Guests dance to the music
The sport of wrestling has made a positive impact in lives of people from one coast to the other. The story of how these people give back to wrestling is an incredible tale of the Olympic Spirit in action.      The "New Jersey Night Of Champions" was the result of a hard working and dedicated committee of volunteers led by Chairman Steven Jastrabek. A former collegiate wrestler at Clarion University and current small business owner in Bernardsville NJ, Jastrabek made a contribution to support USA Wrestling's efforts in training the 2000 Sydney Olympic Teams. In 2004, he wanted to do more.    
David and Kathleen Welch with Bruce Baumgartner win the bid for an authentic Olympic Torch circa 1984
  Working with USA Wrestling's Director of Development Larry Nugent and the U.S. Olympic Committee's Development Department, Jastrabek conceived of a gala that would attract corporate and private support as well as a silent and oral auction.       Olympic hero Bruce Baumgartner graciously accepted USA Wrestling's request to participate. The U.S. Equestrian Center donated their unique and beautiful facility. Photography, flowers and audio/visual equipment were all donated. USA Wrestling and the US Olympic Committee, as well as local businesses provided unique memorabilia and valuable items for the auction. A former Olympian and her daughter thrilled the 150 guests with a dressage exhibition before dinner!    
The New Jersey Committee. Photos courtesy of Becky Bedrosian
  USA Wrestling would like to thank the volunteers in New Jersey that made this successful fundraiser possible. Jastrabek's committee of Lin Miller, Virginia Pollack, Diane Zissu, Tim Bradshaw and Kathy Hart deserve special recognition as well as Dr. Jim Bicksler who was vital in the corporate funding effort. New Jersey Wrestling leaders John and Penny Welch and Frank and Lesyle Mosier continued their dedicated involvement in making wrestling the world's greatest sport.       USA Wrestling believes that there are others like Steven Jastrabek looking for ways to give back. If you would like to discuss how you might give back, please call or write USA Wrestling's Director of Development Larry Nugent at 719-598-8181 or e-mail lnugent@usawrestling.org.