McCarter & English, LLP to be Honored at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey’s Gateway to Great Futures Gala
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McCarter & English, LLP, a leading law firm renowned for its excellence in legal services and unwavering commitment to community betterment, will be celebrated as the Honoree at this year's Gateway to Great Futures Gala.
The Gala will take place on October 4 at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, NJ, bringing together distinguished guests, prominent figures, and esteemed professionals from various industries in Essex, Passaic & Morris Counties.
McCarter & English, LLP has long been synonymous with legal distinction, offering a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. With a rich history spanning decades, the firm has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the law coupled with an innovative approach to addressing complex legal challenges.
Beyond their exceptional legal prowess, McCarter & English, LLP exemplifies a profound commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement. Through various initiatives and pro bono endeavors, the firm has made meaningful contributions to advancing social justice, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting underserved communities.
"We are thrilled to announce McCarter & English, LLP as our Corporate Partner of the Year at this year’s Gala," remarked Joseph Lynch, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey. "Their outstanding legal acumen, coupled with their dedication to serving the community, truly sets them apart. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements and continued impact in our community at the Gala."
The Gala promises to be an evening of elegance, celebration, and philanthropy, with proceeds from the event supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey’s programs and local youth. Attendees can anticipate an unforgettable experience, complete with an elaborate cocktail hour, fine dining, live entertainment, silent auction and inspiring speeches honoring McCarter & English's legacy, service and dedication to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey’s mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as caring, productive and responsible citizens.
For sponsorship opportunities, ticket inquiries, or further information about the Gala, please visit https://one.bidpal.net/gatewaytogreatfuturesgala/welcome or contact Gina Radice, Director of Resource Development & Marketing at 973-956-0033 or email GRadice@bgcnwnj.org.
About McCarter & English, LLP: McCarter & English is a leading law firm providing a full range of legal services to clients across various industries. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and community engagement, the firm has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional results and making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
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$15,000 Grant Received from Columbia Bank Foundation!
Special thanks to the Columbia Bank Foundation for their funding of $15,000 in support of the renovation of our gym at our Wayne Unit!
Columbia Bank Foundation provided $15,000 in grant funds to help with the cost of installing gym doors for our smaller gym. Installing these doors is necessary in order to provide quality care for families in our communities. Families depend on the Club to be there and to provide a safe and caring environment for their children.
The Wayne Unit’s gymnasium is used not only as a gym but also as a multipurpose room, early education center's indoor play space during inclement weather, Power Hour (homework) space during afterschool programs, a lunchroom, and sports practices, clinics, and games. The gym provides a positive place for youth providing a safe, active and nurturing environment for them to learn and play.
BGCNWNJ programs include a state-licensed Pre-K-4 program; before and after-school programs that include homework help; summer and vacation camps; leadership clubs; and recreational and travel sports and clinics. BGCNWNJ also includes a SMART Moves Program, a drug and alcohol prevention program, and Triple Play Program, a health and wellness curriculum in our after-school and summer programming utilizing this gymnasium.
Thanks to Columbia Bank Foundation’s continued support, along with Columbia Bank, they have made a difference in the lives of the over 6,000 kids and families we serve every year and making our gym a safer place for kids!
Richard Graff-Columbia Bank, Julie Holland-Columbia Bank Foundation, Danielle Altman-BGCNWNJ
Thank you to the Starbucks Foundation
Thanks to Starbucks partners (employees) and The Starbucks Foundation for recognizing how we are making our communities stronger!
Atlantic Health System and Chilton Medical Center supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey. $50,000 grant awarded in support of Club programs
Atlantic Health System and Chilton Medical Center are committed to building healthier communities, beyond simply the delivery of excellent health care in our hospitals, medical practices and facilities. Understanding and supporting the needs of our local communities in Morris, Bergen and Passaic Counties is a top priority for Chilton.
With that in mind, the Community Advisory Board (CAB) of Chilton Medical Center was recently pleased to award the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey (BGCNWNJ) with a $50,000 Chilton Medical Center CAB grant for the Clubs SMART Moves and Triple Play Programs. SMART Moves is a drug, alcohol, and peer pressure resistance program. Triple Play is a dynamic wellness program that offers a holistic approach to nurturing the mind, body, and soul that helps children succeed in school, make healthy choices, stay fit, avoid drugs and alcohol and gain leadership skills.
“We are so thankful for the generous support from Atlantic Health System‘s Chilton Medical Center and their Community Advisory Board. The funds from this grant will allow us to create opportunities for our communities’ youth age 6-18 to master critical life skills to stay safe and healthy in today’s challenging environment. This will be a year-round effort focusing on the emotional, physical, and social needs of our members” said Joe Lynch, CEO of BGCNWNJ.
A list of priority health needs in the Chilton Medical Center service area was identified in their most recent Community Needs Assessment which includes, but are not limited to - pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and behavioral health.
This grant awarded to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey has met one or more of the identified priority health needs, and will now help Chilton Medical Center and Atlantic Health System address these needs - this is great news for residents of Morris and Passaic Counties!
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Boys & Girls Club Hosts Drug & Alcohol Prevention Teen Event
WAYNE, NJ – The message was clear: the key to drug and alcohol prevention is education, especially for adolescents and young adults. Knowledge and preparation can help youth avoid the lure and the trap of drug and alcohol abuse, according to the keynote speaker at an event held at the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne.
John Plunkett, the Outreach Coordinator of BlueCrest Recovery Center in Woodland Park spoke to thirty-eight middle school and high school students. The talk was a positive look at choices and courage. It was an openly honest look at today’s drugs and their dangers. He shared how people make decisions, and how emotions and stress play a role in decisions.
“The goal of the gathering was for the benefit of Wayne youth on Choices,” said Plunkett after the event. “We’re hoping that these young adults were able to gain a better understanding of their decision-making process when they’re curious and tempted to try, or follow-the-crowd and take drugs or alcohol for the first time.”
It began with pizza and light refreshments, and the guests, talking and laughing in small groups. When Plunkett was introduced and he came to the front to speak, all eyes turned his way.
With a welcoming smile and a contagious positive energy, Plunkett engaged with his audience and challenged them to think and react differently to everyday peer pressure. An important reminder for those who are not a part of this younger generation came first.
“We parents have never walked in the shoes of today's youth,” said Plunkett. “Today's parents did not grow up in an environment of ‘life at the speed of twitter,’ cell phones and social media use. We certainly didn’t grow up in a ‘stay-at-home, isolation, lack of human spark/interaction’ type of environment due to COVID.”
He focused on points about his audience’s difficult choices and how being prepared when confronted with these choices can help them make smart choices for their futures.
Courage was the second theme in his talk, defining it for them as “the quality of mind and spirit that enables one to face danger with confidence and bravery.” “No is a full sentence when making the better choice for your future,” suggested Plunkett. “Have the courage to say no. Walk away when something doesn't feel right.”
He offered several suggestions; tools for their toolboxes, including asking those arrayed in front of him to turn to friends and family if life becomes difficult. “If you or a friend is challenged with all the noise out there; feel anxious, alone or stressed,” said Plunkett. “Then ask for help. Talk to those you can trust. Your Parents, other family or friends. Seek help from great organizations like the Boys and the Girls Club or your teachers or counselors at school. Search for help on the internet. It’s out there at any point for all of you. You just need to have the courage to ask for it.”
“John gave an amazing and inspiring talk to the youth in our community,” said Boys and Girls Unit Director, Dan Dipsey. “He not only educated those present at the event, he challenged them and made them think in a different way about the choices today’s kids are faced with and the importance of open communication with parents and loved ones.”
This was part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America” Triple Play” program that is conducted at both their Wayne and Pequannock Clubs. According to the flyer for the event, this program “is a dynamic wellness program that offers a holistic approach to nurturing the mind, body, and soul, that helps your child to succeed in school, make healthy choices, stay fit, avoid drugs and alcohol and gain leadership skills.”
A question-and-answer session followed, and it seemed clear in the questions that those in attendance had been listening and absorbing Plunkett's message.
“This program provided an opportunity for a safe and inviting space for attendees to ask questions,” said Dipsey proudly. “I’m happy that these kids left here with the understanding of the effects of drugs and alcohol, peer pressure and choices, which was the key takeaway from the evening’s event.”
