Woodlot ’07 to be held on Saturday
By: Emily Holody
Aaron Gittleman, 17, of South Brunswick High School, learned about the situation in Darfur, Sudan, during a lesson at school.
He was touched by what was happening and decided to do something about it.
He went to the township through the Human Relations Commission and created Woodlot ’07, an event aimed at benefiting those suffering in Darfur.
According to the Web site, www.woodlot07.org, "Tens of thousands of civilians have been murdered and thousands of women raped by Sudanese government soldiers and members of the government-supported militia. Over 2 million civilians have been driven from their homes and are starving."
All proceeds from the event will go to the nonprofit organization, Help Darfur Now.
The event, scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. will include food trucks, candy, T-shirts and necklaces for sale, a number of speakers including a slam poet and a speaker from Help Darfur Now, a DJ and four bands: Fire it Up!, Almost Green, Anchors for Arms, and Wellsville.
While Aaron will introduce the event, Mayor Frank Gamatese also will be present to say a few words of welcome at the beginning of the event.
"We’re hoping kids will come out, learn something and feel that they have to do something," said Cindy Gittleman, Aaron’s mother. "They’re looking to inform and educate their friends."
Aaron and his team of eight friends, his parents, and the vice chairman of South Brunswick Human Relations Commission, Jodi Marcou, have already raised $12,000.
"They did a friends-and-family campaign, and a private donation campaign," said Ms. Gittleman.
Grand Slam, a sports and entertainment center located on Stouts Lane in Monmouth Junction, is the largest donor to the event.
"Vincent Munn, the new owner, is really showing his civic responsibility and his community spirit right off the bat," said Ms. Giitleman. "They approached us," she added.
In addition, Cosco donated candy and the new Staples on Route 1 in Monmouth Junction donated free copying so that fliers could be made and distributed.
Not only did Aaron’s team complete these campaigns, but he also created a group on the social networking Web site www.facebook.com to inform college students of the event.
Although the event is not school-sponsored because of its off-campus location, Ms. Gittleman said that South Brunswick High School has been very cooperative in helping her son and his friends advertise in the school. Teachers are even wearing Woodlot ’07 T-shirts.
"I’ve gotten nothing but cooperation between the town and school," said Ms. Gittleman. "Everybody wants to see it happen."
Tickets cost $7 and are still available for the event by e-mailing your information through the Woodlot ’07 Web site. Various students, who can be contacted via e-mail through the site still have tickets to sell as well. Tickets also can be purchased at the Community Center at Woodlot Park on New Road.

