Chad Gunther Memorial funds are continuing to grow
The Chad Gunther Memorial Fund is holding its fourth annual fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 8.
Chad Gunther Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization that is geared around helping underprivileged children in the South Jersey area. The organization focuses on athletic ability and academics by mainly providing college scholarships for young adults who are associated with the Boys and Girls Club of America. In addition, the members of the organization sponsor the Below the Rim Basketball program, which approximately 300 children attend in the Camden area.
Helping under privileged children move in the right direction educationally did not just happen out of nowhere.
Gunther was an active member in the Camden community. Originally from Cherry Hill, Gunther and his family moved to Centennial Mill in Voorhees where he became avid in that community as well.
Gunther loved sports. He played hockey for Cherry Hill East and was also involved in various sports activities in Centennial Mill.
At age 27, Chad died of unknown causes, but his family and friends are continuing his passion for sports and assisting those who need it.
Ray Gunther, Chad’s father, mentioned how active Chad was in the Camden community.
“My grandfather graduated from Camden High in 1921, and my father graduated from 1942, and I graduated in 1963,” said Ray.
Chad graduated from Cherry Hill East but his involvement in the community allowed him to connect with the people of Camden and Ray’s friends from high school. Essentially, it brought him closer to three generations worth of family.
The first year of the foundation the organization raised about $12,000.
“We wanted to do something for Chad,” Gunther said.
Bob Schulman suggested a fund in honor of Chad and approximately three years later, the Chad Gunther Memorial Fund is still giving back to children in the community.
Each year, one boy and one girl who are a part of the Boys and Girls Club in Camden are given a college scholarship, said Pete Oteri.
The organization continues to help as many as it can but for now, it will continue to provide scholarships through the Boys and Girls Club of America, send youngsters to sports camps and proved food to needy families in Camden, according to a news release.
The fourth annual Chad Gunther Memorial Fund will be held at the E Lounge in Cherry Hill. According to Schuman, 95 percent of the people attending the event are from Voorhees.
Donations can be sent to The Chad Gunther Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 404, Voorhees, NJ 08043.
