Our recent fundraising gala--Celebrating Integration: The Power of Inclusive Community--was a remarkable celebration of community and commitment, filling the room with supporters, joy, and generosity. This year, we surpassed all previous fundraising records, thanks to the incredible enthusiasm of attendees who came together for an unforgettable evening. We are especially grateful for the steadfast support of our individual and business sponsors, who helped to make the night possible:

• Kelly Quirk & Martin Ceperley
• Beth & Paul Daugherty
• First Baptist Church of South Orange
• Fay P. and Robert A. Marchman
• Melanie Girton & Craig Marshall
• Fred & Susan Profeta
• Ellen & Donald Davenport
• Anita Gundanna & Mark DeCambre
• Karen & Jim Hilton
• Julie & Thomas Pauly (The Able Baker)
• Seton Hall University
• Michael Hayden
• Heather & Suki Real Estate Group
• The Tugentman Family
• [words] bookstore

The energy in the room was contagious, fueled by a lively auction that inspired spirited bidding and a dance floor alive with beats from the local band Essex Funk Collective, who kept the crowd moving late into the night.

We were also privileged to honor two remarkable community leaders, Ellen Davenport and Lori Mirabal, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.

Honoree Ellen Davenport
Ellen Davenport’s lifelong dedication to public service and community-building shines through her extensive political and civic leadership. Her political journey began as an Essex County Freeholder and led to a decade on the Maplewood Township Committee, where she made history as the first woman Mayor. Ellen’s advocacy continued on a state level when she served as Secretary of the New Jersey Senate. Even after retiring from government, Ellen’s passion for community uplift remained evident through her 14 years with Family Connections of NJ, including three years as Board President, supporting families facing life’s toughest challenges. Currently, she is Treasurer of the Maplewood Memorial Library Foundation, an emeritus member of the Maplewood Village Alliance Board, and Co-Director of the Dickens Village Event. Her devotion has shaped Maplewood into a vibrant, cohesive community, making her a true inspiration.

Honoree Lori Mirabal
Lori Mirabal, an accomplished opera singer, educator, and entrepreneur, has devoted her talents to making music and opera accessible for all. Founder of Opera Soup Productions, Lori introduces young audiences to the magic of opera. Her creative impact extends beyond our community, enriching students’ lives by connecting them to the arts. Just this past year, she guided Brooklyn High School students through an opera workshop and brought them to their first performance at the Metropolitan Opera. Lori’s contributions to our Coalition’s Integration through the Arts program, where she adapted operas for family audiences, have been a powerful influence on our community. Lori’s work as an educator at Kent Place School and her debut children’s book and recording continue her commitment to inspiring the next generation.

Thanks to everyone who attended, supported, and celebrated with us, and to our generous sponsors for helping us fill the room, this year’s gala was a tremendous success. We are so grateful for the generosity that fuels our work, and we look forward to building on this momentum with all of you in the months ahead.

Thank you for helping make our community stronger and more inclusive!

The amazing photos below are credited to Tracy Sham Photography