Jerry Gallagher and Passaic Optimist Club Raise $18,600 for Passaic High School Students

Jerome F. Gallagher Jr., a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., Trustee of the Passaic Optimist Foundation, and Chair of its Golf Outing Fundraiser Committee, has raised more than $18,600, all of which will fund scholarships for Passaic High School students. Nearly 100 golfers, 50 sponsors, and countless others helped to make the 21st annual Passaic Optimist golf outing at Ballyowen Golf Club in Hamburg, New Jersey, on June 28 a success.  Due in part to the great support for this event, the trustees of the Foundation have approved more than $41,000 in scholarships, a new record for the Club.  To be a part of the Club's fundraising efforts, visit passaicoptimistfoundation.org.

Gallagher was asked about his motivation for chairing this event, and noted: “The best part of our fundraising efforts is listening to the stories of these young, motivated students, learning how these scholarships make a critical difference in their lives, and assuring them that others care about their success.”  Gallagher grew up in the City of Passaic and recalls the challenges of growing up in a poor, urban environment.  “I came from a family of modest means, but through hard work was fortunate to receive a quality education at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers School of Law.  I have made giving back an integral part of my community service to help create positive opportunities for these young, promising students.”  The outing is supported by many Passaic High School alumni, as well as friends and clients of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., many of whom are not from Passaic, but who readily support the firm’s efforts to fund scholarships for young graduates.

Gallagher is a member of the firm’s Litigation, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights, and Construction Law Practice Groups.  He engages in civil trial and appellate practice, concentrating in the areas of commercial litigation, creditors’ rights, auto finance defense litigation, construction lien and contract litigation, and title insurance matters.  He is past Chair of the Industrial Advisory Board to NJIT’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, and in June 2018 was appointed to the NJIT Board of Visitors.  He also is a member of the Professionals Group Advisory Council for Provident Bank, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and the Metro Builders and New Jersey Home Builders Associations.  Gallagher earned his B.S., with distinction, from NJIT in 1980, and his J.D. in 1983 from Rutgers School of Law at Newark.