Alternatives, Inc. Dignity Gala to Benefit People with Disabilities

RARITAN, N.J., March 3, 2025 – Alternatives, Inc. will hold the Dignity Gala on March 15th to support individuals with disabilities with residential opportunities and support services.

For more than 30 years, the community has generously supported the elegant fundraiser, to be held at The Marigold in Somerset, to enable essential programs, services, and housing for people with disabilities.

The 2025 Dignity Gala honorees – Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, Colgate-Palmolive Company, and Joseph Westlein, Board Member and dedicated volunteer – have demonstrated unwavering and truly exceptional support, enabling Alternatives to fulfill its mission.

The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the human services needs of the residents of Somerset County. The Commissioners not only assure that funding is provided to agencies such as Alternatives, so that critical services and programs can be provided to the most vulnerable residents of the county, but through their advocacy and actions, they make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens of Somerset County on a daily basis.

Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all – in communities large and small. The company has supported an Alternatives group home with volunteer facility improvement projects during Colgate Cares Days. Colgate-Palmolive has also provided financial support and collaborated with Alternatives to develop an educational series for employees with family members who have disabilities.

An Alternatives Board Member for more than 25 years, Westlein enjoyed a successful career with Johnson & Johnson, including serving as Chief Financial Officer with Ortho Diagnostics. Westlein is a generous supporter of many community organizations and is particularly active with Alternatives, serving on four committees, including Chairman of Strategic Planning. He takes pride in his close connections with Alternatives’ clients and staff, adopting three group homes that he contributes to and visits regularly. He is committed to Alternatives' future, becoming the first member of its Heritage Society—because, as he says, he’s not done yet!

Dignity Gala guests can look forward to a celebratory evening featuring a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner with an open bar, and high-energy entertainment by The Kicks. Headed by Priya Karkhanis and Patricia McMurtry, the Dignity Gala Committee is also curating an impressive selection of silent auction items, including tickets to the New York Giants, Somerset Patriots, Billy Joel/Rod Stewart, and Hugh Jackman. The auction will also feature exquisite jewelry, gourmet restaurants, a day of golf, and gifts for the entire family.

Alternatives, a non-profit human services agency based in Raritan, provides residential opportunities and support services to individuals with disabilities across the state. The funds raised during the gala play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, mental health diagnoses, and those experiencing homelessness.

For more information about the Dignity Gala, please contact Alternatives, Inc. Director of Development, Anita Feiner at (908) 809-8654, afeiner@alternativesinc.org or visit http://bit.ly/dignitygala25.