Former NFL Players Help Raise $3,500 for Sandy Relief

Two former NFL players, Tiki Barber and Jay Fiedler, helped raise approximately $3,500 for Superstorm Sandy victims at this year's Temple B'nai Jeshurun annual Chanukah party on Sunday in Short Hills.

Barber, former New York Giants running back, and Fiedler, former NFL quarterback, were on hand at the party to sign autographs and take pictures with congregants.

A few lucky kids even got to catch passes from the former quarterback in the youth lounge.

"It was a phenomenal day," co-president Temple B'nai Jeshurun Brotherhood, Jeff Schneider, said. "Jay and Tiki were so incredibly generous with their time, their enthusiasm and their energy." 

Over 360 congregants showed up to enjoy doughnuts, latkes, and chicken, while playing Chanukah games for prizes, Schneider said.

The congregation raised money for victims of Superstorm Sandy by auctioning off footballs and hats the players signed.

Covered in Candy, of Livingston, also auctioned off a 3-foot-long menorah covered in candy for the cause.

The former NFL players were donated by Thuzio, a company started by a congregant of Temple B'nai Jeshurun and Barber. According to its website, the company helps individuals, companies and charitable organizations bring retired and current athletes and celebrities to their events. 

"Everyone had a great time and a huge smile," Schneider said.