If you want to spend time with the elite of the elite in our area, you might want to make no other plans for the night of November 14th. You see, that’s the night that the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest New Jersey hosts their annual Light the Way Gala at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park.
It’s a great opportunity to recognize an organization that’s giving back so much to our area’s families. They’re an invaluable resource for so many kids. And it’s a great way to network while supporting such a great cause.
But you might really want to go just for the food alone. Seriously. It will take your breath away. The cocktail hour alone will make you think you’re at the highest-end wedding you’ve ever been to. But that’s not why you’re really going, right? Right?
Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter why. It’s all about the cause. It’s about the work that the Boys and Girls Club does for the families who need them. In all, they have about 6,000 families. Funds raised from this gala support Club programs and efforts for their Neighbors In Hardship Scholarship Fund, which provides full and partial scholarships to local families facing financial hardship whether due to loss of a parent, job, illness or other devastating situation, enabling their child to attend their Club programs. Moreover, they are always trying to partner with corporate sponsors who can help support the programs that they offer.
“We are not just an after-school or summer camp program, we are SO much more!,” explains Gina Radice, Director of Resource Development & Marketing for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey. “We offer character and leadership development programs, we bring in speakers, at no cost to families, with topics on alcohol and drug prevention, dangers of social media, bullying, and mental health support. We also offer health and wellness programs, STEM and art classes. Our programs focus on the whole child; physically, emotionally, and socially.”
“The BGCNWNJ takes deep pride in creating a safe place where kids (from 6 weeks to 18 years old) love to come to grow, to learn, to have fun, and to shine.”
“At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey, while everything we do is for the kids,” Gina says. “It’s our staff that makes the magic happen. They’re not just counselors, teachers, or administrators — they’re mentors, role models, cheerleaders, and lifelines. Every day, they help young people believe in themselves just a little more than they did yesterday. Many staff, once Club kids, are now Counselors and long-time staff which shows just how special the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey is...we are all here to make a difference in the lives of others.”
The Light The Way Gala is an outstanding way to meet people who are making a great difference in the lives of so many in our area. And if you do decide to join them, opt for a light lunch that day. Trust me - giving back will never taste so good.
The Boys and Girls Club of Northwest New Jersey Light The Way Gala will be held at the Westmount Country Club, 728 Rifle Camp Road in Woodland Park on Friday, November 14th from 6:30 to 11:30. The Gala will be honoring Atlantic Health System's Chilton Medical Center. For more information, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, see their website at bgcnwnj.org/events/.
“You really want to make a difference in your community? Then be a Gala sponsor.”