Community FoodBank of New Jersey Raises $1.36M at Blue Jean Ball

On May 24, 2024

Around 450 guests attended the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s annual Blue Jean Ball at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The annual gala raised over $1.36 million, the equivalent of 4 million meals, to support CFBNJ’s mission to serve as a champion for addressing root causes of hunger, deliver neighbor-centered solutions, and foster collaborative partnerships across all sectors of society for New Jersey.

This year’s gala began with a cocktail hour with live music, followed by a gourmet dinner and formal program with an awards ceremony honoring some of CFBNJ’s most committed partners. The event’s cocktail hour and dessert partners included CFBNJ’s Culinary Team (Stone Soup Culinary Creations and Food Service Training Academy), Harvest Restaurant Group, and the NJPAC Catering Team.

The Blue Jean Ball chairs included Lyn and Dan Cregg, D’Maris and Joe Dempsey, Patty and Chris Perry and Judy and Bob Spires. The evening was sponsored by Jess Chang and Wayne Paglieri, Peerless Beverage Company, Larry L. Luing Family Foundation, Polly and Terry O’Toole, and Roby and Josh Weinreich.

“This was a magical evening. Hundreds of New Jersey community members came together to support CFBNJ’s mission to end hunger,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “I am incredibly grateful for our supporters who remain dedicated to solving food insecurity. CFBNJ extends a special thanks to the honorees, sponsors, chairs, attendees, and others who made the night a success.”

Entertainment was provided by Elan Artists, including a live jazz ensemble and vocalist. This year’s FOOD, HOPE and HELP honorees included:

FOOD AWARD Our Signature Check-Out Hunger sponsor and partners

• Premio Foods, Inc.
• Wakefern Food Corp.
• The Wawa Foundation
• Wegmans

HELP AWARD For decades of volunteerism and philanthropy

• Peerless Beverage Company

HOPE AWARD Our Newark-based program partners and champions of change in fighting food insecurity

• FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development, Inc.
• New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center, and Devils Youth Foundation
• North Jersey Community Research Initiative
• pantry+ at Rutgers University – Newark
• Rutgers Heath Food Pantry
• St. James Social Service Corporation
• Tree House Cares

“Each year, Blue Jean Ball is a terrific night for a wonderful cause,” said Chuck Salzman, President of Peerless Beverage Company and CFBNJ Board Member. “We are honored to accept this year’s HELP Award, which we attribute to all of the evening’s honorees and anti-hunger advocates for the changes we’ve made together.”

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the state’s largest anti-hunger organization, providing food, help and hope across the state for nearly 50 years. The $1.36 million raised during the Blue Jean Ball will help CFBNJ to continue to make an impact for neighbors in need.

In 2023, CFBNJ funding was used to:

• DISTRIBUTE 90 million meals to food insecure New Jerseyans
• EDUCATE 54 students through CFBNJ’s job training programs
• PROVIDE over 180,000 meals to kids through after-school and summer programs
• HELP create better health outcomes by distributing 37 million pounds of fresh produce
• SUPPLY 3 million period supplies and 7 million diapers
• PREPARE 93,000 Family Packs containing about 1.5 million meals

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