Homefirst Annual Evening of Thanks Honors Four Local Community Philanthropists
PLAINFIELD, NJ – Homefirst Interfaith Housing & Family Services, Inc. hosted its Evening of Thanks awards dinner last week at Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains. The dinner honored the contributions of four community philanthropist.
“Our Evening of Thanks is a time where we highlight and pay tribute to people, businesses and organizations that have been extremely generous with their time, talent and treasure in service to Homefirst. It’s only with the support of our partners, funders and volunteers that we are able to offer the services we provide to nearly 2,000 children, men and women throughout Union County each year,” said Karla Spivey, Acting Executive Director.
This year’s honorees included Benjamin Serna, an 8th grader from Cranford, NJ, who continues a family legacy of giving as a Homefirst Hero. Benjamin was recognized this year for organizing a Halloween costume drive for kids at the Plainfield Family Support Center.
Armando Guerra, NJ Governor of Lions Club International was honored for his contribution to humanitarian relief. Guerra’s reach has been felt in the community through his efforts with Lions Club International.
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, our third honoree, has earned the reputation of a champion legislator, tackling the various issues one faces in daily life. She understands the challenges middle-class families must overcome and has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of seniors, veterans, women, children and workers.
Adrian Mapp, Mayor of Plainfield, accredited for his ‘aggressive agenda focused on rebuilding the city’s economy and ensuring opportunity for all residents’, is among this year’s honorees. His civic duties lead to such initiatives as Plainfield Promise and Healthy Plainfield aimed to promote financial literacy for kindergarteners, create scholarships for high school graduates, as well as, create vocational and job training opportunities.
“This annual event gives Homefirst the opportunity to publically thank our community partners, committed volunteers and loyal stakeholders for helping Homefirst as we strive to make safe, decent and affordable housing possible for every family in Union County. With their support we can make a difference in the lives of so many, by giving them a helping hand to a pathway out of poverty,” said Rev. Ron Thomas, Homefirst Board President.
About Homefirst
It is the vision of Homefirst to be a leading collaborator that delivers real outcomes to the issue of homelessness that is plaguing many of our communities. Homefirst strives to make it possible for every family to have safe, decent housing they can afford; and to provide family support services to create a home and a future filled with promise. We provide transitional, supportive and permanent housing, homelessness prevention assistance and services to individuals and families. Through individualized supportive and housing services, Homefirst’s ultimate goal is to foster self-sufficiency, thus building stronger communities. For more information visit www.homefirstinc.org or contact Homefirst Acting Executive Director, Karla Spivey at (908) 753-4001 or karla@homefirstinc.org.
