on July 16th

July 14th, 2010

Officials from the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance completing the finishing touches in preparation for the Millville tree dedication ceremony

On Friday, July 16, 2010  a pink tree will be dedicated to Casey in Millville, N.J. at 7:30 p.m. as part of the SJTSA’s summer safety campaign. Trees have already been dedicated in Sea Isle City, Salem, Northfield and Ocean City, N.J. While dedicated to Casey, the pink trees also stand as a memorial to all who have been killed in traffic accidents. The original inspiration came from the 325 year old Sycamore tree in the Feldman’s yard in Springfield, Pa. which was decorated with some 18,000 pink lights in December, 2009 as a tribute to Casey. Pink was Casey’s favorite color.

Teresa Thomas of the SJTSA decorating the Millville tree

The Feldmans and the SJTSA hope that the pink trees will ultimately become a nationwide memorial to traffic victims and a reminder to all to exercise caution as a driver or pedestrian.  The website, pinkremembrancetree.org, has been established where anyone can post a memorial tribute and photos of their loved one who was killed in a traffic accident.

Friday’s tree dedication will take place at Glasstown Park, East Pine and High Streets in Millville. The City of Millville has coordinated the tree dedication along with their Third Friday event which highlights the Millville river front and the art galleries and restaurants of the historic Glasstown District. In addition to the tree dedication, there are  a multitude of activities scheduled for this Friday’s event for all to enjoy.

Note: Photos from all of the tree lightings throughout the South Jersey counties will be featured in a future article. Click here to read the article about the Sea Isle City tree dedcation on May 1, 2010.  Click here to read about the original pink tree and  to view photos and news coverage.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in News, Tree Dedications/Pink Trees | No Comments »

Casey Feldman Awarded an Honory Cappie; SHS Laramie Project Cast Wins Awards at the Cappies

June 21st, 2010

The Casey poster on display in the showcase at the 2010 Cappies Gala

Casey was awarded an honorary Cappie for her dedication to theater and journalism at the Greater Philadelphia Cappies Gala on May 23, 2010. Additionally, SHS, which dedicated their theater season to Casey, won three Cappies in conjunction with their performance of The Laramie Project.

 In 2005, The Greater Philadelphia chapter was established and Casey became the first lead critic from Springfield High School. Casey acted in 6 theatrical productions during her high school years and was nominated for a Cappie herself at the 2006 Gala. Casey played Gwendolyn Pidgeon in the Odd Couple and accepted the 2006 Cappie on behalf of the entire SHS cast that year for Best Play.

 In addition to dedicating their entire theater season to Casey this past year, Springfield High School held a special “pink performance” of The Laramie Project in November, 2009 as a special tribute to Casey.  A plaque in memory of Casey was dedicated prior to the performance and was hung in the SHS Knorr Theater. The Laramie Project was Casey’s first high school theatrical production in 2004.

  Coincidentally (or not?), at this year’s Cappies Gala, the SHS 2009 Laramie Project cast won the Cappie for Best Play! In addition, cast members Bridget Yingling won Best Supporting Actress in a Play and Sean Skahill, Best Supporting Actor in a Play! These awards came despite 35 area high schools participating, including direct competition from West Chester, which also performed The Laramie Project.

The SHS Laramie Project cast at the Cappies. Photo editing courtesy of the students.

At this year’s Gala, the Springfield High School men who performed in The Laramie Project wore pink vests and ties with their tuxedos in honor of Casey. Each of the SHS three acceptance “speeches” for a Cappie award included a thank you to both Casey and Mathew Shepard (about whom The Laramie Project was written).

 No doubt, both Casey and Matthew were with the SHS Laramie Project cast during their performances in the Knorr Theater  this past year and at the 2010 Cappies Gala. Most assuredly, Casey was beaming with pride as SHS accepted their awards and was humbled as her parents accepted the Cappie on her behalf.

Click on the video above to view the Cappie presentation to Casey.

Note:  The Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) was founded in Washington, D.C. eleven years ago, and is active in 18 cities across the U.S. and Canada today. It recognizes the accomplishments of high school thespians and the talents of high school journalists. Journalism and theater students review plays and musicals performed at high schools other than their own and submit their edited reviews for publication in local newspapers, including the Philadelphia Inquirer. During this process, the students vote for the performances deserving of special recognition. The entire year of performing and reviewing culminates in the Cappies Gala.

[View more photos from the 2010 Cappies Gala this year. Read the newspaper articles about the  2010 Cappies collected on the Casey Feldman Memories website.  View photos from Casey’s high school performances and the 2006 Cappies. View photos and videos from the “Pink Performance"  of The Larmamie Project in 2009 and the plaque dedication to Casey. Read the News of Delaware County article, "SHS Theater Family Remembers Beloved Actress" on  the Foundation News and Updates blog.]

Posted in News, Press Coverage, Springfield High School | No Comments »

July 17th Day of Service Scheduled to Honor Casey Feldman’s Memory

June 14th, 2010

Casey and Nikki - Oct. 2008, Ridley Creek State Park

July 17th this year will be spent doing service work to honor Casey’s memory on this first anniversary of her death.

Casey and her dad with Annie, Fall of 2000

The first service project lined up is at  Francisvale Home For Smaller Animals, a no-kill shelter in Radnor, Pa. which has been operating for over 100 years. Volunteers will work from mid morning to mid afternoon painting the interior of their small building. The day will conclude later in the evening for food and fellowship at the Feldman home. Other projects are being lined up in additional areas for those who are not local to the Philadelphia area.

 Casey was an animal lover, having everything from chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, lizards, fish, turtles and of course, cats and dogs while growing up. She was a big advocate of adoption and all of the household pets were strays and adoptees in need of a home. The family German Shepards all came from German Shepard Rescue of Southeastern Pa, which included a beautiful tribute to Casey in their Summer 2009 Newsletter. While at college at Fordham University, Casey would get her “animal fix” and need to give back by volunteering at Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter in NYC. The first puppy that came into the shelter after Casey’s death was named “Casey” in her memory.

 Consider joining us on July 17th. View the July 17th event on the Network site at CaseyFeldmanNetwork.org and RSVP. If you are not a member of that site, consider joining. You need not have known Casey personally to become a member. Otherwise, RSVP here in the comment section below or consider your own way of honoring Casey’s memory on July 17th.

 Casey’s family, friends, loved ones and those touched by her story look forward to a wonderful day of service to remember Casey.

Casey's friends Brooke Burdge and Kelsey Butler at Animal Haven with the puppy given the honorary name of Casey

Three of Casey's four family kitties. Cindy (top), Sandy and Blizzard.

Casey and her cousin Chris' Rottweiler, Sasha - Sept. 2007

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments »

Casey Receives Honorary Diploma from Fordham University

June 9th, 2010

Casey's roommates: L to R Christina Halligan, Cassie Foote, Janine Repka, Kelsey Butler

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, Casey’s class of 2010 graduated from Fordham University. In addition to Casey being recognized by many of her classmates and friends with a single pink rose pinned to their graduation gowns, the University recognized her as well. Casey’s name appeared in the commencement program and she was remembered in prayer at the morning commencement for the entire University. At the separate diploma ceremony for the Fordham College Lincoln Center students in the afternoon, Casey was mentioned by the student speaker in the class address given by Dave de la Fuente. The first diploma awarded by Dean Grimes was to Casey, which was accepted by her parents. Dean Grimes and the Fordham University community lovingly acknowledged that Casey, one of their own, was not physically present on this memorable day, but was there in spirit to guide over and watch her fellow classmates and friends accept their diplomas.

View more photos of the graduation. Click  on the video below to watch Dean Grimes present Casey’s diploma.

Marie Larson and Brooke Burdge each wearing one of Casey's dresses under their graduation gowns

Casey's parents Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson accepting Casey's dipolma from Deans Grimes and Greif

Casey's dipolma

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fordham University, News | No Comments »

Christy Kobasa Awarded the First Springfield High School Casey Feldman Memorial Scholarship

June 7th, 2010

 

John Gildea (left), Dianne Anderson, Christy Kobasa and Joel Feldman at the SHS Honors Reception on June 2, 2010

The first Springfield High School Casey Feldman Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to senior, Christy Kobasa who will be attending St. Joseph’s University in the fall. The scholarship nominees were based on teacher recommendations and included the following requirements:

  1. Possesses a superior work ethic
  2. Has compassion for the world around him/her
  3. Is caring, helpful and supportive of others in need
  4. Is honest, altruistic, loyal, and shows high integrity
  5. Maintains a diverse group of friends
  6. If possible, but not required, an interest in theater or journalism

Christy was recommended by her National Honor Society advisor, Mrs. Natalie Tanner. The $3000 scholarship award was announced at the SHS Class of 2010 Honors Reception on June 2, 2010 by Springfield High School teacher and theater director Mr. John Gildea. The award was presented by Casey Feldman’s parents, Dianne Anderson and Joel Feldman. According to Mr. Gildea in announcing the award,

Tonight’s recipient of the Casey Feldman Memorial Scholarship possesses some of the same characteristics as Casey, including a superior and driven work ethic; honesty, loyalty and integrity; a very wide range of friends throughout the school; and a compassion for the world around her. This last trait regarding compassion was the one that stood out the most in the recommendation written by her teacher. In the recommendation, the teacher wrote about all the various groups this student has shown leadership and dedication to including the Dance Marathon, the PEER Facilitators, and the National Honor Society. One of the main criteria for membership into the National Honor Society is service, and tonight’s recipient has certainly served her community and much more.

 Here are some of the highlights shared in her recommendation: she organized the NHS’s Martin Luther King Day of Service through City Year, where she and about 15 students went to a school-in-need in Philadelphia to help brighten up the hallways by painting words of encouragement. She also organized a group to serve dinner to many homeless people at City Team Ministries in Chester. Additionally, she organized a group that went to a church-in-need in East Lansdowne to paint the bathrooms and a classroom. She is a worship assistant for her church where she volunteers her time to set up Sunday services. She served as co-leader for the PEER Facilitators, a group that devotes its time to helping other students in need; she participated in the Dance Marathon, a philanthropy that raises money for children with cancer, for four years and served on the Leadership Team for two years, and finally, I personally had the chance to attend her graduation party and witness all the leftovers being packaged up for an organization called “Aid for Friends”.

 These altruistic acts of human kindness showcase the recipient’s selflessness and her true desire to serve those in need, another characteristic that Casey Feldman possessed.

 Congratulations Christy! The Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation is proud of the first recipient of the Springfield High School Foundation scholarship established in Casey’s memory.

Help other deserving students realize their dreams and contribute to the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation.

Tags: , ,
Posted in News, Scholarships, Springfield High School | 1 Comment »

South Jersey Summer Safety Campaign Features Casey Feldman

May 31st, 2010

 

The SJTSA banner on the Music Pier at 9th St. and the Boardwalk in Ocean City

The South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance (SJTSA) has kicked off their summer safety campaign, targeting the southern shore communities, using Casey’s face and story to add a human element to the dangers of unsafe driving and the need for pedestrians to use caution.  They have distribted over 100 banners which are prominently displayed in the shore communities and throughout southern N.J. There are two separate banners, one addressing drivers and the other, pedestrians. Both have a picture of Casey with her face and dates.

The banner at 34th St. in Ocean City reminding pedestrians to exercise safety

The locations of the banners in Ocean City where Casey’s accident took place, as provided by Ocean City Police Sgt. Charles Simonson, are as follows:

34th St. Acme

8th St. Superfresh

900 Block of Asbury Ave. – Appliance Store

14th & Boardwalk – Bob’s Grill

9th & Haven Entrance Corridor

9th St. Bridge WB Exit Corridor

34th St. & West Ave.

Wonderland Pier – Boardwalk

9th St. and Boardwalk – Music Pier

18th and Haven – Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center

In addition to the banners, the SJTSA has joined with the city of Sea Isle, dedicating a pink remembrance tree to Casey on JFK Blvd. in front of the police department. A plaque with Casey’s name and dates can be found at the base of the tree. The pink tree dedication in Sea Isle City also served as the kickoff for a nationwide effort to decorate trees with pink lights to stand as a memorial to those whose lives have been lost to traffic accidents and as a symbol of traffic safety.

 The SJTSA will bill be  distibuting more banners throughout the South Jersey area as well as decorating more trees in pink with at least two trees planned for Ocean City. Salem and Atlantic Counties will be decorating trees as well.

[See ThinkSafetyCampaign.org and SJTSA.org for more information on the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance's summer safety campaign featuring Casey. View more photos of the banners at the shore. Read the prior article on the News and updates blog about the Sea Isle City tree dedication.  Visit PinkRemembranceTree.org to post and view memorials of Casey and others who died in traffic accidents.]

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News, Ocean City, Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving, Sea Isle City | No Comments »

Sea Isle City Dedicates Pink Remembrance Tree to Casey Feldman on May 1, 2010

May 14th, 2010

The Sea Isle City tree at dusk

The City of Sea Isle, along with the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance (SJTSA), dedicated a “Pink Remembrance Tree” to Casey Feldman as part of Sea Isle City’s Community Day, Saturday, May 1st at Noon in front of the police department on JFK Boulevard. Adorned with some 1400 pink lights, the tree is visible upon entering the island from the bridge and will be lit every night from dusk till 5:00 a.m. A plaque at the base of the tree is inscribed with Casey name and dates and serves as a memorial to all who have lost their lives in traffic accidents.

Mayor Len Desiderio said, “Mr. and. Mrs. Feldman have worked very hard to raise awareness to pedestrian safety and it is my privilege to honor the memory of their daughter in the hopes of keeping the residents and visitors of Sea Isle safe.” Speaking on behalf of the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance, Program Manager Teresa Thomas announced their summer safety campaign, stating that Casey’s story and photograph would play a prominent role in pedestrian and traffic safety in the region. “We are adding a human element which we hope reaches people enough that they start to drive more safely.”

The pink tree dedication in Sea Isle City also served as the kickoff for a nationwide effort to decorate trees with pink lights to stand as a memorial to those whose lives have been lost to traffic accidents and as a symbol of traffic safety.

Left to right: Dianne Anderson, Cape May Sheriff Gary Schaffer, Sea Isle Mayor and Cape May County Freeholder Len Desiderio, Joel Feldman, Cape May County Freeholder Ralph Sheets and Sea Isle Police Chief Tom Dintino

Also speaking at the ceremony were Sea Isle City Chief of Police Thomas D’Intino and Dianne Anderson, Casey’s mother.

Dianne Anderson took the opportunity to express her and Casey’s father Joel Feldman’s appreciation for the dedication of the tree in Sea Isle, stating that Sea Isle City was Casey’s home away home. Casey loved the shore and Sea Isle City in particular, where the family has owned a home for over 17 years. Casey was living in Sea Isle during the summer of 2009 and was struck in a crosswalk at an Ocean City intersection on July 17th. Casey wrote about the summer and Sea Isle City in high school essays and her mother took the opportunity to share Casey’s feelings in Casey’s own words by reading excerpts from one of those essays written when Casey was 16 years old:

Summer. Just saying the word, hits me with a barrage of senses. I can almost taste the word, like a half-melted cherry Popsicle on the 4th of July. Or hear it, the sound of the rushing ocean, the seagulls cawing, and crickets chirping, their call audible through the open window, their sound mixing with the whirring of the fan late one hot August night….

Ever since I can remember, we have had a shore house. I can’t remember a 4th of July that hasn’t taken place on the deck of our beach-front shore house in Sea Isle City, New Jersey….

As soon as my last final exam is finished on that thrilling day in mid- June, I’m already packing my bags for “the shore,” and, for the majority of the summer, I’ll call Sea Isle home….

Every day at the shore is special, and every second is a moment in time that I’ll commit to memory and forever cherish…. Summer has a sort of timeless quality, and even though the profound aspects of your life change, it almost seems like, in the summer, time stands still, and all the summer days of my memory merge into one….

Most people share this belief that summer is sort of the time to make memories. When middle-aged adults and parents reminisce about their youth, getting starry-eyed and talking about “the good ol’ days”, often you hear stories of wild nights at summer camp, crazy debacles at the beach, and summer romances…

I can picture myself, even though it makes me cringe to do so, in my forties. Although I have virtually no idea what direction my life will have taken, I know one thing: when life becomes more stressful than fun, and when I have more obligations than vacations, maybe I, too, will daydream about the “good ol’ days;” and those unforgettable summer nights at the beach.

 

Casey's parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles in front of the pink tree following the ceremony

[Note: View more photos from this tree dedication ceremony.  See ThinkSafetyCampaign.org and SJTSA.org for more information on the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance's summer safety campaign featuring Casey. Visit PinkRemembranceTree.org to post and view memorials of Casey and others who died in traffic accidents.]

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in News, Press Coverage, Sea Isle City, Tree Dedications/Pink Trees | 2 Comments »

Amy Aberra Aids in Disaster Relief in New Orleans

May 5th, 2010

Amy Aberra, who received a scholarship from the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation to aid in disaster relief in New Orleans, LA.

“Because of Casey, I was able to see the amount of work that still needs to be done
within the United States.” Amy Aberra, a student at the University of Colorado was able to answer what she is doing because of Casey after volunteering in New Orleans as part of her school’s Alternative Spring Break program. As a result of a scholarship from the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation, Amy was able to go on the trip and give back, something that Casey believed in as well.

Amy’s team worked on disaster relief in the Lower 9th Ward, deemed one of the most dangerous areas in America. “We were divided into groups of four and assigned to projects on particular homes,” she said. By the end of the week, Amy’s team was able to almost completely finish setting tiles in the living room and kitchen for a couple named Wanda and Conrad. “I learned so much about carpentry and DIY while simultaneously learning of the stories and experiences of life after Hurricane Katrina.”

As a result of going on this trip, Amy said she discovered that she has a “deep passion and potential” within herself, and she never thought she could accomplish so much in one week. “I made a living, breathing difference that I am proud of and that I want others to take part in,” she said. “Every person I have talked to about the trip has dedicated themselves to making some sort of change that will positively effect others, whether large or small.” Amy’s attitude, as well as those who she volunteered with, aligns with the mission of the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation, as well as the attitude that Casey had during her life.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Alternative Spring Break, Scholarships, University of Colorado | 1 Comment »

« Older Entries