Joey's Buddy Bench Dedication 

Our nonprofit organization, Joey's Gifts, is dedicated to creating a meaningful impact and promoting safety and awareness in the lives of children and families. We do this through our program, Joey's Safety System, which aims to prevent accidents and promote safety. Unfortunately, on June 19, 2023, Joey, who was only 9 years old, drowned alone while fishing in a pond. Although we can never have Joey back in our lives again, we can hopefully make a difference in helping other children avoid unnecessary accidents.

Our mission is to keep Joey's spirit alive by honoring his memory. Through our programs and initiatives, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families by promoting safety and awareness. Joey's Safety System emphasizes the importance of having a buddy while participating in extracurricular activities. Not only does it enhance the fun, but it also ensures that children are safe. We teach children critical safety measures and give them essential tools to keep themselves and others safe.

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In Joey's memory, his maternal grandfather crafted and engraved a beautiful bench in memory of him, which bears the name "Joey's Buddy Bench" to include his late uncle Buddy. Joey’s Buddy Bench will hopefully help provide a constant reminder to have a buddy while participating in activities, especially around water.

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On September 9, 2023, the family and community held a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony to dedicate the bench. The bench now resides at Simmons Elementary in Horsham, PA, where Joey and his older siblings attended school. As Joey was an avid reader, the bench can be found in the reading garden at the front of the school. It was a touching and moving experience to witness the community coming together to remember and celebrate Joey's life. Please enjoy the pictures and videos of the bench dedication below.

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We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers and staff from all walks of life who bring their unique expertise and resources into everything we do. Together, we are making a significant impact on the lives of our community. While there is always more that can be done, we measure our success through the happy faces and heartwarming feedback we receive. Join us on our journey of creating a safer environment for children and help us raise awareness about the risks associated with unsafe activities. Please consider contributing to our cause to teach our children good safety habits, or ontact us to see how you can become part of Joey's Gifts.