At 84, George W. Newman, the founder, owner, and operator of Allied Junction Corporation, still remembers what it was like to be poor, and he knows that sometimes, a helping hand can transform a child’s life. In giving $100,000 in electronic equipment to Secaucus schoolchildren last week, Newman said he wanted to help prepare local kids for the changes that his project will bring to Secaucus. Allied Junction Corporation, along with the NJ Transit, is constructing the state-of-the-art Secaucus Transfer Station and its associated Allied Junction commercial complex – the largest single commercial development and largest public-private joint venture in the state of New Jersey. During the ceremony held at Huber Street school on May 3, Newman presented the public school system of Secaucus and the Immaculate Conception school with Panasonic laptop computers and combination TV/VCRs – the largest private donation every made to Secaucus education institutions. “We hear politicians talking on television all the time how important education is,” Newman said in a telephone interview this week. “It is important. That’s why I started the Better Chance Foundation to help kids complete in the outside world, especially with the changes Allied Junction is going to bring.” Born on West 43rd Street in Manhattan, an area commonly called “Hell’s Kitchen,” Newman said he remembered one particular incident of generosity when he was a kid. “My family had to struggle when I was a kid,” he said. “In those days, you ate everything on your plate.” Because they lived in the heart of the theater district in New York City, he and his friends were fascinated by Vaudeville. “Everyone was somewhat talented and we all wanted to be on the stage,” Newman said. This idea gave rise to a scheme to raise some money for Thanksgiving around 1925 or 1926. Newman and his friends went down to the platform of the cross-town shuttle, spread out a blanket and started to perform, one on harmonica, another on ukulele and Newman singing. “In those days kids used to beg to get money, we played there for about five or six hours,” Newman said. Perhaps it was the holiday, but people just kept throwing money down for the boys. After a while, the kids folded up the blanket upon which people had thrown money and took it home. “We brought it home to my mother’s table. When she counted it out, we had $45. She gave each of us $15. My father made $15 a week back then.” While the incident may not have transformed his life, Newman remembers the generosity and how good he felt, but more importantly, how big a role opportunity can play in the lives of children – an opportunity, he said, he is trying to provide with his gift to the schools. “I have five grandchildren,” he said, noting that they are seeking a variety of careers, giving him some insight into their needs. Although Newman sold Allied Outdoor Advertising – a company he also founded – he maintained one billboard outside the Lincoln Tunnel. “That’s the sign that advertises Panasonic,” he said. “I’ve had a friendship with them for many years. So when this came up, they cut the price way down on all these TVs and computers.” The kids say thank you Welcoming Newman’s gift to the schoolchildren, school officials chose the type of items that would most benefit the students’ educational needs. “Growing up in today’s society is no easy task,” said Huber Street School Principal Pat Coccuci. “As we grow and change with every age, there are people who we remember, those people who we call role models, those people who have a positive influence on our lives.” Coccuci said that Newman and his wife are two such people. In 1997, the Newmans established the George W. and Amy Newman Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to educational scientific advancement. Recognizing the economic impact and employment opportunities that Allied Junction and the accompanying roadway improvements will bring to the town, Newman’s “Better Chance” project was conceived to help area youth achieve their highest potential in order to face the challenges of the high tech jobs of the future. “I’m delighted to be able to make this gift to the children of Secaucus,” Newman said, “and trust that these educational tools will give them a better chance for a brighter future.” Surrounded by a sea of Panasonic product boxes, Mayor Dennis Elwell, Schools Superintendent Constantine Scerbo and Monsignor Donald Gunter of ICC accepted the high tech electronic products. Newman credited Elwell in particular for making the gift possible. “As students, our schools provide us with many opportunities to achieve academically and develop socially,” said Kristine Kemper, a student at Huber Street School. “It is no secret that our development into young adulthood is made easier by the help and support of people like you who provide us with additional tools to expand our horizons and make our dreams become realities.” “Over the last few days, I learned a meaningful lesson about life,” said Huber Street School student Ashley Paciga. “I learned that special people like you, through your generous and unselfish efforts, make this place a wonderful world in which to live.”
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