Events
NJCDC celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a gala event at the Valley Regency in Clifton, New Jersey on October 22, 2009. Nearly 400 friends and supporters gathered to hear about our recent accomplishments and our agenda for the future. The annual event is a celebration of NJCDC’s wide range of accomplishments in the areas of community development, housing, education, and youth development—all of which are designed to provide opportunities to transform lives in and around the City of Paterson.
NJCDC honored two individuals whose steadfast support has made our success possible—Congressman Bill Pascrell and Ralph LaRossa, President and Chief Operating Officer of PSE&G. Congressman Pascrell was born and raised in Paterson, is a good friend of NJCDC, and most recently spearheaded the efforts in Congress that led to the successful designation this past March of the Great Falls National Historical Park.
As a leader of the largest public utility company in New Jersey, Ralph LaRossa understands the importance of philanthropy and volunteerism as essential to good corporate citizenship, and NJCDC benefits from PSE&G’s generosity of time, talent, and treasure.
“Congressman Pascrell and Ralph LaRossa stand tall as both local and national leaders in the work of revitalizing communities and positively impacting individ
ual lives” said Bob Guarasci, President of NJCDC. “Congressman Pascrell is a man of tremendous political talent and experience who has dedicated his entire life to the people who we serve every day. He has a special place in his heart for the people and vibrant history of Paterson and his ardent support for the newly designated Great Falls National Historical Park will undoubtedly help leverage both public and private-sector resources to permanently revitalize America’s first planned industrial city.”
Mr. Guarasci further noted, “You would be hard pressed to find a more ardent corporate citizen than Ralph LaRossa, who epitomizes the very best of corporate citizenship in New Jersey by continually dedicating resources that benefit both people and communities in the highest levels of need. Under Mr. LaRossa’s leadership, PSE&G has supported countless programs and initiatives designed to bring about reinvestment and renewed human potential across our great state, and it is our honor to thank him for his service.”
The event raised $300,000 to support NJCDC’s array of programs and services. Gala underwriters for the 2009 Anniversary Dinner were Thomson Reuters, the Daleo Family, and PSE&G. Sponsors of the event included Cushman and Wakefield, Deloitte, Barclays Capital, SKANSKA, Interbrand, Verizon, and Vision General Construction.