New Jersey Monthly regularly features an online roundup of photos taken at various charitable events across the Garden State. We also feature a profile of a nonprofit or outstanding volunteer in the pages of the magazine—check out our profile of The Warehouse NJ from the June issue.
Be sure to send pictures and captions from your recent charitable event to [email protected] for possible inclusion next month!
1. McDonald’s Franchisee Mentors Teens
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
High school students from nonprofit organization Oasis received valuable mentorship from McDonald’s owner and operator Angela Adderley (center). Adderley, a McDonald’s franchisee for almost 27 years, now owns seven locations in New Jersey. Topics included how Adderley started her career, her entrepreneurial mindset and what she has learned about owning and operating her own business.
2. Bridgewater Commons Shows Some Love
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
To celebrate Pride Month, Bridgewater Commons unveiled Let the Love Flow, a large-scale mural by British artist Lois O’Hara. The project was a collaboration between the mall and The Pride Center of New Jersey, which provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals. Marking the occasion were, from left: Tom Kovacic, marketing director of Bridgewater Commons; The Pride Center of New Jersey’s Rick Kavin, president; Mark McSpirit, vice president of operations; Vic Schimmenti, community liaison; Jay Capunitan, health education trustee; and Jeff Kagan, secretary.
3. Paddling with Purpose
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
Each raising awareness for a different cause, four business owners rode stand-up paddleboards 30 miles from Oceanport Paddle Club to the southern tip of Manhattan. From left: Bryan Zinski of Summa Love Surfing & Yoga; Chris Macioch of Oceanport Paddle Club; Jeremy Julio of Last Bite Mosquito and Tick Control; and John Majeski of SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch and Hackensack/Little Ferry, supporting, respectively, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey, CASA of Ocean County, the Lyme Light Foundation and the Kortney Rose Foundation.
4. 9,000-Mile Ride Raises Awareness
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
Jeff Salter, founder and CEO of Caring Senior Service, arrived in West Orange as part of his e-bike tour to launch the “Close the Gap in Senior Care” movement, which raises awareness and funds for senior care needs. Salter’s cross-country journey began in San Antonio on April 1. Over the course of four months, Salter will travel to 45 cities as he visits every Caring Senior Service location.
5. Teaming Up to Fight Food Insecurity
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
As part of an ongoing commitment to support local communities, Wakefern Food Corp. is donating excess and unopened food products to the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS). Wakefern has donated more than 12,000 pounds of food since the partnership was established last summer. MCFOODS, which has served Middlesex County since 1994, distributes donated goods to over 140 food pantries.
6. Applebee’s Honors A+ Teachers
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
Nominated by their students, winners of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar’s Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest received a $500 check to use toward their classroom for the upcoming school year. Honorees included Amy Garrett from Explore Middle School; Alyssa Mondella, John Adams Middle School; Melissa McNulty, North Boulevard Elementary School; and John McAvaddy, Auten Road Intermediate School, pictured here with student Elizabeth Stroka and Christopher Carey, principal.