| Cinderblock Foundation History |
The idea for The Cinderblock Foundation came to
Darren Rhym in the fall of 2003, after the death of
his father. Initially, the foundation was to be a
single scholarship, a memorial to his father.
During Rhym's junior year in high school, his father,
Joe, lost his job, a position he had held for some
twenty years. To insure that his son would be able
to continue attending Notre Dame High School, in
Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and afford college, Joe
Rhym started a new career as a construction
laborer. He carried blocks, twelve-inch cinder
blocks, so that he could afford to pay his son's
tuition costs.
To Darren Rhym, his father, Joe, is remembered not
only as a loving father but also as an intellectual
mentor who sacrificed so much to insure his son
could have access to a good education. To Rhym,
education became the key to success. Rhym
embraced his father's humility and selflessness and
hopes that the Cinderblock Foundation becomes an
institution synonymous with service and sacrifice.
There is no greater gift to the community than for
one to put its needs ahead of his or her own.
Thus, the Cinderblock is our symbol of strength,
sacrifice, and commitment.
Darren Rhym in the fall of 2003, after the death of
his father. Initially, the foundation was to be a
single scholarship, a memorial to his father.
During Rhym's junior year in high school, his father,
Joe, lost his job, a position he had held for some
twenty years. To insure that his son would be able
to continue attending Notre Dame High School, in
Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and afford college, Joe
Rhym started a new career as a construction
laborer. He carried blocks, twelve-inch cinder
blocks, so that he could afford to pay his son's
tuition costs.
To Darren Rhym, his father, Joe, is remembered not
only as a loving father but also as an intellectual
mentor who sacrificed so much to insure his son
could have access to a good education. To Rhym,
education became the key to success. Rhym
embraced his father's humility and selflessness and
hopes that the Cinderblock Foundation becomes an
institution synonymous with service and sacrifice.
There is no greater gift to the community than for
one to put its needs ahead of his or her own.
Thus, the Cinderblock is our symbol of strength,
sacrifice, and commitment.
| Joe N. Rhym 1937 - 2003 |
Joe Rhym and his
grandson
grandson