Leadership and Service Take Center Stage at Mercer Street Friends Leadership Awards Celebration

Mercer Street Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through food, family and education services and the Feeding America food bank of Mercer County, hosted its Sixth Annual Leadership Awards Celebration on June 9.

Presented by Grand Sponsor Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies and held at Mercer Street Friends’ food bank warehouse in Ewing, the event celebrated individuals and organizations whose extraordinary leadership and philanthropy have uplifted the Mercer County community and advanced the Mercer Street Friends mission. Honorees included Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies, Corporate Leadership & Public Service Award; Senator Shirley K. Turner, 2026 Humanitarian Award; and Board Chair Ken Blackwell, Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award.

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“The energy in our food bank this evening left me with a renewed sense of hope and commitment to the people of Mercer County,” said Randall West, incoming CEO of Mercer Street Friends. “Congratulations to our honorees, whose leadership and commitment are helping build a stronger Mercer County, and thank you to our sponsors, volunteers and dedicated staff. Your support makes this celebration possible and powers the essential services that individuals and families rely on every day.”

Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies, longstanding partners and dedicated supporters of Mercer Street Friends, exemplify corporate leadership through its sustained commitment to service and community impact. Since 1998, Bloomberg employees have contributed more than 10,000 volunteer hours to Mercer Street Friends, supporting programs that provide food, resources and opportunities for families across the region.

“Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies are honored to be recognized by Mercer Street Friends, an organization we have been proud to support for nearly three decades,” said Misti Pasigos, New Jersey Corporate Philanthropy lead at Bloomberg. “Together, we have built a partnership rooted in service, collaboration and a shared focus on helping New Jersey families access the resources they need. Through the dedication of Bloomberg volunteers, we are proud to help advance Mercer Street Friends’ mission in direct and meaningful ways.”

Senator Shirley K. Turner, a longtime champion of public service and a steadfast advocate for education and community investment, has consistently supported programs that strengthen outcomes for children and families – including the Mercer Street Friends Community Schools Initiative.

“I have always believed that public service means meeting people where they are and ensuring access to the resources that allow them to succeed,” said Senator Shirley K. Turner. “Mercer Street Friends brings that belief to life through its work across food, family and education, and I am honored to be recognized by an organization so deeply committed to the well-being of our communities.”

Ken Blackwell has served on the Mercer Street Friends Board of Trustees since 2017 and as Board Chair since 2020. As CEO of InKlaritas and a certified coach, trainer and keynote speaker, he brings decades of leadership and nonprofit experience to the organization, helping guide its growth and expand its reach across Mercer County.

“Mercer Street Friends plays a vital role in strengthening communities by addressing the interconnected challenges families face,” said Ken Blackwell. “Our work across food, family and education reflects an understanding that lasting change requires a comprehensive approach. It is an honor to be part of an organization making such a meaningful difference throughout Mercer County.”

Additional event sponsors included Anne Irwin and Bob Holt, NJM Insurance Group, Capital Health, Ann and Bernie Flynn and the “On Deckers”.

To learn more about Mercer Street Friends, visit www.mercerstreetfriends.org.