On Saturday, April 6th, community leaders, advocates, and supporters of the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey gathered for the organization’s 130th Annual Gala, “One Way or Another”. This night to remember featured a star-studded panel of guests, including Blondie singer, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, and New Jersey native, Ms. Debbie Harry. This black tie affair celebrated CHS of NJ’s unwavering commitment to helping at-risk infants, children, youth and families, as well as the generosity of their donors who make it a priority to support the CHS of NJ’s life-changing mission. With cocktails, conversations, and connections abounding, this was an evening to remember for a remarkable cause.
The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to hear from a powerful panel of guests, including James Burke of The Burke Foundation and Blondie frontman, Debbie Harry. Beyond just a world-famous rockstar, Debbie Harry has a personal connection with the work of the Children’s Home Society, as she herself was adopted. After some rousing remarks from Micah Parker, CHS of NJ Board Chair and Donna C. Pressma, CHS of NJ President and CEO, CBS News Philadelphia’s Wakisha Bailey took to the stage to welcome Ms. Debbie Harry, who shared her own powerful testimony about the impact adoption has had in her life.
Ms. Harry shared, “For me, why I’ve accepted this invitation to come here tonight and say a few words is I am one of the lucky ones who was adopted as an infant, by a man and a woman who loved each other in good times and bad, and who shared whatever they had with me. It’s a privilege to have met so many adventurous new people like you. I can go on and on about my feelings, but you already know these things about yourselves and the risks that all of us take in our lives, and are still willing to take the chance to be loving and generous, smart and supportive, to children who need you.”
The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey is a Trenton-based non-profit whose impact can be felt in every corner of our state. From early education interventions to resources for mom and baby and more, the CHS of NJ fights tirelessly to assure that children have the opportunity to grow up great in the Garden State. Since their founding in 1894, the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey has worked alongside countless infants, children, youth, and families to help members of our community reach their full potential. With a powerful goal of strengthened families and stable homes for every child, the CHS of NJ plays a vital role in assuring New Jersey remains one of the nation’s top locations to grow and raise your family.
For more information on how you can support the important work of the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, please visit their website, linked here: CHSofNJ – Home. You can also follow along with the CHS of NJ by checking out their Facebook and Instagram. If you’re interested in supporting the CHS of NJ, you can find out more about how to give here: Ways to Give – CHSofNJ. “One Way or Another”, this evening was one for the history books, and we cannot wait to see what wonderful work is possible thanks to the generosity of this tremendous organization’s supporters!
