Community Chest's Fall Fest Raises $37,000 to Support Youth

The Community Chest celebrated the new season at Fall Fest on Wednesday, October 23 at the Englewood Field Club. The fun festivities kicked off the organization's annual campaign and raised $37,000, surpassing those collected at last year's fall event.

The Chest rolled out a new format for its fall celebration to support programs serving youngsters in eastern Bergen County, New Jersey, resulting in increased attendance and involving more businesses. "I was thrilled with our neighbors' generous contributions of time, talent and 'treasure'. We attracted several new area restaurants that donated their delicious food, while others provided gift certificates for our auction. There was definitely enthusiasm in the air, as people listened to the 'crooners' from The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC, and we recognized the outstanding accomplishments of our honoree, educator Judy Aronson, with the Community Advocate Award," said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest.

Aronson Honored

Educator Judy Aronson was honored for her outstanding contributions as an educator and student advocate at Dwight Morrow High School and the Academies in Englewood. She was also recognized for her leadership to the Tenafly Education Foundation heading numerous fundraising efforts to enhance the educational programming available to Tenafly's public school children.

Guests sampled a range of food and tastings of bourbon, vodka, tequila, wines, and locally crafted beer from the Alementary Brewing Co. from several area establishments. These businesses provided the samples: Aumm Aumm Pizzeria and Wine Bar, Blue Moon Mexican Café, Chez Cheese, Fresh Eats, Giovanni's Bicycle Club, It's Greek to Me, Kings Food Market, La Promenade, Locale Restaurant, Noches De Plaza, Sweet Hospitality Group, Syros Taverna, TJ's Southern Gourmet, and Trattorio Carpaccio. A live auction, raffle and a wine pull rounded out the evening's festivities.

Sponsors for the Fall Fest were: Englewood Health, Bank of New Jersey, Jaguar Englewood, Joe and Judy Klyde, PSE&G, Richard Kennedy, Robert Wilkens Insurance Agency, Shelly and Justin Wimpfheimer, Valley National Bank, Barbara and Paul Brensilber, Berkley Luxury Group, Judy and Mark Aronson, and Kathy and Jim Scott. They were joined by these supporters: Lakeland Bank, Visions Federal Credit Union, Zimick Electric, Barbara Strauss and Tom Manolio, Broadway Kitchens, Fort Lee Racquet Club, Franci and Adam Steinberg, Kiwanis, Prestige Volvo Cars Englewood, Wolfgang's Auto Repair, York International, Alementary, Gary's Wine & Marketplace, and Birtwhistle & Livingston Inc.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Since The Community Chest's founding in 1933, the nonprofit organization has carried out the goal of 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' with increased generosity. The Chest’s Board of Managers implements a thorough process of screening, researching, and monitoring to assure the funds raised are directed to the most worthy programs and the areas of greatest need.

For further information about The Chest or to make a contribution, visit the organization's website or contact (201) 568-7474. Stay updated about the nonprofit's activities on Facebook and Twitter.