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 each month. Check out our profile of ArtPride NJ from the May issue.
Also, be sure to send pictures and captions from your recent charitable event to [email protected] for possible inclusion next month!
1. Former New York Giant Helps Grant Giant Wish
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
Make-A-Wish New Jersey donated to Tackle Kids Cancer (TKC) in honor of Penelope, aka Penny, a two-and-a-half-year-old who passed away after battling neuroblastoma. A private ceremony was held at the Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place in Monroe Township. There, Penny’s parents (pictured) were joined by a surprise guest: former New York Giants quarterback and #TeamTKC Captain Eli Manning.
2. New Institute to Help Those Living with Diabetes
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation’s newest addition: The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute. The institute will supplement the hospital’s renowned diabetes programs by promoting research, education and training, and community outreach. Marking the occasion were, from left: Lawrence Inserra; Joyce P. Hendricks, chief development officer and president, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation; Lawrence J. Inserra, Jr., chairman, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation; Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health; Bonnie Inserra; Dr. Colette Knight, chair, Inserra Family Diabetes Institute, director, endocrinology division, Hackensack University Medical Center; Lindsey Inserra; Dr. Ihor S. Sawczuk, regional president, Northern Market, chief research officer, Hackensack Meridian Health; and Mark D. Sparta, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center, executive vice president, Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health.
3. New Roof for Frontline Worker
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
Parsippany-based GAF teamed up with Morris Habitat for Humanity to install a new, much-needed roof on the home of Patricia Lopez, free of charge. Lopez, who is a nurse’s assistant and single mother, put off replacing the roof as she balanced battling the Covid-19 pandemic and raising her young son. The project provided students enrolled in GAF’s tuition-free training program with valuable, hands-on experience.
4. Million-Dollar Donation to Support Black-Owned Businesses
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
The Pascale Sykes Foundation donated $1 million to the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) and New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC). The money will be used to provide low-interest loans to Black business enterprises looking to establish, sustain augment or expand operations, as well as ones economically impacted by the pandemic. Marking the occasion were, from left: Vice President of Strategic Engagement Jackie Edwards and President Frances P. Sykes of the Pascale Sykes Foundation; President John E. Harmon of the AACCNJ; President Wayne Meyer of NJCC; and Chief Operations Officer Phillip D. Woolfolk of the AACCNJ.
5. Culinary Arts Program Teaches Recipe for Success
Photo courtesy of Jerrell Mann
Formerly homeless, Jerrell Mann (pictured) is now the lead cook at Better Life, thanks to the instruction he received at the New Community Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) in Newark. Mann discovered NCCTI’s Culinary Arts Specialist program while living at Better Life, which provides housing for chronically homeless individuals. Having completed the class portion of the program, Mann is currently interning at Better Life and will soon take his certification test.
6. Donation Paves Path to Higher Education for Women
Photo courtesy of charitable organization
Brookdale Community College was presented with a $350,000 donation from the Woman’s Exchange of Monmouth County. Over the next 10 years, the funds will provide scholarships to women 25 or older living in Monmouth County. The donation was made possible through the sale of the retail shop ran by the Woman’s Exchange, which closed in 2020. Marking the occasion were, from left, front row: Joan Scocco, dean of continuing and professional studies; Woman’s Exchange members Kathy Dubois, Patricia Donohoe and Maryanne Mognoni; back row: Karla Printz, from the Woman’s Exchange; Dr. David Stout, president of Brookdale Community College; Monica Boscarino, president of the Woman’s Exchange; Nancy Kaari, vice president of advancement; and Stephanie Fitzsimmons, director of financial aid.
7. DoorDash Delivers Community Outreach
Photo courtesy of charitable organization. Photo taken pre-Covid
LEAD Charter School in Newark received $5,000 in gift cards from DoorDash as part of the company’s Community Credits program. The donation gives families the opportunity to order meals from area restaurants while simultaneously stimulating the local economy. In addition to LEAD, DoorDash has partnered with community organizations nationwide to bring the Community Credits program to cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York.