Dustin J & Daniel Friedland Foundation

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Dustin J & Daniel Friedland Foundation

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The DJD Foundation was created in loving memory of Dustin and Daniel Friedland, both lifelong learners, passionate about helping others and giving back.

Please join us in honoring their memory and continuing their legacy. The goal of the foundation is to support those in need through charitable causes, with an emphasis in education. We are a registered 501(3)(c). Our Tax ID is 83-1815437.

06/28/2026

Happy Pride!🏳️‍🌈 The Center

06/19/2026

“Who loves you girls more than me?” That was your line. Usually it came after saying something ridiculously inappropriate or offensive. Somehow, that one line was all it took to smooth over whatever had just come out of your mouth.

The truth is, I’m not writing this from just me. I’m writing it from all of us. You were the glue that held our crew together. You were the only person allowed to call me “Katie.” I can still hear you yelling it from across a room. It was usually accompanied by a look that meant, “Katie, stop being crazy.”

And then there were the voicemails, the emails, and the GChats. Every call started exactly the same way: “Hey Katie, it’s Dan...” As if there was any chance I didn’t already know. Even now, something will happen and one of us will immediately say, “Dan would have loved this.” Because you would have.

Now that I have children of my own, I think about you and your mom differently. No matter where we were, there was always a phone call home or a quick stop back to the house to “nosh” on something. Your love for your mom was your most endearing quality. Now that I’m a mom, I realize how much that says about the kind of man you were.

Dan, you gave us so much to laugh about, so many stories to tell, and ultimately, so much to miss. You constantly pushed the limits, made everyone laugh, and somehow always got away with it because everyone knew your heart. You made life wildly hilarious. I guess that’s why the space you left behind has been so hard to fill.

We know you’d love the fact that whenever we’re together, you’re still the center of so many of our conversations. I truly hope everyone up in heaven knows how tan and popular you are.

So on what would have been your 41st birthday, I think we finally have the answer to your question. “Who loves you girls more than me?” Nobody, Dan. Happy Birthday, best friend. ❤️ Kate D. Rankin

06/17/2026

The DJD Foundation is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our hardworking students from Hoboken High School and Toms River High School North who have been awarded our annual scholarship.

We applaud their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence throughout their high school careers, and we are thrilled to support them as they take this exciting next step into college. Wishing each recipient continued success, growth, and fulfillment in all that lies ahead!

03/09/2026

In honor of Dustin’s 43rd birthday, words from his lifelong friend, Andy Geneslaw.

He is deeply loved, greatly missed, and remembered every day💙

01/09/2026

When I think of Daniel, I think of his smile. It was bright white, but more than that, he shared it freely - often alongside his unforgettable, genuine laugh. Just the memory of his smile and laugh brings back the feeling of his effervescent personality and pure zest for life. If there was ever a party - and there often was - Daniel was at the center of it. He brought enthusiasm wherever he went, and his joy was contagious.

Daniel always called me by my full name. “Come on Emily Rose!” - immediately ready to welcome me into whatever he was up to. “Emily Rose, you were CRAZY last night! - launching into entirely made-up stories just to make me laugh and start a silly conversation. He’d leave long, rambling voicemails for no other purpose than to say hello and make sure my day was brighter. He gave his love generously, and without expectations. The equation was simple: I was a friend of Deanna’s, so I was a friend of his - instantly, and for life.

When I think about the time we spent together, I remember his disarming nature. He was someone you could count on to help you celebrate any occasion, always peppering you with dozens of questions about anything and everything going on in your life. He had a way of making his friends feel like celebrities, and it didn’t take long to feel close with him, as if he’d been a trusted confidante for years.

Above all, Daniel loved his family. When I imagine where he would be today, I think first of how proud he would be of the life his sister has built. I picture him spending summers lounging by Deanna and Anthony’s pool, leading Dominic and Daniela into mischief, and fully embracing his role as their beloved uncle. In the winter, he’d be the first to arrive at holidays, welcoming everyone into Deanna’s house as if it were his own, greeting them with huge hugs.

10 years without Daniel feels impossible, as his presence is still felt. His smile remains a lasting reminder of the joy he brought to us - we were truly lucky to know him.

12/15/2025

Twelve years ago, our lives were forever changed by your tragic passing… “My beloved Dustin, the greatest honor I was given was being your honorary godmother and having you call me Aunt Anna. I was always so proud of your academic and athletic achievements and told all of my friends about them. While I would always tell them how smart you were, I got the biggest smile when I would say how very handsome you were.

We shared many wonderful memories, but the one I cherish most was when you took your trip across the country and made sure to text and send pictures along the way. I never thought a 27-year-old would text his aunt to share his journey with her. I wish I still had all of the texts and pictures you sent me. I miss you every day. You are always in my heart.”

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in honoring the lives and legacies of Dustin and Daniel Friedland by supporting the DJD Foundation. Created in loving memory of two extraordinary brothers, the DJD Foundation is dedicated to helping students in need access meaningful educational opportunities. Through scholarships awarded in their honor, we aim to open doors, remove barriers, and empower the next generation of dreamers, leaders, and changemakers.

Your generosity helps ensure Dustin and Daniel’s compassion, brilliance, and spirit live on—creating lasting impact in the lives of students who need it most.
Thank you for helping us keep their memory alive through opportunity, education, and hope. 💙

Venmo or visit djdfriedlandfoundation.org to donate ✨

11/02/2025

A huge congratulations to the winners of the DJD Foundation’s 6th Annual Costume Contest!

*1st Place: Leo Rinaldi & Crew, Home Alone
*2nd Place: Ciraulo Family, Hook
*3rd Place: Kora Wilder, Pink Pony Club

Honorable Mentions:
-Amabile Family, Wicked
-Crespo Family, Moana
-Nora & Andrew Jorges, Dottie Hinson & Jimmy Dugan

Thank you to all who participated - your creativity and spirit blew us away! And a special shoutout to our amazing judges at Club Pilates! Be sure to check out their studios in Wall, Toms River, and Howell! We hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! 🎃👻

10/31/2025

Contest has been extended - tag us by November 1!

10/30/2025

🎃 Join Our 6th Annual DJD Halloween Costume Contest! 👻

Show off your spooky, funny, or creative costume!
Tag us in your post or story on 10/31.

You’ll automatically be entered to win DJD swag of your choice!

Address

1807 Boardwalk
Seaside Park, NJ
08752

Website

http://www.djdfriedlandfoundation.org/

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