WTHS Physical Education Teacher Matt Groark Among 12 Named “2020 Men of the Year” by South Jersey Magazine
Celebrating the resiliency of the human spirit, which was on full display throughout the 2020 pandemic,South Jersey Magazinerecently singled out 12 men who “represent the epitome of virtue” and whose kindhearted acts remind us “that good will always prevails.” Included about this elite group is Washington Township High School health and physical education teacher Matt Groark.
After Groark and his wife suffered several miscarriages, it was an act of kindness from his students that transformed his passion for food into a business. A gift of Philadelphia 76ers tickets turned into a class field trip, covered by news outlets as far as California. He took the media momentum and ran with it, founding Groark Boys BBQ (named for his two sons), using the business as a platform for spreading kindness and charity. Groark has raised money for the MS Society, Operation Smile and the Epilepsy Foundation, as well as Team Foster, an organization that helps veterans obtain service animals. Although the pandemic stalled Groark’s business a bit, his social media presence has exploded, with over 1.2 million followers on TikTok, propelling him in his most recent fundraiser that yielded $6,000 in donations for a young girl in her battle with brain cancer. Currently, he’s raising money for a WTHS graduate who just passed away from bone cancer at age 19. Groark’s efforts last spring also gained the attention of Sam’s Club and the company invited him toGood Morning Americawhere they surprised him with a $10,000 grant. He has used the money to continue to provide food donations to frontline workers throughout the pandemic.
"Matt continues to be a positive influence in and around our community through his philanthropic work,” WTHS principal Jonathan Strout said. “His efforts to use his network of social media to spread positivity and love are commendable and inspiring.”
In addition to Groark, SJ Magazinealso honored:
Barney Corrigan (Man of the Year) – Westville
Larry Abrams – Lindenwold
Patrick Rodio – Collingswood
Max Fisher – Moorestown
Scott D’antonio – Marlton
Alex Laughlin – Riverton
Dr. James Sanflippo -Moorestown
Brett Levin -Medford
Bob Riesenbach – Cherry Hill
Angel Santiago – Gloucester Township
Cantor Scott Borsky -Voorhees
To read about their generous community outreach, please visit: https://www.southjerseymagazine.com/article/2759/Men-of-the-Year-2020?fbclid=IwAR2vwYAkTq6YlIHXQ90W1m6e3IgyBX9rXZCdIhvlDyXu0ORE2AtpkNpYQU8
Pictured: WTHS physical education teacher Matt Groark previously was featured on Good Morning America for his food donations throughout the pandemic.