Bergen County People and Businesses Making a Difference in the Community

For almost 15 years, mybergen.com has been publicizing and promoting news, events, and other information for Bergen County nonprofits, charities, businesses, and individuals who are making a positive impact on our local Bergen County-North Jersey community. It has been our privilege to support these local organizations and the good things they do, and we look forward to continuing to sharing more of this important news and information in the future.

Fostering a Stronger Sense of Community in Bergen County

Nonprofit organizations, charities, businesses and individuals in Bergen County who offer assistance to their neighbors are essential to the community. They provide crucial services and support to those who are in need, and usually have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of the community they serve. These local charities also foster a stronger sense of community by uniting people to support a common cause, encouraging volunteerism and philanthropy within Bergen County.

Meet Your Bergen County Neighbors That Go That Extra Mile

In this regularly updated feature, mybergen.com will introduce you to the selfless volunteers and generous supporters of local charities and causes who are investing their time, resources, talents, or financial support to go that extra mile to help their Bergen County neighbors.

We hope the excellent work of our Bergen County neighbors who are giving back to the community will inspire more of us to get involved and find ways to support local causes and charities.

Mybergen.com presents Bergen County Nonprofits, Local Businesses, and Everyday Heroes Making a Difference in Our Community.

Table to Table Receives Grant from Bank of America to Support Distribution of Fresh and Nutritious Food to Those in Need in NNJ

June 2024– Table to Table, a local non-profit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and feeding food-insecure neighbors, has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America (BofA).

“Enough food for more than 3 billion meals is wasted annually in our state, while nearly one million people face food insecurity,” says Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “BofA’s generous support and continued investment strengthens our mission, allowing us to get more fresh, nutritious food to those who truly need it and—in the process—ensuring that quality food doesn’t end up in landfills.  We are incredibly grateful.”

The grant is part of Bank of America’s philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Grant recipients were selected for their commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families, including health and jobs.

“Working with Table to Table to increase food security and nutrition access for the residents of Northern New Jersey is part of our commitment to promoting positive change throughout the state,” said Alberto Garofalo, President of Bank of America New Jersey. “Their work isn’t just about sustenance, it is about delivering fresh and nutritious food that would otherwise be wasted. Investing in Table to Table demonstrates our role as a catalyst in strengthening our communities.”

Founded in 1999, Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit. What began with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark their milestone 25^th anniversary, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Visit Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” for 25 fun, easy and actionable ways to celebrate and drive impact!

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

The Community Chest Receives $20,000 Grant to Support SAT Prep Program for Local Students

May 2024-The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Veolia to support its SAT preparation program, Bound for Success. This initiative, a collaboration between The Community Chest, Dwight Morrow High School, and Bergen Family Center’s in-school program, The Zone, aims to prepare high school juniors from low-income families at Dwight Morrow High School and the Academies at Englewood for the SAT.

“We thank Veolia for their continued support of The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County and the funds to implement the Bound for Success program.  This program provides motivated college bound high school juniors, who are the first in their families to attend a post-secondary institution, with the tools they need to prepare for the SAT test,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County.

Students selected for Bound for Success went through an application process and attended SAT preparation classes provided by Prep for Success. The grant funding facilitated these classes, thereby increasing the number of low-income, first-generation college-bound students taking the SAT. This initiative is expected to boost the number of first-generation high school students who attend and graduate from post-secondary institutions.

During the program, students learned effective strategies for taking the SAT, gained an understanding of the types of questions asked, and studied various approaches to answering these questions. Additionally, they received valuable tutorials to further enhance their preparation.

The grant from Veolia ensures that more students in Eastern Bergen County have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals and pursue higher education.

For more information about The Chest, visit the organization’s website, www.thecommunitychestebc.org, or call the office at 201-568-7474.

M&T Charitable Foundation Awards Northern NJ Community Foundation a First-Time Grant for $20,000

May 2024-The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) has announced a grant award of $20,000 from M&T Charitable Foundation. This grant supports key programs and projects the NNJCF is undertaking: Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice, Beyond the Wall, and Hackensack River Nation.

“We thank M&T Charitable Foundation for their generous support of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation and our work in the northern region of the state.  As a first-time recipient from M&T Charitable Foundation, this grant supports three critical areas: green infrastructure for environmental justice, the expansion of ‘The Black Women’s Mural’ with the development of a website and interactive digital content, and the launch and cultivation of Hackensack River Nation – an alliance working to protect the river’s watershed and ecosystems,” said Executive Director Leonardo Vazquez of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.

To find more information about the NNJCF, visit www.nnjcf.org, call 201-568-5608 or e-mail to [email protected].

Columbia Bank Steps Up to Aid Local Enterprises and Charitable Organizations with Essential Recovery Grants

April 2024-In a generous move to counteract the financial strains on small businesses and non-profits, Columbia Bank has allocated $50,000 in grants. This initiative, launched from its Fair Lawn, NJ, headquarters on April 1, 2024, underscores Columbia Bank’s commitment to bolstering the economic resilience of the Bergen County community.

By leveraging its affiliation with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Columbia Bank has facilitated the awarding of Small Business Recovery Grants, benefitting ten local entities. This financial infusion aims to mitigate the challenges posed by increased operational expenses amidst economic pressures.

In collaboration with a selection of New Jersey’s small enterprises and non-profit groups, Columbia Bank navigated the application process for the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Small Business Recovery Grant Program (SBRG). This program targets the alleviation of economic hardships faced by organizations due to inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and heightened energy costs.

Thomas J. Kemly, Columbia Bank’s President and CEO, expressed his concern for the financial pressures these organizations face daily. “Our community’s backbone, formed by these businesses and non-profits, is vital. It’s our privilege to lighten their load, fostering an environment where our shared community can thrive,” he stated. Participation in the SBRG Program is a testament to Columbia Bank’s dedication to nurturing the prosperity of local communities.

Recipients of this grant range from a variety of sectors, including the Animal Welfare Association of Voorhees, Madison Avenue Crossroads Ministry of Paterson, New Home Community Ministries of Prospect Park, and many others, reflecting the diversity and vitality of Bergen County’s non-profit and business landscape.

For more insights into Columbia Bank’s extensive community support initiatives, visit their website at ColumbiaBankOnline.com. This contribution is part of a broader commitment by Columbia Bank to empower economic growth and stability within the Bergen County NJ area.

Spencer Savings Bank Donates $10K to Support STEM Education

March 2024-Spencer Savings Bank, headquartered in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, recently made a contribution of $10,000 to the Research & Development (R&D) Council of New Jersey, specifically to aid their Governor’s STEM Scholars program. This initiative was marked by a special event where the students were given a tour of the bank and had the opportunity to dine with its senior management.

The event was attended by two distinguished scholars: Kenny Frias, a senior from Diana C. Lobosco STEM Academy, and Mina Basaly, a junior at Rutgers University.  Their visit to the bank included a tour and dinner with Jane Allerman Rey (Spencer’s President and COO), Steve Fusco (Spencer’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) as well as senior leaders from the bank’s Finance and Information Technology teams.  Bank leaders shared industry knowledge, career advice and tips for professional success in a great discussion over dinner. These real-world insights will help the students on their journey of navigating the world as scholars and future leaders.

“Spencer is honored to support such bright young students like Kenny and Mina,” stated Jose Guerrero, Spencer’s Chairman and CEO. “New Jersey is a leading contender in education, and it takes great work, drive and commitment to purse these rigorous fields of study. We are so proud to continue to support their education and look forward to the wonderful contributions they both will make in the communities of New Jersey!”

The R&D Council has been a cornerstone in fostering the state’s innovation ecosystem for over six decades, highlighting New Jersey’s top-tier workforce of STEM professionals. The Governor’s STEM program, initiated by the R&D Council, equips the state’s most outstanding high school and college students with essential resources, encouraging their excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Spencer Savings Bank, a leading New Jersey-based community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park, N.J., has been serving its local communities with integrity and pride for more than 100 years. The bank has almost $4 billion in total assets and operates 26 financial centers throughout New Jersey. Spencer specializes in delivering premier banking products and services for consumers and businesses. Visit SpencerSavings.com for more information.

Bergen Community College “Souper Bowl” Initiative Benefits Bergen Cares Center

February 2024-As the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their victory in Las Vegas, Bergen Community College hosted “Souper Bowl,” aimed at providing hot meals for those in need.

Spearheaded by Maria Ferrara, Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees and the President, the initiative successfully gathered over 1,000 cans of soup to benefit the Bergen Cares Center located on Bergen’s campus. A significant contribution came from the college’s nursing department, under the leadership of Darlene Zales-Russamano, Associate Dean of Nursing, with notable participation from students Natalia Pelaez, Michael Murphy, and Gengollari Desantila. The department even initiated a contest to boost the collection drive. These donations were delivered to the Cares Center in the week leading up to February 12, to assist students who rely on the college’s pantry services.

The Cares Center is committed to offering comprehensive support to students, including access to BCC’s clothing closet, transportation assistance, and connections to social service agencies. This initiative underscores the college’s dedication to enhancing student well-being and ensuring they remain on the path to earning their college degrees.

Paramus Based CancerCare Awarded Northern NJ Community Foundation Grant to Benefit Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp

December 2023-The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) joined more than 1,000 community foundations nationwide to celebrate National Community Foundation Week.  During the week, the NNJCF, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Hackensack, New Jersey, announced $53,803 in grant and scholarship awards were made in 2023.  These grants and scholarships were recommended by a Grants Committee and reviewed and approved by the NNJCF’s Board of Trustees.

The NNJCF’s DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund awarded CancerCare of Paramus, New Jersey a grant of $10,000 to benefit Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp. The NNJCF’s DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund contributes to qualified charitable organizations for cancer research, families touched by cancer, and scholarships for female student-athletes looking to pursue medical careers.

Founded in 1944, CancerCare provides free, professional support services and information nationwide to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer.  The organization’s services include case management, counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance.

CancerCare’s Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp brings together families with children ages four and older experiencing the loss of a loved one to cancer in the past two years for a weekend retreat.  The camp provides a range of activities, such as art projects, support groups, memory events and music.  The camp is made available to families completely free-of-charge.  Contact CancerCare to learn more about their services and plans for this year’s camp at 201-444-6630, 800-813-HOPE, or [email protected].

“During our 25^th anniversary, we are delighted to support several organizations responding to the needs in their communities and making an impact,” said NNJCF Executive Director Leonardo Vazquez.  “We thank the Foundation’s donors and supporters for making these grant and scholarship awards possible.”

The NNJCF also made grant and scholarship awards to the following:

• CivicStory. Summit, New Jersey. Grant of $1,000 to support journalism related to green infrastructure and environmental justice.
• Creative Placemaking Communities. South Orange, New Jersey. Grant of $5,000 to support the 2023 Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Creative Placemaking Leadership Summit.
• Leonia High School to Harry Skountzos of the Class of 2023. Leonia, New Jersey. $2,000 scholarship. The Class of 1964 Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund.
• New Milford High School to Ryan Hugerich of the Class of 2023.  New Milford, New Jersey. $2,000 scholarship. The Darren Drake Memorial Fund.
• Stockton University Foundation. Galloway, New Jersey. Grant of $3,000 to support a scholarship for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and to benefit the Women’s Soccer Team.  The DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund.
• Teaneck High School to Amber Holmes-Edgar and Sherleen Yunes of the Class of 2023. Teaneck, New Jersey. Scholarships for $1,000.00 each. Jannie Smith Legacy Fund.
• Therapists for Armenia, Inc. Great Neck, New York.  Grant of $5,000 to develop a strong international network of therapists, enhance clinical skills, create educational resources, and help Armenian communities to thrive. The Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund.

Founded in 1998, The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, celebrates its 25th anniversary. For more information, visit www.nnjcf.org, send an email to [email protected], or call 201-568-5608.

Veolia Makes Donation to Bergen Community College for Student Scholarships

December 2023-“The giving season” began early for members of the Veolia Northern New Jersey Water Operations leadership team who visited Bergen Community College on December 8 to hand-deliver a $25,000 check for student scholarships. The donation, earmarked for students in Bergen’s renowned STEM program, represents the latest in the utility’s longstanding support of the institution through the Bergen Community College Foundation. President Eric M. Friedman accepted the donation alongside STEM Center Director Chris Tully.

“Veolia has prioritized supporting Bergen students throughout the company’s history,” Friedman said. “Their support has made a college education possible for STEM students who might not otherwise had the opportunity to study at Bergen. I value Veolia as a partner and truly appreciate the company’s investment in our students.”

Veolia New Jersey Utility Operations VP and General Manager Alan Weland said, “The scholarships not only represent a way for the company to give back to the community, but develop the next generation of utility, energy and sustainability professionals.” Veolia, and its preceding water utility identities Suez and United Water, have donated $180,000 to Bergen in the last 15 years. The donations have helped fund scholarships and special projects at the institution.

“Our company is all about ecological transformation,” he said. “We’re looking for opportunities with organizations that are thinking about things we’re thinking about. The work being done here at Bergen Community College is in total alignment with what our company is all about.”

With the nation’s only STEM Student Research Center, multiple awards from the National Science Foundation and projects such as an electric go-kart, Bergen has solidified its standing as one of the top community college STEM programs in the country. More than 2,000 students enroll in the College’s STEM offerings, including cybersecurity, mathematics and engineering science. Dean of Mathematics, Science and Technology Emily Vandalovsky, Ph.D., leads the academic division.

The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s Supporters and Volunteers Feted at Donor Appreciation Gathering

November 2023-The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County celebrated the contributions of donors and volunteers at the Donor Appreciation Event held at the Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School in Englewood. Donors were feted and thanked for their support of The Community Chest’s work.  Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Englewood, supports local nonprofit organizations serving people in need in eastern Bergen County, New Jersey.

The donors’ contributions made The Community Chest’s work possible to help neighbors in need in eastern Bergen County.  This year, the organization awarded 24 grants to nonprofit agencies serving vulnerable populations in these 15 municipalities: Alpine, Bergenfield, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly.

The nonprofit agencies used their grant awards to provide services that meet The Chest’s 2023-2024 priorities in these areas:

• Mental Health,
• Food Insecurity and Healthy Eating,
• Home Care (Health Care Staffing and Services),
• Educational Enhancement/College and Career Prep, and
• Racial Justice Education.

Since the organization’s founding 90 years ago, The Chest has raised over $12 million and served over 100 nonprofit organizations.  The Chest supports area nonprofits addressing a range of issues, including health and mental health, hunger, arts programming, the environment, and volunteerism for approximately 50,000 people annually.

The Community Chest’s Board of Managers is comprised of community leaders dedicated to improving the lives of neighbors in need.  People interested in being considered for board membership may contact Executive Director Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer at 201-568-7474.  For further information about The Community Chest or to make a contribution, visit www.communitychestofenglewood.org or send a check made payable to The Community Chest, located at 122 South Van Brunt Street, 2nd Floor, Englewood, NJ 07631.  Donations are tax-deductible, as permitted by law.

For further information about The Chest, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org/ or contact 201-568-7474.  Stay updated about the organization’s activities on Facebook and Instagram.

The Community Chest Awards Grants Totaling $124,950 to Local Nonprofits 

July 2023-The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County awarded 24 grants, totaling $124,950, to nonprofit agencies responding to increased need in the community in Bergen County, New Jersey. Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, supports local nonprofit organizations serving people in need in eastern Bergen County, New Jersey.

The 2023-2024 grant recipients are Bergen Family Center, Bergen Performing Arts Center,   Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, Bloom Empowerment, Center for Food Action, The Center for Hope and Safety, Encounters in Black Traditions, Englewood Health,       Englewood Neighborhood Pantry, Family Promise of Bergen County, Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, JCC Thurnauer School of Music, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Northern NJ, Metropolitan Community Center, Office of Concern Food Pantry, POP Program,         Rotary Club of Englewood, Spectrum for Living, Tenafly Nature Center, Vantage Health System, Volunteer Center of Bergen County, West Side Infant and Teen Parent Program,     Women’s Rights Information Center, and YWCA of Northern NJ.

The nonprofit agencies will use their grant awards to provide services that meet The Chest’s 2023-2024 priorities in the areas of mental health services, food insecurity, and healthy eating, home care (health care staffing and services), educational enhancement/college and career prep, and racial justice \education.

The grant recipients will provide services to residents in need from the communities of Alpine, Bergenfield, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh, and Tenafly.

For further information about The Chest or to make a contribution, visit www.communitychestofenglewood.org or call 201-568-7474. Stay updated about the organization’s activities on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Spectrum Awards $2,500 to Bergenfield Dominoes Club – BDC

May 2023-Spectrum announced a donation of $2,500 to the Bergenfield Dominoes Club – BDC through the company’s national community philanthropic program, Spectrum Employee Community Grants. The grant will be used to support the organization’s initiatives designed to improve the lives of underprivileged children and youth in Bergen County.

To celebrate the grant, a check presentation event was held at Bergenfield High School on May 20. Among those at the celebration were New Jersey Assembly Member P. Christopher Tully, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, and Bergenfield Police Chief Mustafa Rabboh. 

The Bergenfield Dominoes Club – BDC was selected by Spectrum based on the nomination and volunteer work of company employee Eduardo Paez, a field technician. Paez has volunteered with the organization since its inception, participated in multiple events, and is active in its mentorship program.

 Originating in Bergenfield, NJ, the Bergenfield Dominoes Club – BDC started as a way to gather friends together to play the beloved table game of the Dominican Republic – dominoes. Through the game, they realized there was a shared interest to make a difference and create a better community for everyone. The organization aims to be a force in the community by creating social change and community partnership, while developing and strengthening family values.

“Bergenfield Dominoes Club – BDC is driven by our core values and a steadfast belief in being catalysts of progressive change in our communities,” said Pedro Martinez, President of the BDC. “We recognize that the true essence of our work lies in bringing purpose and significance to our service, inspiring other organizations to join us in making an even greater impact. While we wholeheartedly enjoy the game, we always remember that our work and service leave an indelible mark on the world we inhabit.”

Bergenfield Dominoes Club – BDC has a variety of initiatives that include providing food, coats, toys, and sports equipment to children in need, and offers mentor and scholarship programs to help young people succeed in their studies and future careers.

“Through Spectrum Employee Community Grants, we’re proud to provide support to vital community organizations with which our local employees are already volunteering their time and talent,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact for Spectrum. “Together, we’re building stronger communities where our customers and employees live and work across America.”

Paez added, “It is an incredible way for me to give back through the Spectrum Employee Community Grant. Having watched Bergenfield Dominoes Club – BDC grow from the ground up, I take pride in the work we do and the impact we’re making in the community. I hope the grant will help the organization further its mission and support families in need.”

Spectrum Employee Community Grants has provided funding to more than 400 local nonprofits in 33 states throughout the company’s service area since its inception in July 2019.

 Recipients deliver critical social services, helping underserved residents meet basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, job training and neighborhood safety. Each awardee is nominated by one of the company’s more than 101,000 U.S. employees who has volunteered with the organization for at least one year.

More information on Spectrum’s philanthropic initiatives, including Spectrum Employee Community Grants, is available here.

Elks Lodge Makes Generous Donation to Bergenfield Library

April 2023-The Friends of the Bergenfield Library received a generous donation from the Bergenfield Elks Lodge #1477 as part of its Spotlight Grant program. This gift will be used to purchase wall-mounted sensory toys for the Children’s Activity Room. Elks officials Tom Boyce, Bill Slossar, and Albert Bright were on site in the Library’s Children’s Room to present the staff with their donation, and members of the Antlers program helped install and test out the wall panels.

The Library staff and Board of Trustees would like to thank the Bergenfield Elks for supporting their neighborhood library and helping us with fundraising efforts.

For more information about other fundraising opportunities, please visit www.bergenfieldlibrary.org or contact the library at 201-387-4040.

Veolia Awards Grant to The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County for Bound for Success High School SAT Prep Program

April 2023-The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County has been awarded a grant of $27,700 from Veolia to support the new SAT preparation program, Bound for Success.  The program, a partnership with The Community Chest, Dwight Morrow High School and Bergen Family Center’s in-school program, The Zone, prepares high school juniors from low-income families attending Dwight Morrow High School and the Academies at Englewood to take the SAT in June.

“We thank Veolia for their continued support of The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County and the funds to implement the Bound for Success program. This program will provide motivated college bound high school juniors, who are the first in their families to attend a post-secondary institution, with the tools they need to prepare for the SAT test,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County.

Thirty-one students, who applied and completed the application process, were selected to participate in Bound for Success.  Beginning in April, they will attend the program with instruction provided by Prep for Success.  The funding will be used to provide SAT preparation classes, increase the number of low-income, first-generation college bound students taking the test and, ultimately, attend and graduate from post-secondary institutions.  During the classes, the students will learn how to take the SAT test, understand the types of questions asked, and study the approaches to use when answering the questions.  In addition, they will also receive some tutorials.

For more information about The Chest, visit the organization’s web site, www.thecommunitychestebc.org, or call the office at 201-568-7474.

Columbia Bank Makes Generous Donation to Friends of the Bergenfield Library

March 2023-The Friends of the Bergenfield Library received a generous donation from Columbia Bank’s “Banking for a Cause.” Columbia Bank staff Gabriel Alvarez and Michael Novo were on site in the Library’s Children’s Room to present the Friends with its donation. This gift will be used towards the purchase of a custom 15-foot-long 3-car train play fixture for the Children’s Room. The Friends of the Library are seeking $25,000 in donations to cover the cost of the train, so this contribution will definitely help offset some of the expense.

The Library staff, Board of Trustees, and Friends of the Library would like to thank Columbia Bank for supporting their neighborhood library and helping us with fundraising efforts.

For more information about the Friends or to donate via paypal, visit www.bergenfieldlibrary.org or contact the library at 201-387-4040.

Community Chest of Eastern Bergen Makes Holidays Brighter for Local Families

January 2023-The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County made the holidays brighter for children and families in Bergen County. During the holiday season, The Community Chest rallied its supporters to donate new winter coats for children and to contribute funds for gift cards to give to families at West Side Infant & Teen Program.  As a result, ten children received new winter coats, and 16 families were given gift cards for $75 each.

For 90 years, The Community Chest has identified and responded to needs in local communities.  The Chest provides support and awards grants to vetted nonprofits that strengthen communities and benefit people in need in the area. “The Community Chest’s Board of Managers visited West Side Infant & Teen Program and saw firsthand their mission-driven work to provide life skills and parenting training, as well as quality day care services for low-income teenage parents in Bergen County. “We were impressed by this nonprofit organization’s success rate of 100 percent of the teen parents graduating from high school and continuing to college or working,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest.

“The families were thrilled with the jackets they received from The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County. They were pretty and warm and perfect for the winter. We are so happy to have The Community Chest as a supporter,” said Darlene Serrano, Executive Director, West Side Infant & Teen Program.

For more information about The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County, visit thecommunitychestebc.org.

Angels for Veterans Fundraiser Will Help Train Service Dogs for Military Veterans

November 2022-In honor of Veterans Day 2022, the Academy of the Holy Angels (AHA) raised over $2,500 to help bring a trained service dog to a military veteran. This timely event was hosted on November 9 by AHA Upper School’s Angels for Veterans organization and the students at AHA Middle School. Students, faculty, and staff (50 in all) received donations for completing laps around the Academy’s track. Funds benefit American Humane’s Pups4Patriots™.

“Pups4Patriots™ is important to me because it focuses on an issue that isn’t as addressed or recognized by the general public,” said Angels for Veterans leader Reilly Guy. “It is an organization that finds and trains dogs to become service dogs to aid veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury. Pups4Patriots™ provides these service dogs at no cost to the veterans, which is why supporting and funding the organization is important.”

“I loved helping with the walkathon because all the proceeds are going to such a great cause, and it was great to raise awareness within our school community. I truly hope that we can have an event like this in the future!”

Sarah Chalmers, who teaches history at AHA Middle School, learned about the service dog training program and reached out to AHA Registrar/Angels for Veterans Moderator Angela Kunz. AFV did a bit of research and quickly agreed to participate in the fundraiser.

Chalmers understands that many returning service personnel have difficulties in their daily lives. Issues may include PTS, social isolation, and depression. The specially trained dogs help people decrease stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, and provide comfort and companionship.

“I wanted to add a service element into my curriculum and settled on focusing on Veterans Day and Memorial Day as two ways to add a service project into the social studies program,” Chalmers shared. “When I was thinking about what we could do, I remembered hearing about how veterans could now obtain service dogs to help alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress.” She added, “It takes over $30,000 to train each dog, so I wanted to do something that could raise a significant amount of money in a tangible way and not something other organizations on campus were already doing. In college, my sorority participated in walkathons and always had a lot of fun doing them. I thought that that type of event could be a great way to spend time together while raising money.”

“I have several friends and family members who have served in the military, and military history is a specific interest of mine. My grandfathers were both World War II veterans, but their generation never spoke about their combat experiences or how they struggled to return to civilian life. My Grandpa Lertola served in the Pacific War, but only ever spoke of the baseball diamond they built overseas. Being a social studies teacher with a bookcase full of WWII books, I know that he must have experienced things I can’t even imagine.”

“One of my absolute best friends is a veteran of multiple combat tours. Knowing how he and other friends who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have struggled since coming home has really shown me the need for the Pups4Patriots™ program and others like it. Veterans Day impacts you differently when you have read someone’s service records and see the ways that their service is still with them after they’ve retired.”

Kunz and Chalmers encouraged everyone at AHA to participate in this upper school/middle school collaboration and started the day walking the track with the students. AHA Middle School Dean Traci Koval, upper school teachers Megan Delasandro and Stephanie Dowling, Interim Dean of Students Jessica Hogan, and middle school teachers Mary Driscoll and Maria Zaorski also walked multiple laps for the cause.

Members of Angels for Veterans include President Reilly Guy, Vice President Kristina Migliaccio, Treasurer/Secretary Reese Orlofsky, Olivia Papp, Samantha Polizzi, Angelina Kim, Lilliana Cardamone, and Sharanya Agarwal.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many backgrounds.

The Community Chest Awards Grants Totaling $115,000 to Local Nonprofits

November 2022-The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County awarded 21 grants, totaling $115,000, to nonprofit agencies responding to increased need in the community from COVID-19 and the impact of Hurricane Ida. Founded in 1933, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, supports local nonprofit organizations serving people in need in eastern Bergen County, New Jersey.

2022-2023 Grant Recipients

• Bergen Family Center
• Bergen Performing Arts Center
• Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative
• Center for Food Action
• The Center for Hope and Safety
• Dr. John Grieco Scholarship Fund
• Encounters in Black Traditions
• Englewood Health
• Family Promise of Bergen County
• Flat Rock Brook Nature Center
• JCC Thurnauer School of Music
• Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Northern NJ
• Metropolitan Community Center
• Office of Concern Food Pantry
• Rotary Club of Englewood
• Spectrum for Living
• Tenafly Nature Center
• Vantage Health System
• Volunteer Center of Bergen County
• West Side Infant and Teen Parent Program
• Women’s Rights Information Center

The nonprofit agencies will use their grant awards to provide services that meet The Chest’s priorities in the areas of:

• Food insecurity for individuals and families residing in The Community Chest’s service area
• Health and mental health services for all populations
• Education support for programs focusing on social, emotional and developmental learning loss
• Programming to enhance preparation for college; and
• Supportive services for special populations or special types of services, including senior support and other at-risk populations.

The grant recipients will provide services to residents in need from the communities of Alpine, Bergenfield, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly.

With a mission to strengthen the community through partnership, leadership and philanthropy, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County awarded the grants to local nonprofits through a competitive process managed by the organization’s Allocations Committee and approved by the Board of Managers.  During the organization’s 89th year, funds were raised through an annual campaign and fundraisers to address the escalating needs of residents in eastern Bergen County from COVID-19.  This year, the nonprofit agencies’ requests reached 280,000, exceeding the budget for grant awards.

“This year, The Chest’s Allocation Committee focused specifically on maximizing our finite resources to support the increased demand for services in the priority areas of food insecurity, mental health, social and emotional development, special populations, and educational support.  Agencies that provide services to people in need in our region, especially in the areas of food insecurity and mental health, were prioritized,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County.

For further information about The Chest or to make a contribution, visit www.communitychestofenglewood.org or contact 201-568-7474. Stay updated about the organization’s activities on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Columbia Bank’s Thirty-Fourth Annual Golf Classic Provides $100,000 of Support to St. Joseph Social Service Center

October 2022-Columbia Bank has announced its ongoing support of St.
Joseph Social Service Center (“St. Joseph’s”), by raising $100,000 at its 34th Annual Golf Classic to benefit the nonprofit. Every year, the organization serves over 2,500 children and adults in need, including those who may be homeless, throughout Elizabeth, New Jersey, and surrounding communities.

On October 17, 2022, 132 golfers participated in the annual fundraiser, which took place at Hackensack Golf Club in Emerson, New Jersey. “Our Annual Golf Classic is one of the many ways we are able to bring clients, coworkers, and our communities together to support a meaningful cause,” said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank. “Please join me in thanking all of our participants, sponsors and, most importantly
St. Joseph Social Service Center for their dedication to families and children across the state.”

Rotary Club Awards Grant to The Community Chest to Provide Mental Health Services for Teenagers

August 2022-The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County has announced The Rotary Club of Englewood awarded the nonprofit organization a grant of $1,500. The grant will be used to support mental health services for teenagers. Founded in 1933, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, supports local nonprofit organizations serving people in need in eastern Bergen County, New Jersey.

“The Community Chest thanks The Rotary Club of Englewood for their generous contribution. The Rotary Club has a long tradition of supporting the community and The Community Chest,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest.

The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County leads initiatives and supports nonprofits that make communities stronger and benefit people in need in eastern Bergen County. The organization’s service area includes the municipalities of Alpine, Bergenfield, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly.

For further information about The Chest or to make a contribution, visit www.communitychestofenglewood.org or contact 201-568-7474.

Bergen County Foundation Awards Nonprofit Grant to Support Summer Camp for Bereaved Youngsters

July 2022-The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s The DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund awarded a grant of $3,000 to Atlantic Visiting Nurse of Morristown, New Jersey to benefit Camp Clover. The NNJCF, a regional not-for-profit organization headquartered in Hackensack, New Jersey, concentrates on the arts, civic engagement, education, the environment, philanthropy, and public health

The Fund remembers DeAnna Stark Pasciuto and contributes to qualified charitable organizations for cancer research, families touched by cancer, and scholarships for female student-athletes looking to pursue medical careers.  “I chose this organization because it serves children, like my own, who have lost a parent.  The camp offers them the opportunity to meet and connect with children in similar circumstances, while also bringing grieving families together.  I felt the camp represents everything the Fund stands for and directly connects with both our mission and my late wife’s giving and caring nature,” said Michael Pasciuto, husband of the late DeAnna Stark Pasciuto and the Fund’s advisor.

Camp Clover is a four-day bereavement camp for children and teens located at Camp Riverbend in Warren, New Jersey.  The special camp is provided free of charge and supported through donations for youngsters in the first through eighth grades.  A supportive place is provided for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one in their lives.  The camp runs from August 15 through August 18, 2022, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Interested in attending the camp? Call 973-379-8444.

The public can continue DeAnna Stark Pasciuto’s legacy with a donation in her memory.  Contributions are tax-deductible, as permitted by law. Donations may be made online. Contributions may also be sent by check made out to ‘The Northern N.J. Community Foundation’ with ‘DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund’ entered in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.

For further information about the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, contact [email protected] or call 201-568-5608.

The Community Chest Raises $148,000 at Golf Outing & Gala: Funds to Provide Grants to Nonprofits

June 2022-The Community Chest, a nonprofit organization serving eastern Bergen County in New Jersey, raised a combined total of $148,000 at its second golf outing at White Beeches Golf and Country Club in Haworth and its live, in person gala, ” Help Us Fill The Community Chest”, at Montammy Golf Club in Alpine. The events’ net proceeds will provide competitive grants to nonprofit agencies responding to increased need and additional services created by COVID-19 in the community.

Prominent producer and director Harry Martin, an Emmy Award-winning TV journalist, who anchored TV newscasts at three leading television stations in New York City, emceed the gala.  he program also featured a musical performance by the Young People’s Chorus @ Thurnauer.

With the motto ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’, The Chest leads initiatives and supports nonprofits working to make communities stronger and benefit people in the area.  Through a competitive process, grants will be awarded to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations targeting these needs in the areas of food insecurity, health and mental health services; education support for programs focusing on social, emotional and developmental learning loss; programming to enhance preparation for college; and supportive services for special populations or special types of services including senior support and other at-risk populations.

“We are deeply gratified by the community’s participation in our second golf outing and their support of the return to our in person gala. These two fundraising events are significant because they allow The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County to award grants to nonprofit agencies responding to the increased demand for services to people in need in the area.  We are very grateful to our sponsors and donors who supported our mission and work,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest.

Demarest Teen Donates Raffle Win to Local Mental Health Support Program

June 2022-14-year-old Bobby Park was the lucky winner of Bridge Opticians’ monthly raffle in which customers can donate to their charity of choice. Last week, Park received his winnings—$1,000 in total—and pledged it to The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center, an outpatient program at Englewood Health that provides mental health support.

The Shadek Center is a local resource for the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders. The center is also responsible for prevention and outreach efforts focused on youth anxiety, the opioid epidemic, and destigmatizing mental health care.

Park was inspired to choose the Shadek Center because he, “wants to help families deal with the mental health issues that are affecting so many people today.” Park is celebrating a birthday soon and says he’ll also be donating his birthday money to the Shadek Center.

Columbia Bank Foundation and NJ Boys & Girls Clubs Join Hands to Warm the Hearts of Homeless with Blankets of Hope

June 2022-Columbia Bank Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey, and Blankets of Hope have once again teamed up to make a difference in the lives of the homeless and other New Jersyans in need, by wrapping the less fortunate in the comfort of warm blankets. 1,536 “Blankets of Hope” were gifted to community members at shelters, military clubs and other nonprofits, to help uplift spirits and offer compassion.

Purchased by the Columbia Bank Foundation, the blankets were distributed to several Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey chapters, where children participated in Blankets of Hope’s “Kindness Workshop.” Youths were led through an empathy exercise to imagine what it’s like to experience homelessness, then created colorful, handwritten notes of hope, love and
encouragement, to pair with each blanket. The heartwarming, inspiring gifts were then delivered to local shelters and other organizations.

Allyson Schlesinger, Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer Banking for Columbia Bank, and board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey explained, “Columbia Bank and the Columbia Bank Foundation are always seeking meaningful ways to give back to the New Jersey community. We were thrilled to continue our partnership with Boys &
Girls Clubs in New Jersey and Blankets of Hope, and assist with a program that’s truly rewarding on so many levels.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the Columbia Bank Foundation for once again providing grant support to facilitate the Blankets of Hope program. This meaningful project engaged Club youth at Boys & Girls Clubs across New Jersey in an impactful service-learning experience focused on empathy and kindness. We want to thank the Columbia Bank team members for continuing this rewarding experience at Boys & Girls Clubs in local communities,” said Susan Haspel, State Director for Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey. Michael Fiorito, Founder of Blankets of Hope added, “Thanks to the continued support of the Columbia Bank Foundation, there will be endless ripples of hope, love, and kindness spreading through New Jersey for years to come!”

Northern NJ Community Foundation Awards Grant to CancerCare for Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp

May 2022-The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s (NNJCF) The DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund continued its support of organizations providing services to help children dealing with the loss of a loved one from cancer.  The NNJCF awarded a grant of $3,000 to CancerCare of Paramus to be used for the Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania.

Based in Hackensack, New Jersey, the NNJCF, a not-for-profit foundation, focuses its work on the arts, civic engagement, education, the environment, philanthropy, and public health.  The NNJCF’s DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund contributes to qualified charitable organizations for cancer research, families touched by cancer, and scholarships for female student-athletes looking to pursue medical careers.

Founded in 1944, CancerCare provides free, professional support services and information nationwide to help people manage the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer.  The organization’s services include case management, counseling, and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications, and financial and co-payment assistance.

CancerCare’s Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp brings together families with children ages four and older experiencing the loss of a loved one to cancer in the past two years for a weekend retreat.  The camp provides a range of activities, such as art projects, support groups, memory events, and music.  The camp is made available to families completely free of charge.  Contact CancerCare to learn more about their services and plans for this year’s camp at 201-444-6630, 800-813-HOPE, or [email protected]

Bergen Community College Students Spead Love with PB&J Food Drive 

March 2022-The Bergen Community College Office of Student Life and Student Government Association used peanut butter and jelly to spread love during the winter season for those in need as part of a Valentine’s Day food drive. The groups collected 160 jars of the gooey sandwich starters for the Center for Food Action/Bergen Cares Center Pantry at the College. “This year’s donations exceeded all of our expectations,” Office of Student Life Club Coordinator, Joli Nelson said. “We are proud of our students’ efforts and we are grateful to all who contributed donations.” The pantry, available for Bergen students, faculty and staff, seeks to provide relief for those facing food insecurity or other emergency needs.

Northern NJ Community Foundation Awards Grant to City Green for Food Security

January 2022–The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) has announced that a grant has been awarded to City Green through support from Visions Federal Credit Union to address food insecurity in the area.  The NNJCF, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Hackensack, New Jersey, improves community life through its work in education, public health, civic engagement, the arts, philanthropy, and the environment.

The grant award is part of the Foundation’s environment focus area’s Climate Action Mobilization Project (CAMP). CAMP mobilizes a response to regional crises of economic disruption, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, and the need for coordinated, multi-community resiliency planning and action.

City Green, a nonprofit organization based in Clifton, New Jersey, received the $1,500 award to carry out its Farm and Market program. The grant aids the organization’s activities to connect with local governments and community organizations in northern New Jersey to provide increased access to, and affordability of local, farm-fresh food ensuring nutritious food is available for all. Furthermore, the award supports City Green’s commitment to its pantry partners, including CUMAC, Father English Food Pantry, St. Peter’s Haven, and the Paterson Veteran’s Assistance Food Pantry, while continuing its work with the LocalShare gleaning program.

The NNJCF joined community foundations nationwide to celebrate National Community Foundation Week from November 12-18, 2021.  In 1989, former president George H.W. Bush established National Community Foundation Week to raise awareness about the important role philanthropic organizations like the NNJCF play in fostering local collaboration and innovating solutions to address persistent civic and economic challenges.

During that week, the NNJCF’s staff and board members volunteered at City Green’s garden in Paterson to highlight the serious issue of food insecurity in the region.  This volunteer opportunity expanded the Foundation’s efforts to develop and encourage community gardening, as a source of food security in northern New Jersey. The Foundation’s volunteers cleaned and cleared trash and dead foliage from the garden.  They also planted daffodil bulbs to attract pollinators in the spring to the garden’s fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Adler Aphasia Center Receives $25,000 Quality of Life Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation  

January 2022-Adler Aphasia Center has announced that it has been awarded $25,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2021 2nd Cycle Direct Effect Quality of Life grants. Sixty-seven grants totaling $1,403,071 were awarded. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,490 grants totaling over $36 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-01-00).

The Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Direct Effect Quality of Life grants program funds organizations up to $25,000 to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.

“This cycle of Direct Effect grant projects offers a robust and impactful addition to our Quality of Life grants program,” said Mark Bogosian, Director, Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. “Grant funds are supporting wide-ranging projects including accessible community areas, adaptive sports and fitness & wellness, consumer education, peer mentoring & support, and transportation. These projects represent the true essence of our Quality of Life grants program by fostering inclusion, involvement and community engagement, and promoting health and wellness for those affected by paralysis.”

The Adler Aphasia Center will use this grant for aphasia rehabilitation via telehealth for people living with paralysis. The Center continues to be a lifeline for people with aphasia and their families. Adler Aphasia Center has been offering virtual communication groups four days a week for members and numerous support groups for caregivers, as a result of the pandemic.

Northern NJ Community Foundation Awards Grant to Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Inc.

January 2022–The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) has announced the Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund awarded a grant of $5,000 to the Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Inc. (ARS). The grant will support the organization’s Artsakh Relief project. The NNJCF, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, concentrates on the focus areas of the arts, civic engagement, education, the environment, public health, and philanthropy.

The Fund remembers Wyckoff, New Jersey resident Andrea Tilbian Halejian and contributes to qualified charitable organizations she supported. Since its inception, the NNJCF’s Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund has awarded grants to a range of organizations, including the Fund for Armenian Relief, the Center for Peace, Justice & Reconciliation (PJR) at Bergen Community College, the Center for Food Action, Vitalant, Eva’s Village, Careers Through Culinary Arts, and LA Family Housing.

Andrea Tilbian Halejian, her family and many of their friends cared for Armenian efforts on local, national and international levels. The ARS, a non-profit, independent, non-sectarian and non-governmental organization (NGO), is a member of the United Nations. The organization has affiliates in 27 different countries serving the social, educational, health, and welfare efforts of the Armenian people worldwide.  The grant to ARS will further the organization’s goals and support the Artsakh Relief project to address the growing humanitarian crisis in the Artsakh region.

Unity Bank Donates $34,200 to Food Pantries in NJ and PA

December 2021–Unity Bank and its employees have donated $34,200 to 19 food pantries in New Jersey and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. The funds were contributed by Unity Bank employees and matched by the bank as part of a special annual holiday community service project that was started more than 10 years ago.

“I am extremely proud of the generosity our employees continue to show in this important community service project,” said Unity Bank President & CEO James A. Hughes. “More than ever before, food pantries are vitally important to many families struggling to make ends meet. As a community bank, it is a privilege to be able to support those in need through these great organizations.”

Donations of $1,800 will be presented to a local food bank by each of Unity’s 19 community branches, including: Middlesex Elks #1488, from Middlesex Branch; Flemington Area Food Pantry from Flemington Branch; Society of St. Vincent de Paul from North Plainfield Branch; Franklin Township Food Bank from Somerset Branch; Highland Park Community Food Pantry from Highland Park Branch; Home First Interfaith Housing & Family Services of Plainfield from Scotch Plains Branch; Linden Interfaith Network for Community Service (LINCS) from Linden Branch; River of Life Food Pantry of Phillipsburg from Phillipsburg Branch; Open Cupboard Food Pantry of Clinton from Clinton Branch; Readington Area Starfish from Whitehouse Branch; St. Paul Food Pantry of Ramsey from the Ramsey Branch; Feeding Hands of Bridgewater from Somerville Branch; Sacred Heart Social Concerns Ministry in South Plainfield from South Plainfield Branch; Alliance Center for Independence Food Pantry in Edison from Edison Branch; Union Food Pantry from Union Branch; Helping Hands Food Pantry of Hillsdale from Emerson Branch; Washington Community Food Pantry from Washington Branch; New Bethany Ministries of Bethlehem from the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Branch; and Easton Area Community Center from Forks Township, Pennsylvania Branch.

A.H.A. Volunteers Help Make “Lamp for Haiti’ Gala a Success

November 2021-Julia Swearer realized the 15th Annual Lamp for Haiti Gala would need volunteers and took the lead by recruiting friends from the Academy of the Holy Angels. Swearer, an A.H.A. senior from Upper Montclair, received assistance from Leah Bresnan, Olivia Costa, Alexandra Darmanin, Ava Goyal, Demitra Karlis, Scarlett Mazzola, and Natalia Ruiz.

This year’s gala was held at the Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair. COVID-19 safety protocols were observed.

“I helped with checking in guests and dining room service,” Swearer said. “The volunteers helped with bussing tables during cocktail hour, dinner, and dessert. We also helped with the 50/50 raffle and the paddle raising event.”

The gala, which also included a silent auction, raised $100,000 for Lamp for Haiti. This organization is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, apolitical group that provides health care and humanitarian aid to the people of Haiti (Source: lampforhaiti.org).

“I got involved with this organization in ninth grade because the gala is held in my town, Montclair, every year and my parents are donors,” Swearer explained. “I would love to keep working with Lamp for Haiti in the future. They do incredible work to help feed Haitians and deliver medical care and humanitarian aid.”

ConnectOne Bank Awards Grant to The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County

November 2021– The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County announces a grant of $2,500 from ConnectOne Bank. The donation covered the entire cost of The Chest’s Professional Development Series, “Managing in a Time of Crisis,” a training series designed to provide tools and support for the managers of local nonprofits in the area.

“The Community Chest thanks ConnectOne Bank for their generous contribution. Their support provided a growing opportunity for leaders in the nonprofit sector to attend our Professional Development Series and learn how to help people returning to the workforce after experiencing trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series was a major success, with several attendees expressing their gratitude for being allowed to receive this information and support,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County.

The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s Professional Development Series provided nonprofit managers and supervisors with training to meet people’s needs upon returning to the workplace after experiencing significant trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Karen Gross, a nationally recognized expert, led five virtual sessions in the series with nonprofit managers and supervisors discussing the different types of trauma people experience and strategies they could use to help them reenter the workplace successfully. The sessions covered these topics: strategies for leading in a time of crisis and uncertainty, understanding trauma and its impact on employees and clients, strategies for ameliorating pandemic and other trauma in the workplace, an opportunity to ask questions, and helping management exercise self-care.

For further information about The Chest or to contribute, visit communitychestofenglewood.org or contact 201-568-7474.

Wyckoff Torpedoes Soccer Club Adds Pink Uniform Jerseys and Donates $2,725 to Susan G. Komen Foundation

October 2021 – For the month of October, 545 Wyckoff Torpedoes players donned bright pink and white striped jerseys on game day in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“In the past, the players wore pink socks in October and they loved it, so this year we decided to make an even bigger statement of support and add a special pink jersey,” explained Brian Weis, president of the Torpedoes Soccer Club.

“The kids really love the jerseys, and they are proud to wear them. It’s important that the players understand we are part of a community, and this is a great way to show support and give back,” added Alison Ismael, a Torpedoes Board Member.

For each jersey sold, the club donated $5 to Susan G. Komen, for a total donation of $2,725. “We are thankful for the generous donation from the Torpedoes Soccer Club and grateful for their help in spreading awareness of breast cancer all month long by wearing pink and white uniforms,” explained Chelsea Beecher, Development Director Susan G. Komen, New Jersey & Pennsylvania.

Susan G. Komen is a nonprofit breast cancer organization that focuses on patient navigation and advocacy, provides resources for breast cancer patients, and funds research.

The Wyckoff Torpedoes Soccer Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the game of soccer to young athletes from pre-kindergarten through high school while instilling the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork in an athlete’s life.

Supporters Celebrate at Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s Donor Appreciation Event

October 2021-The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County celebrated the contributions of supporters at the Donor Appreciation Event held at Jaguar Land Rover Englewood on October 13, 2021.

Donors were feted and thanked for their answer to an urgent call to help our neighbors in need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida. The event was held both outdoors and indoors to provide optimal safety for guests.

The donors’ contributions made The Chest’s work possible to help neighbors in need in eastern Bergen County. The organization awarded 27 grants to nonprofit agencies serving vulnerable populations in these 15 municipalities: Alpine, Bergenfield, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly.

In 2020, Jaguar Land Rover Englewood received The Community Chest’s Corporate Philanthropy Award for its activities in the community. During the celebration, a large bag of goodies provided by Jaguar Land Rover Englewood was raffled and won by Manny Genn.

“The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s Donor Appreciation Event provided an opportunity to thank the donors in person for their support of our work. We extended a special thank you to Jaguar Land Rover Englewood for being a good community partner and hosting the celebration. With our donors’ support, we responded quickly and awarded grants to nonprofit agencies to provide expanded services to our neighbors experiencing hardships in eastern Bergen County,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County.

For further information about The Chest or to make a contribution, visit www.communitychestofenglewood.org or contact (201) 568-7474.

Robert J. Wilkens Insurance Agency Gives Back to the Bergen County Community

July 2021-Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert J. Wilkens Insurance Agency, a World Insurance Associates company, assisted people in the Bergen County area in their time of need.

This year, the company has joined Farmers of Salem’s Earn More, Give Back charitable incentive program in their seventh annual drive with independent insurance agencies to raise awareness and provide donations for Habitat for Humanity.

The Robert J. Wilkens Insurance Agency led the way with a donation of $1,410, with Farmers of Salem donating $15 per policy to the local Habitat affiliate.  As a result of this drive, Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County received a donation of $2,175.

For seven years, donations raised by Farmers of Salem’s drive have totaled $77,710, with 2021 marking their largest annual donation of $13,410.

“From the beginning, Robert J. Wilkens Insurance Agency has participated in this charitable drive to benefit the community. We sold 94 active policies, and we were delighted to lead and be named the top donor this year. We have contributed an average $1,000 donation annually, totaling over $8,000 to our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Bergen County. This activity demonstrates both our and Farmers of Salem’s support of this effort to provide affordable housing in the area,” said John Wilkens, Agency Principal, Robert J. Wilkens Insurance Agency.

Habitat Bergen seeks to eliminate poverty, housing, and homelessness by working with people in need.  The nonprofit organization uses volunteer labor and donated funds and materials to build or rehabilitate houses and sells them interest-free at cost to low-income families. The prospective homeowner helps with the construction of the home.

The Earn More, Give Back charitable drive’s donation will support building a home for a veteran family in Westwood.

“Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County is grateful and proud to have helped so many amazing families have a decent and safe place to call home.  For the past 27 years, we have worked tirelessly in pursuit of helping hard-working Bergen County families achieve the dream of homeownership. We appreciate our partnership with the Robert J. Wilkens Insurance Agency and for their continued support and generous donation to help us build affordable housing for a Veteran family,” said Teri Capparelli, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County in Westwood.

This year, Wilkens Insurance Agency rallied staff, colleagues, and businesses to support The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s first golf outing held at White Beeches Golf and Country Club in Haworth. The agency was a sponsor and helped raise funds for grants awarded to nonprofit agencies providing expanded services to people in need in the area experiencing hardships during the pandemic and the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida. They surpassed their fundraising goal and helped The Chest raise nearly $50,000 for the golf outing by collaborating with other businesses and insurance companies.

Serving on the Darren Drake Foundation’s board of trustees, Wilkens helped the nonprofit raise funds for individuals to learn and pursue vocational careers in an accredited program.  The Foundation honors the legacy of Darren Drake, who was killed on October 31, 2017, in a terrorist attack in New York City.

Wilkens also provided sponsorships for several organizations, including the Demarest 5K, with proceeds benefitting the Demarest P.T.O., Demarest Day & Fireworks celebration, and St. Joseph’s Church’s events. His philanthropic interests and support also extend to national organizations, including St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, and the Jimmy V Foundation.

The Robert J. Wilkens Insurance Agency specializes in both personal lines and business insurance packages. Services are provided to clients in Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The company services customers from locations in Bogota, Dumont, and Hawthorne, New Jersey.

NVE Bank Awards Scholarships to 19 Bergen County Student Scholars

July 2021–NVE Bank, based in Englewood, New Jersey, recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to ten high local Bergen County area schools and $500 savings products to seven local middle schools to be awarded to select graduating students as part of a program that has been offered by the Bank since 2008; since the program’s inception, NVE has awarded more than $200,000 to 276 commendable Bergen County scholars.

As we all know, the 2020-2021 school year was unlike any other. Students were among the most resilient groups, adapting to new technology and procedures under strange and unpredictable circumstances. For many, it was not an easy transition, which is what makes this year’s group of NVE Bank Scholarship recipients so special and deserving.

These scholarships are awarded to students based on scholastic aptitude and financial need, with the goal of helping to alleviate some of the costs associated with achieving a higher education.

NVE Bank Scholarship Program “Class of 2021”:

High School Scholars

• Keren Binderman (Cresskill High School) – University of Pennsylvania
• Dan Binderman (Cresskill High School) – Princeton University
• Sahika Bozdag (Tenafly High School) – Rutgers University
• Kristian Bulusan (Pascack Valley High School) – The College of New Jersey (T.C.N.J.)
• Aja Crawley (Academies at Englewood) – Montclair State University
• Luis M. Frometa (Bergenfield High School) – New Jersey Institute of Technology (N.J.I.T.)
• Ryelle Huggins Jackson (Teaneck High School) – Hampton University
• Nicolas Ocampo (New Milford High School) – New York University (N.Y.U.)
• (Leonia High School) – Undecided
• Anastasia Tavares (Northern Valley High School) – Montclair State University
• Sienna Tu (Dwight Morrow High School) – Rice University

Middle School Scholars

• Reem Abouganda – Thomas Jefferson Middle School
• Sungho An – Janis Dismus Middle School
• Dylan Fuld – David Owens Middle School
• Nikhil Mani – Janis Dismus Middle School
• Tina Mattessich- Cresskill Middle School
• Jonatha Oliveria – Leonia Middle School
• Arianna Rigamonty – Benjamin Franklin School
• Jonathan Terron – Roy Brown Middle School

For everyone’s safety, NVE forewent our in-person scholarship ceremony, which typically includes the recipients, their families, school administrators, and NVE’s board of directors, executive leadership and branch managers. Each student was, however, recognized and celebrated with a virtual award ceremony and received a congratulatory award letter from NVE.

Bergen County Technical High School Students Partner with Community to Help Battle Food Insecurity

April 2021-Joy Botros, Samantha Gomez, Lexi Kest, and Mia Palli wanted to find a viable solution to the challenges of food waste and hunger in Bergen County. Pioneers of “Donate Don’t Dispose,” these four young leaders were seeking to create a student-run food amelioration initiative with an emphasis on food waste repurposing.

“We are simply a group of high school students who identified a persistent problem and were determined to find a solution,” shared Lexi Kest, senior at Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro. “Our focus is on taking excess food from donors that would otherwise be disposed of in order to bring it to local food pantries.”

At the onset of their initiative, the students were committed to developing a partnership with a local restaurant or catering company. After months of research and failed attempts for cross-collaboration, the students were connected to Bergen Volunteers to help find a solution. As a key partner in Bergen County’s Food Security Task Force, Bergen Volunteers is well-positioned to connect the students to civic groups, donors, volunteers, and distribution centers.

“At Bergen Volunteers, we serve as the hub of the community, continuously responding to emerging needs through our many strategic partnerships,” shared Debbie Emery, Manager of Community and Civic Engagement. “When I was introduced to this group of amazing students I knew immediately that I had to connect them with a business that would help turn their idea into a reality.”

Through Bergen Volunteers, the students connected with Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur, who heads up Bergen County’s Food Security Task Force, to create a formal partnership with Anette and Gary Lipman of Apple Spice Catering in South Hackensack, and the Lodi Food Pantry.

“I could not be more ecstatic to see the energy from our next generation of leaders. Not only are they reducing food waste, but also bringing food to people in need,” said Commissioner Zur. “I am proud of these amazing students who are setting forth to be a part of the solution.”

The four students visit Apple Spice every Friday afternoon to repurpose and repackage pounds of sandwiches, salads, and fresh vegetables that would otherwise be thrown away. The students are then delivering the food each week to the Lodi Food Pantry.

“At Apple Spice, we are overjoyed and very proud to be able to help Lexi, Samantha, Mia and Joy put their school research into action. Their model of food repurposing will help save pounds and pounds of food that would otherwise go to waste.” shared Lipman. “At a time when so many in our community are going hungry, these young student leaders are doing their part to make a difference. I encourage all of my fellow caterers and restaurant owners to reach out and contribute to this critical effort. Together we can all make a difference.”

During their last trip, the students packed more than 60 sandwiches and fresh produce to give to the Lodi Food Pantry.

“We are amazed by Gary’s generosity and are proud to be able to work together to help battle hunger in Bergen County,” concluded Kest.

If you are interested in learning more or want to get involved in hunger relief efforts, contact Debbie Emery at [email protected].

Greater Bergen Realtors Care Foundation & N.J.M.L.S. Give $285,848 in Grants to North Jersey Charitable Organizations

January 2021-The Greater Bergen Realtors Care Foundation and the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service (N.J.M.L.S.) recently held their first virtual grants awards ceremony where they awarded $285,848.00 to 41 organizations in the northern New Jersey region.

N.J.M.L.S. According to Executive Director, Michelle Perino, “New Jersey Multiple Listing Service is so pleased to be able to contribute to the Greater Bergen Care Foundation and provide funding to help the many wonderful organizations who receive grants. We recognize the hardships faced by so many this year and are deeply appreciative of the great work these organizations continue to do to improve lives in our communities.”

The 41 organizations included: Adler Aphasia Center, Advance Housing, Inc, A.N.J.E.C., Back Packs For Life, Inc., Bergen County Court Appointed Special Advocates, Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County, Inc, Boys and Girls Club of Hawthorne, C.A.M.P. Youth Development Program, C.F.A. NJ, Center For Hope and Safety Inc., Children’s Aid and Family Services Inc., Community Meals Inc., Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, Eva’s Village, Family Promise of Bergen County, Geriatric Services Inc., Bright Side Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County, Holy Name Medical Center Foundation, I.T.N., North Jersey, A NJ Non Profit Corp, Juvenile Education & Awareness Project, Meals on Wheels North Jersey, Oasis- A Haven for Women and Children, Project Literacy of Greater Bergen County, Rebuilding Together North Jersey, REED Foundation for Autism, Roots & Wings, Rutherford Senior Citizen aka 55 Kip Center, S.E.S.C.I.L. a program at Bergen Family Center, Social Services Associates of Ridgewood & Vicinity, Spectrum For Living Development Inc., Table to Table, The C.T.C. Academy Inc., The Jillian Fund, Transition Professionals, Valley Program Foundation for Children with Autism, Vantage Health System Inc., Volunteer Center of Bergen County Inc, West Bergen Mental Healthcare, Women’s Rights Information, and Y.C.S. Foundation Inc.

Since its inception, the Greater Bergen Realtors® Care Foundation has made it their mission to work with other local organizations through their grant program to help the communities where they live and work.

2020 president, Annekee Brahver-Keely stated “It was heartwarming to see that in spite of the challenging circumstances we are all facing due to this pandemic, we are able to celebrate the 41 organizations receiving a total of 45 grants awards totaling almost $286,000. Now more than ever, these wonderful organizations are in such dire need. I am grateful to all our donors who came through in our fundraising efforts and the New Jersey M.L.S. for allowing us to continue to carry out our mission and do what we best: Give back to those in need where our Realtors live and work.”

Grant applications are open for all local nonprofit organizations. For more information about the Realtors Care Foundation and how to apply for a grant, visit gbarcarefoundation.org.

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