Tom talks about how the Jay Fund began and it’s mission to take the burden of a childhood cancer diagnosis off of the family, so they could focus on what matters most – the health of their child.

January 11, 2012

Contact:  Keli Coughlin, Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation 

     904-543-2599    keli@tcjayfund.org

Tickets on Sale now for the 8^th Annual

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Wine Tasting Gala

WHO:  The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Wine Tasting Gala is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events. This fundraiser brings celebrities, wine enthusiasts, gourmets, philanthropists and successful friends combined talents and passions together creating an unparalleled experience. 

WHAT: Guests will enjoy cuisine from the area’s top restaurants and world-class wines in a walkabout format downtown.  While socializing, eating and drinking attendees have the opportunity to mingle with the event’s host, Coach Tom Coughlin, and other celebrity participants plus the chance to enjoy bidding on many silent auction items including rare wine, sports memorabilia and exciting trips all to benefit local children with cancer.  

To purchase tickets now go to  <a href=”http://tcjayfund.org/fundraisers/wine-tasting-gala/purchase-tickets/”>www.tcjayfund.org</a> or call 904-543-2599. There are 800 tickets available at $100 each.  This event sold out last year.

WHERE: The Wells Fargo Center, lobby

1 Independent Drive

Jacksonville, FL  32202

WHEN: Friday, March 16^th, 2012

6pm-9pm

WHY: All funds raised will support the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation in their efforts to assist families who have a child battling cancer.   

The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation was created in honor of Jay McGillis.  Jay was a very special young man who was a member of Coughlin’s team at Boston College and developed leukemia.  The courage, compassion and faith he demonstrated during the course of his illness were an inspiration to many people. The mission of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation is to assist children with leukemia and other cancers and their families by providing emotional and financial support to help reduce the stress associated with treatment and improve their quality of life.

1010XL radio hosted an annual Radiothon on Thursday, October 27^th.  Thanks to such great generosity from all the listeners, the Jay Fund EXCEEDED its goal of $25,000. We truly appreciate everyone’s support – THANK YOU!!

Press Releases – 2011

The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Renews
A $53,000 Grant For Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
To Benefit Pediatric Cancer Patients

Newark, NJ–The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation has renewed their grant to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center for $53,000 to be used as emergency funds for children who are battling cancer and are being treated at the Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.

“Through the foundation’s generosity, families with limited resources who have been further strained by their child’s medical costs can receive relief and assistance for basic needs,” says Peri Kamalakar, MD, Director of Pediatric Oncology for Barnabas Health’s three Valerie Fund Children’s Centers. “We are grateful for this funding, which allows our staff to alleviate some of the monetary concerns that already anxious families are facing at a time when they need to focus on a sick child.”

The Jay Fund’s mission is to financially and emotionally assist families with children who are undergoing cancer treatment. With last year’s $50,000 grant from the Jay Fund, The Valerie Fund Children’s Center was able to assist 20 families.

Tom Coughlin, the head coach for the New York Giants, is the founder of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, named in memory of Jay McGillis, one of his former players at Boston College, who succumbed to leukemia in 1996. Coach Coughlin witnessed first hand the financial and emotional struggles the family suffered through and vowed to help people in the same situation if he ever had the opportunity.

Last year, Cough Coughlin surprised children at the Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders with a visit and gifts to make their stay more pleasant.
“The Jay Fund has been a lifeline for many of our families, and we thank Coach Coughlin for making a difference in their lives,” adds Dr. Kamalakar.