Celebrating Three Decades of Transforming Lives: NJCDC’s 30th Anniversary Gala
November 11, 2024
View our 30th Gala photos on Flickr
Thirty years ago, Bob Guarasci and Rob Long launched the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) with a small AmeriCorps grant and just two employees. Since then, NJCDC has grown into a cornerstone of Paterson’s revitalization efforts, investing over $120 million to transform the Great Falls Neighborhood and positively impacting the lives of 4,000 children and families every day.
On Wednesday, October 30, more than 400 guests gathered at Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park to celebrate NJCDC’s remarkable 30-year journey. The evening, which began with a lively cocktail hour, featured heartfelt speeches, inspiring stories, and a celebration of the individuals who have helped make NJCDC's mission possible.
A Night of Celebration and Gratitude
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Martin Vergara, Chairman of NJCDC’s Board of Trustees. He recognized the dedicated board members and donors in attendance, who helped raise nearly $500,000 to support the ongoing work of NJCDC in transforming lives and creating opportunities for Paterson youth and families.
Bob Guarasci, NJCDC’s Founder and CEO, took the stage to thank the supporters who have made the past three decades possible. He then honored the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, whose legacy has greatly influenced NJCDC’s work, before leading a moment of silence in his remembrance.
Bob also acknowledged several remarkable NJCDC program alumni, including Mohammed Uddin, Tziah Weaver, Maria Chowdhury, Xavier Clavijo, Daniel Cobar, Marqweesha Guthrie, and Dr. Tiffany McBride, whose successes continue to inspire the community. Three newly naturalized U.S. citizens, Monica López, Blanca Chang López, and Ana Peña – all NJCDC volunteers – were also recognized.
The evening took an extra special turn when CCSP alum Hector Otero, a virtuoso violinist, treated the crowd to a stunning performance of “Fly Me to the Moon,” showcasing the incredible talent nurtured within NJCDC programs.
Voices of NJCDC: Powerful Stories of Impact
Guests were then introduced to three individuals whose lives have been deeply shaped by NJCDC. Christian Callegari, once President of our Paterson Youth Council, now serves on NJCDC’s Board of Trustees and continues to give back to his community. Randa Darwood, a former Youth Council leader, currently works as a lawyer dedicated to public service. Finally, Cristina Tone, Assistant Director of our Neighborhood Help Center, shared her journey of resilience as a resident at our Barclay Place Apartments.
Honoring Community Champions
The evening also honored four exceptional individuals whose unwavering dedication has helped shape NJCDC’s trajectory. Each is a native of Paterson and each currently serves as an NJCDC Trustee; collectively they comprise a quartet of Paterson Hometown Heroes. Each honoree was presented with a beautifully engraved captain’s chair and a personalized plaque.
Martin Vergara II, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Morgan Stanley, was celebrated for his steadfast commitment to his hometown of Paterson. As Chairman of NJCDC’s Board, Vergara has been a champion for the community and the families NJCDC serves.
Tony Coscia, a partner at Windels Marx and Chairman of Amtrak, was recognized for his leadership in regional economic development and his instrumental role in supporting NJCDC’s mission.
William J. Pascrell III (BP3), a public affairs leader, was honored for his transformative work in public policy and community service and for his efforts to further his family’s legacy of service to Paterson and its people.
Kenyatta Stewart, Corporation Counsel for the City of Newark, was recognized for his advocacy in the legal field and his dedication to uplifting the next generation in Paterson.
A Special Tribute to Bob Guarasci
The evening’s final tribute was to Bob Guarasci, whose vision and leadership have been the driving force behind NJCDC’s success. Martin Vergara presented Bob with a plaque to commemorate his incredible achievements, while members of NJCDC’s senior team honored Bob with a personalized baseball jersey to celebrate Bob’s upcoming induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
The night’s festivities continued with a surprise: Mayor Andre Sayegh presented Bob with the Key to the City, recognizing his decades of service to Paterson. Mayor Sayegh, along with Paterson’s own Anointed Friends quartet, then led a sing-along performance of “Sweet Caroline,” bringing everyone to their feet in celebration.
A Night of Joy, Gratitude, and Future Aspirations
After a delicious dinner and a dessert buffet, guests were treated to even more music from the Anointed Friends and their band. A video tribute highlighted the achievements of recent NJCDC program graduates, now thriving at four-year universities across the country, sharing their stories of gratitude and growth.
The evening also featured exciting raffles and a silent auction, with prizes ranging from a golf outing to a dinner with Mayor Sayegh at Paterson’s famous Patsy’s Restaurant. As the night came to a close, guests celebrated with a rousing rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” as Bob blew out the candles on a stunning anniversary cake, surrounded by board members and donors. Guests departed with commemorative 30th Anniversary-branded gift bags that included a beautiful pearlescent mug and chocolates, a special pen, a seasonal mini-pie, and the30thAnniversary “People, Places and Things” Booklet
NJCDC would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of our 30th Anniversary Gala, and their ongoing support for the past 30 years:
Gala Underwriter:
The Daleo Family
Benefactor Level:
Mrs. Marilyn Clark
OceanFirst Bank
Valley Bank
Celebration Level:
Baratta Family Fund
DEVCO
Suzanne & Matt Donohoe
Horizon
PSEG
Railroad Construction Company
Ralph Rocco & Family
Suffolk
Tishman Speyer
Windels Marx
Friend Level:
Accurate Box Company
AMS
Avalon Bay Communities
Bank of America
Broadridge Financial Solutions
Duration Capital Partners
Enterprise Community Partners
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
Hackensack Meridian Health
The KRE Group
Kushner Companies
Matrix Development Group
Morgan Stanley
NOVA Infrastructure
PNC Bank
Practical LLC
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