The CKW Charitable Foundation was created in 2005 by the Partners of Caristia, Kulsar and Wade, LLC to give back to the communities we serve in Northwest New Jersey. We run an annual golf outing in September and the proceeds are used to provide assistance to those in need. To date we have raised in excess of $76,000.
In the spring of 2009 while the patners of CKW were being recognized for their charitable efforts the Foundation received a $50,000 donation to create a scholarship fund in the name of William E. Kulsar, the founding father of Caristia, Kulsar and Wade, LLC. Scholarships from the Foundation will start to be awarded in 2010.
Below are some of the stories of those we have been fortunate enough to provide assistance to over the years:
Jessica P: A 7 year old who at the age of 4 was diagnosed with Leukemia. Jessica received treatment for the leukemia which put it in remission; however the drugs she was given reacted with one another leaving her paralyzed after just a few months. She lives with her parents in a second floor apartment, though on a waiting list for a 1st floor unit, the waiting list is over two years long. As Jessica is growing it has become more and more difficult for her parents, especially her Mom, to get her in and out of bed, the bath, etc. Thanks to you we were able to purchase her a Hoyer lift with a hydraulic arm and sling to move her around their apartment.
Larry S: Larry is a six year old first grade student in Morristown, New Jersey who suffers from severe hearing loss. The school district supplied him and his teacher with a transmitter/receiver system for his use during the school day. Once he left school, he was back into a limited hearing world. Larry’s dad was saving $5.00 a week to eventually get Larry the over $2,000 hearing aid he needed. CKWCF made arrangements for Larry to be evaluated and purchased the hearing aid for him. What a joy to watch this little boy’s face as he heard his parent’s voices clearly for the first time. Larry is now a successful 2nd grade student at the Woodland School.
Dr. Diane Sidoli, DVM: For the second year, CKWCF has awarded funds to Dr. Sidoli and her family as they continue to recover and rebuild their lives after the devastating accident in Sept. 2004, in which Diane lost both legs above the knee, plus numerous other injuries, at the hands of a drunk driver.
Snellen Children Education Fund: Dan Snellen passed away June 28th, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dan leaves his wife Maureen and 4 children who range in age from 20 mos. to 14 years old. As a single parent, Maureen will have a difficult time saving for her children’s education, which was a priority to Dan. CKWCF has donated funds for each of the children to 529 Education Plans to help Maureen with her burden of fulfilling Dan’s wishes.
Sneakers for Kids: CKWCF has awarded funds to a Sussex County program that provides children with appropriate sneakers when their parents are unable to do so. Having new sneakers like their peers helps the children's morale and self esteem.
Housing/clothing/food assistance to four needy individuals: Sussex County has a high population of individuals in need of assistance for rentals, clothing, and food. CKWCF became aware of four developmentally disabled individuals with desperate needs in these areas: Peg is a 54 year old woman living in Newton on rental assistance on a $65 weekly food budget with her spouse. Shirley is 64 years of age and lives on rental assistance and food stamps and is in desperate need of clothing assistance. Fawn is a 40 year old single woman waiting for rental assistance and food stamps. She is having great difficulty making her rent payments. Art is 42 years old and currently makes about $150 per week and is having difficulty making rent payments and living on food stamps. The CKWCF has made an award to each of these individuals to assist them with basic living needs to help improve their quality of life.
Kirsten T. Education Fund: Kirsten, at age 5, witnessed her deranged uncle shoot her father last November. A fund, administered by Deb Nicholson, Esq., has been established to ensure Kirsten’s higher education needs. CKWCF felt the need to help lessen any burden on this young child as she matures and has to deal with the tragedy she witnessed.
Dr. Diane Sidoli, DVM: In September 2004, Dr. Sidoli left work at Hamburg Veterinary Clinic to pick up her infant son at daycare. On her way she was struck head-on by a 3 time DWI driver with no license or insurance. She was pinned in her car for 111 minutes while the rescuers worked to free her. As a result of the accident, Dr. Sidoli lost both legs above the knee, sustained a broken pelvis and numerous broken bones in both arms. As late as August of 2006 she is still undergoing numerous surgeries to try to rebuild her arms. The reconstruction of her arms is vital to her recovery as she will need tremendous strength in her arms and upper body to learn to walk with prosthetic legs. Although her medical insurance has covered most of the close to $1,000,000 in bills, Dr. Sidoli and her husband Rich currently live in a house that is not conducive to someone with her handicaps. When she is ready to be fitted with prosthetic legs, depending on the type and quality, insurance may not cover the entire amount. Additional expenses to care for their 2 1/2 year old son R.C. and a lot of time off work for Rich to bring her to various doctors and clinics, all of which insurance does not cover. Dr. Sidoli has vowed that she will be walking within a year and go back to work as a veterinarian at Hamburg Vet Clinic soon thereafter. 
Kaitlyn Morgan: On September 2, 2005, Kaitlyn a 10 year-old from Andover received a liver transplant which was preformed in St. Louis, Missouri. Kaitlyn was diagnosed at 8 weeks old with a biliary atresia, an absence of bile ducts. After years of sickness, medication and waiting on organ transplant lists Kaitlyn finally got the call. On September 1, 2005 the Morgan’s received the call and 22 hours later Kaitlyn was getting her liver transplant in St. Louis, Mo. The recovery process has gone very well, much because of Kaitlyn’s strong will. Though strong doses of anti-rejection medication and, as a result, a weak immune system she was very susceptible to illness. Now a year out from her transplant Kaitlyn’s anti-rejection medication has been lowered, her immune system is stronger and she is the least sick she has ever been. Kaitlyn, now a vibrant young lady, has just started cheerleading which is the first sport she has been able to participate in and dreams of working the red carpet as a fashion consultant for the E channel someday. Though Kaitlyn still makes routine visits to St. Louis for check-ups and will need to take the anti-rejection medication for the remainder of her life each day she gets better and stronger and closer to a lifestyle many of us take for granted.
Brandy Lynn: After suffering from numerous serious medical problems as an infant in 1999 Brandy was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Since then, Brandy has lost the ability to walk, sit and breathe on her own, now being hooked up to a ventilator 24 hours a day. Now age 16, Brandy baffles her doctors and amazes and inspires all who know her. Her ever-present smile and positive outlook on life despite her situation is a testimony to her inner strength and character. She is receiving her education through a home tutor. The medical bills over the past 16 years have been staggering but the most immediate need is for a custom-build wheelchair. The cost of this chair is in excess of $25,000 with the out-of –pocket from Brandy’s family being $15,000. After our contribution to the Brandy Lynn Medical Trust Fund, the family has raised close to $12,000 out of the needed $15,000. After the wheelchair is purchased, the family’s long term goal is to continue to raise funds to purchase a van with a lift and help to offset the never-ending medical bills.
Toscano Family: Thanksgiving 2006 while visiting family in Pennsylvania, Vince Toscano fell down the stairs. From that moment on the Toscano family’s life would never be the same. After numerous tests and surgery Vince was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He was actually the first person in the United States to ever be diagnosed with this type of cancer. His wife Liz, while being treated herself for thyroid cancer, tried to keep things afloat for her and their four children while Vince went through radical measures. The family lost their house and began to fall behind in bills for the necessities of life such as utilities. CKWCF learned of Liz’s plight and immediately sprung into action providing much need financial support. We also reached out to other we knew in the community who would want to help like Bill Curcio of Eastern Propane who arranged to have the family’s van fixed for free and John Mathews of Hinkle Auto who as a trustee of another local foundation provided additional financial support. Vince passed away in December of 2008 after a two year daily struggle.
CKW Charitable Foundation Mission Statement
Caristia, Kulsar & Wade, LLC has recognized that our firm, as well as our clients and associates, can play an important role in enhancing the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. This philosophy will guide our charitable giving in the coming years. Our goal is to provide for the enrichment of the quality of life in the communities of our region by wisely allocating, equitably sharing, and responsibly managing the resources that we hold in trust for those in need. The majority of the Caristia, Kulsar & Wade Charitable Foundation, Inc. donations will be focused on the safety, security and well-being of children and families; provide community service opportunities; and aid in hunger, disaster relief, and other emergent charitable needs in the northwestern New Jersey communities that we serve.