It was too tough, Kingsway Regional High School senior Olivia LaRubbio’s mom Julie said, to think about all of the end-of-year events her daughter missed out on because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I couldn’t go into her closet one more time and see that (prom dress that had) never been worn,” she told NJ Advance Media.
So, Julie, her family, and the entire neighborhood got together to surprise Olivia and her date, fellow senior Dalton Menasion, with a two-person prom, complete with dinner, dancing, a DJ, and a photographer.
Neighbors helped unveil the surprise dance this week, and watched as the couple enjoyed every aspect of the special night.
"It really does take a village," said Julie.
The gesture is an example of why NJ.com launched #TogetherNJ, an initiative meant to highlight all the ways, large and small, New Jerseyans are showing love to one another amid the crisis.
Here’s a look at some of this week’s #TogetherNJ stories:
Woman takes out $660K home loan to give PPE to coronavirus warriors
It’s taken a lot for her to secure mass amounts of PPE and give it away — but for the 65-year-old, it’s nothing new. After all, she had stepped up during a previous crisis, and knew she had to spring into action again. After planes hit the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, Shearer took out about $1 million in loans to buy and distribute boots, hard hats, respirators, bolt cutters and other supplies to emergency responders at Ground Zero. Afterward, she sought donations from large foundations to pay down her debt.
N.J. high school grads get 50-state tribute in unique video
John Bertollo saw the tribute videos circulating for seniors robbed of traditional graduations during the coronavirus pandemic, so the vice principal at James Caldwell High School wanted to do something unique for his graduating class.
WATCH: Springsteen jams at home for Dropkick Murphys’ Fenway Park concert stream
Ken Casey, co-singer of the enduring Boston punk band the Dropkick Murphys, summoned onto the Jumbotron The Boss himself, who jammed with the group for two songs Friday night during its Straight Outta Fenway “fan-less” live concert stream.
Teachers surprised every senior in this N.J. high school’s graduating class
Roselle Catholic High School Assistant Principal Joe Skrec was a welcome face during the coronavirus lockdown two weeks ago, when he and several teachers hand-delivered graduation caps and gowns, yearbooks and congratulatory yard signs to more than 100 students at their doorsteps.
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Like teachers and administrators, coronavirus has caused bus drivers to miss students, too
For a lot of kids, Phil Dougherty was the first person they saw in the morning and the last in the afternoon.
Mother-daughter team feeds the needy during coronavirus pandemic
Their meals are picked up or delivered to the elderly in Cumberland County who could not leave their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Partnership provides free meals to thousands who line up for help
Two thousand families pre-registered to pick up the meals, a county spokesman said, which were provided in a partnership between the County of Union, Community FoodBank of NJ and the United Way of Greater Union County.
You still can’t run a 5K in person, but this virtual event is a good substitute
Virtual racing is the hot new thing in running, and the Greater Somerset County YMCA is embracing the trend with a weeklong event.
N.J. Catholic school saved from closure by donors
“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity and kindness of anonymous donors, as well as substantial community support, The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (in Union County) will remain open in the 2020-2021 school year,” Maria Margiotta, spokeswoman for the diocese, told NJ Advance Media.
Have you seen an inspiring story in your community during this troubling time? Tell us about it. And, see more uplifting stories in #TogetherNJ.
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Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.