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About Us

Working with the community for fun, unique ways that support military, veterans, and first responders. 

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//OUR GREAT HISTORY

The AT EASE Foundation takes its name from Atrion Communication Resources, Inc., the IT solutions provider founded by Pat Grillo in 1985.  Pat founded Atrion as he saw a need to provide solutions to customers rather than simply reselling product.  “Our goal from day one was to be a solutions seller,” recalls Grillo, “with the goal of helping customers design and implement secure networks.”  Being a veteran, military concepts near and dear to Pat permeated every aspect of his business.  Honor, integrity, and commitment have been a fabric of the culture at Atrion Communications for over 38 years, traits that continue with the founding of the AT EASE Foundation.  Pat launched his first event campaign to benefit military veterans, which was so well received and such a success it rapidly became a yearly tradition. As of its founding 2019, AT EASE Foundation has been able to raise and donate over $150,000 to the direct assistance for active military, veterans, and first responders. 

//THE 1,2,3's OF AT EASE

AT EASE Foundation is a 100% volunteer-run charitable organization that relies on fundraising events, sponsorships, and private donations to support first responders, veterans, active military individuals and organizations throughout New Jersey. Please consider volunteering or donating to help us grow and support more of our heroes through these three modes of giving.

1) Individual Assistance:

When a member of our “Community of Heroes” (first responders, veterans, active military, and their families) requires financial assistance in the wake of a death, injury, or debilitating illness, the request is forwarded to our Review Committee. Once a determination is made, a committee member reaches out to the individual in need.

2) Scholarships:

Eligibility is limited to family members of veteran, active military, and first responders in the state of New Jersey. Scholarships may be used towards tuition to attend colleges or trade schools.  

3) Resources for First Responders:

These donations support life-saving training, such as K-9 unit education, and equipment, including the Jersey Tactical Claw, used by New Jersey police and fire departments and rescue squads.

//FEATURED EVENTS

Next Event:

Annual Golf Event

Join the AT Ease Foundation team for a wonderful day of golf and fundraising in support of our local charities. Enjoy a quality game, banquet dinner, drinks, raffles, prizes, and more.

View Upcoming Events

We host community events regularly to help support military, veterans, and first responders. Check it out!

Every Donation Counts

We distribute donations based on the highest need, so you always know your efforts are making an impact. 

Why Military? Meet

//OUR FOUNDER

My name is Pasquale Grillo, and I served in the United States Marine Corps. During this time, I spent 13 months in Vietnam as part of Marine Air Group 12 (MAG12) based in Chu Lai, Republic of South Vietnam. I was one of the lucky service people to come home in one piece and with all my faculties, I always had a desire to help those not as fortunate. Over time I donated to various charities, but I wanted to do more.  As founder and CEO of Atrion Communication Resources, Inc. (Atrion), I ran an annual Customer Appreciation Golf Outing, where Atrion and its manufacturer partners invited customers out for a fun time as a thank you for their business. Over the years, the tournament grew and our fundraising grew with it and enabled us to donate more. In May 2021, I personally made a $20,000 donation to the AT EASE Foundation, which was used to set up the AT EASE Foundation web site, design a logo, develop other promotional materials, and provide some operating capital.  It is my hope that, through this organization, we will continue to provide much needed support to the active military, veterans, first responders, and those who sacrifice daily to keep us safe.

Meet our

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Dominic Grillo

Dominic is an accomplished technology executive with 25 years of experience and achievements in Information Technology solutions, helping to run Atrion Communication Resources with his father and founder of At Ease Foundation, Pasquale Grillo, for the past 10+ years.

Outside of work, Dominic is married with two middle-school aged daughters who enjoy service projects and volunteering with At Ease Foundation. Dominic recently completed his first full Ironman Triathlon in September 2022, and had a crossword puzzle accepted for an upcoming publication in the New York Times. Although not a veteran, Dominic has a profound respect for those such as his father who have sacrificed so much so he can run, bike, travel, and enjoy all of life’s pleasures.

James A. Hughes

James Hughes is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank and its parent company, Unity Bancorp, Inc. Hughes graduated from St Mary’s College in May 1980 with the BS in Accounting/Finance; and, in May 1983 his completed his MBA in Finance from Seton Hall University. He became a Certified Public Accountant in November of 1983, and has been an active member of the Financial Executive Institute. In addition, he was a part-time accounting professor at the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University from September 1988 to May 1990. Hughes has served as an active member of the Community Bankers Association and the New Jersey Bankers Association in various officer positions since becoming Unity Bank’s President.

Dr. Derek Ferguson

"I serve the people of the United States, I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life” This is a veterans vow when they serve to protect us so we can live freely, safely and with peace of mind daily. But when they come home who serves them when they are in need? The team at AtEase are here to serve them now and we are blessed to do so for them."

Dr. Derek Ferguson is leading a health transformation which revolves around educating the general public on Functional Medicine. He is owner and clinical director of Transformational Health Centers located in New Jersey and Florida. A recognized author, speaker, leader, educator and advocate in the field of Functional Medicine, Dr. Ferguson has been featured on News 12 New Jersey and has authored a lifestyle cookbook, Eat Like Your LIFE Depends on It. Dr. Ferguson considers it an honor to serve and be a health transformation provider in today’s field of medicine.

Robert Vicci

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Robert F. Vicci is a Veteran of 34 years of Service, both Active Duty and the NJ Army National Guard, in the United States Army, and a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3. He is a vocal advocate for our returning service members, military veterans and their families, and as the CEO of VetREST he assists those who have served.

VetREST's mission is to facilitate Restoration, Encouragement, Solace, and Training for our nation’s veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by helping them identify the cause of their PTS in an environment where their signature program can promote healing. He has earned the Bronze Star for service during his tour of duty in Iraq, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, his Expert Infantryman Badge, his Air Assault Badge, and Senior Army Aviator.

Michael S. Peluso

Michael Peluso is a lifetime entrepreneur, investor and Health Practitioner. He is the Founder of True Living, communication consulting firm, CEO of Joinocity, a relationship-driven sales, and marketing technology platform and Head of Business Development for Three Summers Creative, an award winning full service integrated marketing agency.

He serves the business community as a keynote speaker and a powerful advocate for mindset and lifestyle habit transformation resulting in increased business growth and life satisfaction. In addition, his coaching philosophy has revitalized organizations in every industry and touched the lives of executives around the world.

Mark Mauro, CPA/PFS

A CPA by trade, Mark focuses much of his time on Financial Life Planning and Behavioral Investment Advising. Raised in Bloomfield, now residing in Hillsborough, Mark is most proud of his two children, Nikki and Dean.

Thomas True

When I was asked onto the Board by Pat Grillo the answer was easy. The Foundations I support are our youth, and our Veterans and First Responders. This is our future and those that protect it. God Bless America!

Kenneth Gerhart

Robert W. Schielke

Rob entered the United States Navy immediately following high school. He assumed increasing roles of responsibility during his Naval enlistment and was honorably discharged, earning the rank of E-5 (Second Class Petty Officer). A the end of 2018, Rob started a new agency, PBA Blue Guardian Insurance Agency, LLC as a joint venture partner with the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association. It has always been the drive of Rob to support military and first responders any way possible. In addition to supporting First Responders, Rob is a dedicated member of the Kenilworth Veteran Center/VFW 2230 and the American Legion.

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