James A. Hughes to Receive Inaugural Steve Kalafer Community Leadership Award

Fundraiser to be held November 16th at The Palace at Somerset Park

On Nov 1, 2021

The Adult Day Center (ADC) of Somerset County has renamed its Annual Gala Award as the Steve Kalafer Community Leadership Award to honor the memory of the late entrepreneur and longtime ADC supporter. Unity Bank President & CEO James A. Hughes will be the recipient of the first award at the 10th Annual Generations Gala on Nov. 16 at The Palace at Somerset Park.

“On behalf of the Kalafer Family, we are honored the ADC is naming its Annual Gala Award after our Dad,” said Josh Kalafer, co-chairman, Somerset Patriots. “Our father was passionate about the mission of the ADC and making sure they had the resources they need to take care of their members and caregivers. We are humbled that he will be remembered in this way.”

“The ADC is proud to formally name its Annual Gala Award after Steve,” said ADC Executive Director Diann Robinson. “Steve was a loyal and generous neighbor to the ADC, providing both financial contributions to the Center’s building project, annual campaign and special events, and leadership to our Inaugural Gala in 2011. He received the Gala Award in 2017.”

Steve Kalafer was a distinguished businessman in the Hunterdon and Somerset County communities. He entered the automotive industry in 1973 and grew his business, The Flemington Car & Truck Country Family of Brands, to include showrooms and service centers in eight locations for 18 franchises. In addition, he was the chairman emeritus of the Somerset Patriots, AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees.

“We are thrilled that Jim Hughes will be the first recipient of the Steve Kalafer Community Leadership Award,” Robinson said. “Unity Bank has been an important corporate partner of the ADC for the past six years and has funded our caregiver support group, program expansion and special events. Jim’s passion for supporting families while they are caring for their loved ones through an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis and through end-of-life challenges is an inspiration to all of us. Unity Bank’s commitment and that of our sponsors, advertisers and attendees is critical as we reopen to our members, expand our census, and modify our program to keep our members safe through the Covid-19 pandemic.”

All proceeds from the Generations Gala support the programs and services of the Adult Day Center of Somerset County. For information on sponsorships, journal ads or tickets for the fundraiser, please call Hilary Kruchowy, ADC Director of Development, at (908) 725-0068 or visit AdultDayCenter.org.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles: