By Sharron Richardson, Vice President, Broker Services
Recently, I had the privilege of witnessing something truly special and deeply bittersweet. Jeff Giuliani and his team at EXIT Realty Defined in Franklinville, NJ came together to support the Burn Foundation 2025 Slow Pitch Softball Tournament, an annual charity event benefiting the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) Local 249.
What many people may not know is that this tournament was personal for Jeff. It was a cherished childhood memory for him, something he and his family participated in years ago. When he brought it back in 2023, he did so with the intention of strengthening the Vineland Fire Department charities and building unity across the region. He succeeded. In fact, he built something that will continue to grow long after him.
Jeff recently passed away from cancer and learning that made this year’s event feel even more meaningful. Knowing now that this was one of his final contributions to EXIT and to his community, I see the day through a very different lens: one filled with gratitude for his leadership, his heart, and his unwavering belief in giving back.
This year’s tournament was the most successful yet. First responders, local businesses, softball lovers, and families filled the field with energy, friendly competition, and a sense of togetherness that perfectly reflected Jeff’s spirit. The double-elimination tournament and crowd-favorite home run derby created a joyful, inspiring atmosphere that reminded me why events like this matter so much.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of sponsors, players, vendors, and volunteers, Jeff’s team more than doubled last year’s fundraising total and with support from the Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program, they nearly tripled the impact compared to 2024.
Proceeds from this event will once again support Vineland Fire Department charities and the vital work of The Burn Foundation, which provides resources and care for burn victims and their families across New Jersey.
Jeff and his team worked hard to raise funds through team registration fees, sponsor banners, home run derby entries, social media promotion, and collaborations with local softball leagues and businesses. It was a true community effort. It was the kind of effort Jeff believed in wholeheartedly. And together, they proved once again that teamwork doesn’t end at the field; it’s woven into the culture of who we are at EXIT.
Through the Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program, we matched the funds raised by Jeff and his team. They collected an extraordinary $7,818, and EXIT Realty Corp. International contributed an additional $2,000, bringing the total donation to $9,818 for New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Local 249.
Jeff had been a real estate professional with EXIT for over 20 years when he passed. As I think about Jeff and his kindness, his drive, and his commitment to service, I’m grateful that this event, one of the last he championed, reflects everything he stood for. His legacy of community, generosity, and leadership will live on through the work he started, and through the many people he inspired along the way.
