For Chick DiAmbrosio, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is more than just an organization; it’s a second home, a place where he found purpose and community. Chick’s journey to CFBNJ began with hardship.
“I went bankrupt during the late 1970s. We struggled, raising three children, and there were times when we had only 49 cents to our name,” he recalled. A pivotal moment came when generous friends filled his garage with enough food to sustain his family for six months. “My wife Phyllis and I knew then that when we got back on our feet, we had to give back.”
By 1984, Chick had started working at Chubb Insurance and became involved in its charitable division. It was through this role that he met Kathleen DiChiara, CFBNJ’s founder. “My first encounter with Kathleen was unforgettable,” he shared. “I introduced myself, and she said, ‘All right, come on, help me load packages. We’ll talk later.’” Chick spent the next hour and a half helping her load boxes of food, marking the beginning of a deep and enduring partnership. “Her energy was incredible. She always asked, ‘How can we make this happen?’ It wasn’t a question of if; it was a matter of how.”
Chick’s connection to CFBNJ grew as he became a board member and contributed his construction expertise to transforming the organization’s facilities. “Kathleen had a vision. Whether it was filling in railroad tracks or creating a new kitchen, she saw potential in everything,” he said. One of his most vivid memories involved helping Kathleen convert an old Kraft mayonnaise factory into a functional facility. “The smell of rotten cheese and mayonnaise hit us as we opened the door, but Kathleen was undeterred. She wrapped a handkerchief around her face and said, ‘How can we make this happen?’”
That former factory remains CFBNJ’s home to this day.
Kathleen’s fearless and compassionate leadership left a lasting impact on Chick. “She never said no to helping others. One time, she even convinced a union worker to support a project by appealing to his sense of humanity. Within days, he had trucks delivering materials for free.”
Chick’s dedication to CFBNJ also extended beyond construction projects. He fondly recalled Kathleen’s innovative ideas, like starting a garden on the roof and creating opportunities for community involvement. “She had the ability to inspire everyone around her to believe in the mission,” he said.
Reflecting on his time with CFBNJ, Chick said, “The FoodBank became my second home. I would work a full day and then go there. I knew I was doing something meaningful.” Even after stepping back from the board to make room for others, Chick remained an integral part of the organization’s projects. “I told Kathleen, ‘I’ll still help with construction, but the board needs people who can bring in the big money.’”
At 81, Chick continues to cherish the relationships and memories he built at CFBNJ. “The FoodBank isn’t just about food; it’s about hope and resilience. Kathleen’s leadership taught me that no challenge is insurmountable. She had a faith in this mission that inspired everyone, and her legacy lives on in every person the FoodBank helps.”
Chick’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the profound impact of giving back. From a struggling father to a pillar of CFBNJ, his journey embodies the mission of the FoodBank: providing food, help, and hope to those in need.