Cornerstone Family Programs’ Success at Shaken Not Stirred Gala

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – APRIL 14, 2018 – Cornerstone Family Programs’ gathers over 300 of our community’s most philanthropic individuals to raise funds at its annual spring gala.

This year’s event, themed James Bond: Shaken, Not Stirred, was held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park. Community members arrived in style, dressed in black tie attire, to celebrate the continued success of the non-profit organization.

The Gala, which is Cornerstone Family Programs’ largest fundraising event of the year, honored former Patrice Picard and in memoriam, Denis Picard for their service to the organization for over twenty years. Longtime residents of Mendham, the Picards were first introduced to Cornerstone Family Programs before merging with Morristown Neighborhood House, then known as Family Service of Morris County.

Patrice Picard served on the Board of Directors of Family Service, and as Board President, before becoming Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Family Programs. Patrice’s leadership was instrumental in conducting a multi-million dollar capital campaign for the construction of the organization’s Elm Street building in Morristown.

Denis Picard proudly supported the work of Cornerstone Family Programs and his wife, Patrice. Denis was an active volunteer at Morristown Neighborhood House, where he enjoyed the joy of each child, and care of each staff member who helped make a difference in the lives of so many every day. In her acceptance speech, Patrice stated, “Our support of Cornerstone Family Programs is what [Denis] was most proud of, and he would have been thrilled to see all of you here tonight.”

Dinner Chairs Virginia and Michael Ranger and Lisa and David Welsh are longtime supporters and Board members of the organization, believing this was a most well-deserved honor. Virginia Ranger emphasized the importance of programs at Morristown Neighborhood House, encouraging the active philanthropists in the room to schedule a tour. “It is quite moving to walk the halls of the Neighborhood House with Patrice and witness her passion for our work there and to see the children’s smiles and ready hugs for her.”

Full board participation contributed greatly to the event’s success, earning over $350,000 in profit, which will help fund Morristown Neighborhood House’s summer camp and STEM Lab Center programs.

Morristown Neighborhood House’s summer camp provides subsidized care costs for families, and a safe haven for children in the community during the summer months. The program provides activities, healthy meals, and opportunities for trips that ensure positive educational, character, and social development over the summer. A camp for children of all ages, Morristown Neighborhood House encourages active adolescent participation, as its Teen Tutors and Mentors serve as paid camp counselors during the summer, introducing a workforce preparedness aspect to the program.

Each of Morristown Neighborhood House’s classrooms features a STEM Lab Center, encouraging exploration and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Accompanied with new curriculum for teachers at Morristown Neighborhood House, the STEM Lab Centers were designed with a goal to increase interest and improve performance in these areas of education.

Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House joined forces in 2013 to strengthen communities by helping people build better lives. Cornerstone Family Programs helps nearly 10,000 including children, adults, families, seniors and veterans. Cornerstone Family Programs is a private, non-profit organization. For more information about Cornerstone Family Programs, call Gwenn Heller-DellaPelle, Director of Development at (973) 538-5260 ext. 316 or visit www.cornerstonefamilyprograms.org.

Cornerstone of the Community Honoree Patrice Picard, second from left,stands with sons Jeffrey, left and Jeremy, second from right, at the 2018 Cornerstone Family Programs Spring Gala. Also pictured, Lauren Salemi, far right.

Over 300 of Morristown’s most philanthropic individuals attend Cornerstone Family Programs 2018 Spring Gala on April 14, 2018 at Brooklake Country Club, Florham Park. This year’s theme was James Bond: Shaken, Not Stirred.

Guests place bids for the Silent Auction at Cornerstone Family Programs’ 2018 Spring Gala. All proceeds from the Silent Auction benefit Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House’s programs and services, which serve nearly 10,000 in the community.

Morris Township resident and host of CNBC’s Fast Money Guy Adami served as emcee for the evening at Cornerstone Family Programs’ 2018 Spring Gala, Saturday, April 14 at Brooklake Country Club.

Cornerstone Family Programs Board Member and event sponsor Mike Salerno, middle, of Salerno Duane Auto Group, enjoys cocktail hour with friends at the 2018 Spring Gala. Brooklake Country Club, Florham Park, April 14, 2018.