RUMSON, N.J. - TelAve -- The football field at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School was transformed into a sea of yellow on Sunday, October 26, as Dermer Dreams, a New Jersey-based nonprofit powered by teens, filled the field from end zone to end zone with donated bags of food.

More than 1,000 students and their families from across New Jersey came together for the inaugural 100 Yard Food Drive Challenge, an inspiring community event that demonstrated the power of youth leadership and teamwork in the fight against hunger.

"This is about understanding that we all have the ability to do something bigger to help others," said Daniel Dermer, co-founder and CEO of Dermer Dreams. "When young people take the lead, the impact is incredible."

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Through its Neighborhood Captain Program, Dermer Dreams equips students with 100 donation bags and a playbook to organize food drives in their communities. Each captain recruits friends, family, and neighbors to fill their bags and deliver them to one of the collection sites across the state. Participants earn community service hours while learning about leadership, organization, and the importance of giving back.

In just one afternoon, tens of thousands of food bags were collected and distributed to food banks across New Jersey. The event provided immediate support for families in need and a lasting lesson in compassion and civic engagement for the students involved.

"You never know what someone might be going through, and helping others reminds us to appreciate what we have," said student volunteer Cole Spoonire. "It feels good to make a difference."

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A Grassroots Movement

Founded by Alyse and Dan Dermer of Fair Haven, Dermer Dreams has become a statewide movement for change. Thanks to overwhelming community support, the organization has surpassed its original goal of collecting one million pounds of food for people facing food insecurity.

"It was communities across New Jersey that made the Dermer Dream come true," said Alyse Dermer, co-founder of Dermer Dreams.

Dermer Dreams extends gratitude to its community and corporate supporters, including PSE&G, New Jersey Natural Gas, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, and Volvo of Red Bank, along with local schools and neighborhood partners who make each event possible.

Learn more, volunteer, or make a donation at https://dermerdreams.org/.
Follow @DermerDreams for updates, photos, and student stories.