The extraordinary effort transformed Howell High School’s football field into a sea of bright yellow donation bags stretching from end zone to end zone. The massive visual spectacle marked the largest single food drive in the history of the nonprofit organization Dermer Dreams, shattering previous records and establishing a new benchmark for student-led community action in the Garden State.
"These students did more than collect food: They united communities and demonstrated the power of working together," said Dan Dermer, co-founder of Dermer Dreams.
What began modestly with students collecting provisions in their immediate neighborhoods quickly snowballed into a powerful, statewide demonstration of generosity. The initiative successfully united schools, local businesses, families, and dedicated volunteers from all walks of life, proving that grassroots movements can achieve monumental goals when fueled by youthful enthusiasm and shared purpose.
"All the food collected is now at 30 food banks and will help families across the state," Dan Dermer added, highlighting the immediate, tangible impact the drive will have on local households experiencing food insecurity.
To manage the staggering volume of donations, the Howell High School football team stepped up in a major way. Alongside an army of volunteers wearing bright yellow shirts, the student-athletes rolled up their sleeves to manually carry hundreds of thousands of pounds of provisions to a fleet of rented trucks. These vehicles were dispatched to transport the goods to essential regional food bank partners, including Lunch Break, Fulfill, the Howell Food Bank, and Open Door in Freehold, ensuring the supplies would reach those in need without delay.
Field of Dreams
The success of the initiative lies deeply in the personal connections forged between the organizers, the student participants, and the neighborhoods they serve.
"Every bag represents a young person who chose to make a difference in someone’s life," said Dan’s wife, Alyse Dermer, who works alongside her husband with the nonprofit.
Dermer Dreams was originally established in 2019 after Dan Dermer, a property manager who grew up in New York City, relocated to New Jersey. Upon moving, the couple recognized a common challenge faced by local youth: high school students were constantly searching for meaningful ways to complete community service hours and engage with their local municipalities. To address this need while tackling a more pressing societal issue, they launched the Dermer Dreams Neighborhood Captain Program, empowering students to take charge of local charitable efforts.
This year’s milestone event directly builds upon the momentum generated during the inaugural 2025 challenge, which was held at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. During that initial event, teens successfully organized neighborhoods and recruited volunteers, laying the groundwork for leadership development alongside civic responsibility.
"Not only will we feed people who are food insecure, but we will inspire young students to take action and make a difference in this world," Dan Dermer said.
Balancing his philanthropic endeavors with his professional life, Dan serves as the CEO of Dermer Management, Inc., a firm that oversees Manhattan-based properties, including co-ops, condos, and rental properties. Despite his demanding career in real estate management, he has dedicated more than a decade of his life to working directly with students to combat the root causes of hunger and foster a culture of service.
The overwhelming success of the second annual 100-Yard Food Drive Challenge highlights the growing momentum of the youth-driven movement in New Jersey. Organizers hope the event serves as an inspiration for other communities to replicate similar models, proving that collective local action can generate solutions on a regional scale.
For community members interested in supporting the initiative and joining the ongoing mission of "Fighting Hunger, One Bag at a Time" throughout the Garden State, additional information is available through the official Dermer Dreams website or by connecting with the organization on social media at @DermerDreams.
