Hilarey Wojtowicz
(908)-247-5516
Jean Gianacaci does not remember how her foundation Christine’s Hope for Kids first began. Looking back, it all seems hazy and she can only say that it was something – or someone – pushing her forward.
“It just happened,” said Gianacaci. “I can’t tell you how it happened – I don’t remember how it happened. I really think it was divine intervention to be honest.”
On Jan. 12, 2010, Gianacaci and her husband John suffered a tragedy that no parent ever wants to imagine. The Hopewell Township couple’s daughter Christine was on a service trip in Haiti when the catastrophic earthquake hit the area. Christine, along with three of her classmates from Lynn University, as well as two professors, lost their lives.
With the unfortunate and tragic loss came this divine intervention that has become more than just a foundation for Jean and John. It has become the new life of their daughter Christine and she just turned three.
“It’s amazing that [Christine] has accomplished so much and she’s not even here,” said Jean. “I am really just the delivery person for this whole thing. I think it has been Christine guiding us from day one.”
Christine’s Hope for Kids has grown from a local foundation, working to raise money and help underprivileged kids and kids with differences, in Mercer County to a movement that has spread across the state of New Jersey and Florida.
“If you can help somebody today then they can help somebody tomorrow,” said John in regards to CHFK’s main goal.
Jean and John work with local schools, such as Timberlane Middle School in Pennington, to raise money and complete projects that can benefit underprivileged kids and those with differences. CHFK matches the amount of money that is raised and allows the students and kids to pick what the money and donated items go to.
After starting the foundation almost directly after the loss of their daughter three years ago, the couple has seen thousands of kids being helped and has raised over $250,000 to date.
“Timberlane Middle School often collects items, gives them to CHFK and we distribute them to kids in inner cities,” said Jean. “But it’s not about the money or the donations, it’s about helping. It’s about the kids being helped and the kids that are getting involved and helping.”
As Jean and John continue to help other kids, there is a constant reminder of their own daughter who has really been not only the inspiration for the foundation, but the true force within it.
Christine loved to help people from a young age, often nicknamed the mayor of her elementary school classes for her outgoing and kind personality. Once a college student at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fl., she became involved in numerous service programs on campus. The communications major loved helping kids and, according to Jean, would most likely be working for a non-profit now. Christine strived to help those who are underprivileged, but also those who suffer from differences, as she herself grew up with Tourette’s Syndrom.
“She never let it get her down,” said Jean. “We told her it is part of who she is and it is nothing to be ashamed of. She really found her way [at Lynn University] and she was your typical college girl in every way, but she had this kind and generous spirit and wanted to always help people.”
Without Christine physically involved in the foundation, John said she is there in every other way and that they could not have done any of this without her.
“Christine is not being forgotten,” said John. “She is driving the train and pushing us to the right spot. She’s definitely with us. We couldn’t do this without her.”
CHFK is evolving, and so are John and Jean. For Jean, every day that Christine is gone is a day that the couple adjusts to their new normal. The entire experience is rewarding as they are allowing Christine the chance to help both her family and so many other kids.
“We lost her three years ago and that will always be a part of [this anniversary],” said John. “But on the other side, we started Christine’s Hope and it has been up and running for three years and we are blessed to have that.”
For more information on Christine’s Hope for Kids, visit christineshope.org.
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