The Community FoodBank of New Jersey held its All New Blue Jean Ball on June 16 at the Central Railroad Terminal in Liberty State Park. The gala drew 465 guests, whose generous donations raised more than $1.1 million to benefit the FoodBank’s hunger relief efforts.
The event was chaired by members of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Board of Directors—Alma DeMetropolis, Robert H. Doherty, and Roby & Josh Weinreich.
The All New Blue Jean Ball started with an outdoor cocktail hour on the backdrop of the magnificent New York City skyline. Four food truck partners (Premio Foods, Harvest Restaurant Group, Compass Group, and Stone Soup, the FoodBank’s own catering service run by Chef Paul Kapne) generously donated their time and the delicious hors d’oeuvres.
Afterwards, the festivities moved inside for an elegant dinner and an awards presentation honoring FoodBank supporters who have exemplified the three core values of FOOD, HELP, and HOPE. The program was emceed by New Jersey’s own Adam Sank.
The FOOD Award was presented to Goya Foods, Inc., a significant provider of food for New Jerseyans in need. This year Goya has so far donated 100,000 pounds of food teaming up with the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center employees to sort and bag some of the food for distribution.
Philanthropist David Tepper, Founder & President of Appaloosa LP, received the HELP Award for his generous financial support of the FoodBank and consistent advocacy for those in need.
Rocker Jon Bon Jovi lent some star power to the event, showing his support for the fight against hunger by presenting David Tepper with the HELP Award.
The HOPE Award went to year’s most dedicated corporate partners, schools, organizations, and individuals who have demonstrated leadership as FoodBank volunteers: Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Prudential Financial, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., Wakefern Food Corporation, Lafayette Elementary School, Kean University, Seton Hall Preparatory School, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Bob Griffin, Carol Haws, Betsey Bernhardt, and Nancy & John Shaw.
Following the awards presentation, guests enjoyed the stand up comedy of Colin Jost, co-anchor of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update .
The evening concluded outdoors with a moveable feast of desserts.
