Eastern Bergen County, New Jersey -- The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County holds its annual spring gala, Connecting Neighbors. Producer and director Harry Martin, an Emmy Award-winning TV journalist and an anchor of newscasts at three leading television stations in New York City, returns to The Community Chest as emcee.

With the motto 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors', the organization leads initiatives and supports nonprofits that make communities stronger and benefit people in eastern Bergen County, New Jersey. The 91st anniversary gala's net proceeds will be used to fund grant awards to nonprofit organizations providing services to people in need in eastern Bergen County and The Chest's initiatives.

The annual gathering brings together friends and supporters to fulfill The Chest's mission started by its founders 91 years ago. They carry on the legacy to fill a chest with individuals and businesses' generous contributions and to empty its contents by awarding grant funds to support worthy projects led by vetted area nonprofits. The Community Chest undertakes this mission with increased benevolence to help people in need.

Honorees

- This year at the gala, The Chest recognizes these leaders for their extensive involvement and contributions to the community:
- Corporate Philanthropy Award. Max Mara.
- Outstanding Volunteers Award. Emily and Roger Chang.
- Community Leadership Award.  JCC Thurnauer School of Music.
- Outstanding Young Adult Leader Award. Gia Shin.

Program and Registration

- The Gala and Planning Committees promise an evening of philanthropic fun with cocktails, dinner, community awards, and a benefit auction. Members of the Gala Committee include Nadeem and Amie AbuRustum, Hilary Baris, David and Hilde Jiang, Dick and Shawn Kennedy, Phyllis and Mark Kesslen, Elyse and Andrew Kovar, Franci and Adam Steinberg, John and Lauren Wilkens. The Planning Committee is comprised of Amie AbuRustum, Jami Toolen, Karin Erdtmann, Gillian Garrett, Andrew Kovar, Vicki Sidrow, Franci Steinberg, Violet Sudol, and Vered Frumer.

A range of products will be available to bid upon in a live and silent auction with auctioneer Ryan Cohen officiating. The program also features a musical performance by the Young People Chorus at Thurnauer.

Date: April 11, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Edgewood Country Club, located at 449 Rivervale Rd, River Vale, NJ 07675

Cost: The cost per ticket is $225 a person, $275 per patron, and $2,500 for a table of 10.

Register online, www.tinyurl.com/ccgala2024, or send a check made out to The Community Chest, located at 122 South Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey 07631.

- Sponsorship levels are also available for individuals and businesses to help fill the chest. Each offers various marketing opportunities and the recognition of this philanthropic involvement by The Community Chest's large number of supporters. Advertising is also available in The Community Chest's gala journal. For more information about becoming a sponsor or to place an ad in the journal, visit the event's website, www.tinyurl.com/ccgala2024, or call the office at 201-568-7474.

Donate
- Patrons unable to attend the gala can still support The Community Chest’s programs and work with a donation. Contributions of any size may be made by check to The Community Chest, located at 122 South Van Brunt Street, 2nd Floor, Englewood, New Jersey 07631. Donations may be made online on the organization's web site at www.thecommunitychestebc.org. Donations are tax-deductible, as permitted by law. For information, call 201-568-7474 or contact Executive Director Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer at [email protected].