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Bloomfield-based Cornerstone Financing, an industry leader in advisor-driven financial solutions, has been approved to originate in Ohio. This milestone reflects the company’s commitment to broadening access to its innovative CHEIFS (Cornerstone Home Equity Insurance/Investment Funding Solutions) product, a groundbreaking home equity solution designed to convert home equity into financial success.
With this expansion, Cornerstone Financing is now accepting business in seven states, including: • Ohio (OH) • Massachusetts (MA) • Pennsylvania (PA) • California (CA) • Arizona (AZ) • Florida (FL) • Missouri (MO)
“Expanding our reach to Ohio marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide transformative financial tools for advisors and homeowners alike,” Daniel Anderson, co-founder of Cornerstone Financing said. “By increasing our footprint, we aim to equip more financial professionals with the resources needed to convert home equity into meaningful financial outcomes.”
Cornerstone’s CHEIFS product enables homeowners to access liquidity by selling a fraction of their home equity to fund critical life and financial planning needs, such as insurance, annuities, long-term care and many other investment opportunities.
“Our growth is fueled by the trust of our advisor network and the backing of our partners,” Anderson added. “We are dedicated to creating a seamless, value-driven model that enhances advisor-client relationships and supports homeowners in achieving financial success.”
Cornerstone’s expansion to Ohio is supported by its $285 million financing from Aquiline Capital Partners and Nomura, which underscores the company’s financial stability and vision for national growth.
Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center has launched a new Breast Health Program, a comprehensive service designed to provide top-tier breast health care in a compassionate, patient-centered environment.
The program is dedicated to early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. during their lifetime.
Early detection is critical to improving breast cancer outcomes, and the Breast Health Program offers a wide range of screening services, including 3D mammography and breast ultrasounds, along with expert breast cancer treatment options such as breast surgery and reconstructive surgery.
The Breast Health Program employs cutting-edge technology to provide the most accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. These include:
3D high-resolution mammography (tomosynthesis) with the Smart Curve paddle system for improved patient comfort and the highest-resolution imaging available;
AI-enhanced imaging software for precise diagnostic accuracy;
Breast localization techniques (wire or nonwire/SAVI SCOUT) and breast ultrasounds;
Comprehensive high-risk evaluations for patients with a family history of breast cancer or genetic predispositions.
Dr. Gail Starr, co-medical director of the Program and chief of Breast Imaging, emphasized the importance of early detection.
“3D mammography has revolutionized our ability to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, offering higher resolution and a more comfortable experience for patients,” she said. “Early detection is the key to effective treatment, and our goal is to provide this vital screening service to all women in our community.”
Dr. Adriana Suarez-Ligon, a co-medical director of the Breast Program and chief of Breast Surgery, agreed.
“Having comprehensive breast health services close to home is crucial for patients,” she said. “Women no longer need to travel far to get the screenings, treatments, and support they need. Our team is here to ensure they receive the best care possible right here in their community.”
The Breast Health Program is supported by an interdisciplinary team of highly trained professionals, including:
A patient navigator who assists patients and their families throughout their care journey
Certified mammography and ultrasound technologists
Board-certified and fellowship-trained radiologists specializing in breast imaging
Board-certified medical and radiation oncologists, a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist, lymphedema specialists and reconstructive plastic surgeons, all working together to provide comprehensive care
Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center is a 128-bed, full-service, acute-care community hospital, located in Westwood.
Commercial real estate services firm Levin Management Corp. has secured two leases with fitness brand Planet Fitness at shopping centers in Watchung and Middlesex. The New Hampshire-based franchise will join the tenant mix at Blue Star Shopping Center and Middlesex Corner, respectively; LMC serves as leasing and managing agent for both properties.
Planet Fitness committed to 21,850 square feet at Blue Star Shopping Center. The 420,000-square-foot retail destination on Route 22 is in the midst of a major, LMC-orchestrated redevelopment, with additional availabilities from 1,200 to 50,000 square feet. Senior Leasing Representative E.J. Moawad represented the landlord in the Planet Fitness lease negotiation, while Jack Chera of RIPCO served as the tenant broker.
At Middlesex Corner, Planet Fitness will fill half of the freestanding building formerly occupied by ACME supermarket at the Route 28/Bound Brook Road property. LMC Leasing Representative Ed Vasconcellos III negotiated the 15,500-square-foot transaction on behalf of property ownership. Raymond Villafana of Franchise Realty represented Planet Fitness. LMC currently is marketing the balance of the former supermarket space.
Both new locations will be franchisee-owned by the same experienced operator behind dozens of Planet Fitness gyms located in New Jersey and other markets. Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations.
According to Sidney Singer, LMC vice president of leasing, fitness concepts are active players in today’s retail landscape and significant traffic drivers for properties like Blue Star Shopping Center and Middlesex Corner.
“The last several years have seen an influx of boutique and affordable fitness concept leasing at LMC properties and nationwide,” he said. “Chains like Planet Fitness – those that provide an affordable, high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment – have proven particularly successful at engaging consumers.”
Fitness tenants also are healthy for retail centers. These sought-after staples bring people back to a property on a frequent basis, which benefits a shopping center’s entire co-tenancy. Moreover, the demographic profile of fitness consumers has become increasingly diverse; boutique and affordable concepts attract people of all ages looking for a community-centered fitness experience.
With more than 1,100 tenants throughout its leasing and management portfolio, LMC maintains a successful track record of arranging leases with prominent national and regional chains, in addition to regional and local retailers. This includes six Planet Fitness locations with these latest additions.
For seven decades, North Plainfield-based LMC has served as a trusted single-source commercial real estate services provider for institutional and private owners. Its diversified, retail-focused leasing and management portfolio includes 125 properties totaling more than 16 million square feet in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
What was once 400,000 square feet of office space in the Township of West Orange is now a thriving “live/work/play” neighborhood that can serve as a national model for revitalizing and repurposing stagnant real estate in suburban areas.
In 2024 by introducing new housing, a brand-new public library, and new public dog park to a former office park near walkable shopping, dining and entertainment, West Orange Township partnered with developer BNE Real Estate Group on a mixed-use project and preserved 130,000-square-feet of recently renovated office space.
BNE built the housing component of the Stonehill at West Orange project, as well as the two-acre public dog park. Stonehill introduced 423 luxury rental residences and 44,000-square feet of lifestyle amenities to a hilltop location at 1000 Executive Drive.
The community opened in April and has attracted hundreds of renters to date, including record leasing velocity in October and November. The West Orange Dog Park opened in May.
Joining Stonehill and the dog park is the new West Orange Public Library, which opened in December 2023. Housed inside a renovated and repurposed office building, the new library offers more than 32,000 square feet of space, including 7,000 square feet dedicated to community use, and more than 300 parking spaces. It is a major improvement over the township’s previous library, which offered 25,000 square feet of space and only 32 parking spaces. It allows the previous library to be converted into affordable senior housing and a community center with branch library services.
The property’s transformation dovetails with national real estate trends. Moody’s Analytics issued a report at the beginning of the year that stated nearly 20% of the nation’s office space is now vacant, a figure that was backed up by a more recent report.
West Orange Township’s approach to the problem called for pragmatic, diversified use of the land, one that benefits a variety of constituencies, including renters, office workers, library patrons, dog owners, local businesses and taxpayers.
It’s the type of project BNE Real Estate Group has a track record of executing successfully. In the past two years alone, the company introduced The Ivy at Chatham, a collection of 245 luxury residences on a formerly industrial property in eastern Morris County, and Station Bay, a 291-unit luxury rental community in South Amboy, NJ, that has spurred new economic growth on the city’s waterfront, boosted its rail ridership, and ushered in a new commuter ferry station next door, with daily service to Manhattan.
“We saw developing Stonehill as an opportunity to deliver a next-level residential community to this exciting new neighborhood in West Orange,” Jonathan Schwartz, partner at BNE Real Estate Group, said. “Our vision was to combine the creature comforts of home with the lifestyle perks of a five-star resort, all in an ideal location near shopping, dining and entertainment options. The property is truly one-of-a-kind, and with Stonehill as its signature element, it is a successful example of what a municipality and a developer can achieve when working together to revitalize a property for modern uses.”
Stonehill is right next to the Essex Green Town Center, which was recently renovated while adding a full roster of national and local retail brands, popular restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is home to 26 new retail businesses, including ShopRite, Starbucks, Petco, Panera, Total Wine & More, and AMC Dine-In Theatres.
Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners designed Stonehill’s three architecturally alluring buildings, with interiors envisioned by Mary Cook Associates. Finishes and features include soaring 9 to 10-foot ceilings, oversized windows, modern plank flooring, stainless-steel appliances, and shaker cabinetry accented by quartz countertops.
Part of what makes the Stonehill lifestyle so special is the array of amenities and services residents enjoy. The community offers not just one, but two onsite lifestyle clubs, where residents can discover multiple social lounges, fitness centers, and entertainment zones that BNE Real Estate Group thoughtfully crafted to take their free time to the next level.
Amenities include 24/7 concierge service, an outdoor swimming pool with private cabanas, multiple co-working lounges with private offices, an indoor and outdoor movie lounge, poker and card rooms, virtual sports simulators, multiple fitness studios with commercial-grade cardio and weight-training equipment, private dining rooms, pet spas, a kid’s playroom, outdoor BBQs and firepits, scenic walking trails, and more. Private garage parking and complimentary shuttle service to NJ transit is also available.
Here’s a unique situation: When describing the second annual Newark Summit, an event featuring the top leaders in all facets of real estate to held Dec. 9 at 80 Park Place in Newark, it would be easier to list the top experts who won’t be there rather than those who will be.
The lineup of speakers is that good.
The Newark Summit for Real Estate, Economic Development, Placemaking is the brainchild of Sherif Abouzied – the visionary behind a similar event in Jersey City, is expected to draw more than 1,000.
The Newark Summit bills itself as one where visionary leaders in the tri-state convene to discuss the areas driving city growth: Investment, placemaking, development, collaboration and design.
It will feature fireside chats featuring Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Audible CEO Bob Carrigan and Genova Burns Chairman Angelo Genova. It also will feature panels on mixed-use, multi-family, affordable housing, capital markets and how the arts can be a catalyst for development.
We don’t mean to be a downer this holiday season, but the recent announcement that Losurdo’s Italian Deli & Bread Bakery, a beloved family-owned business in Hoboken since 1975, will be closing on Dec. 8, proves a point business leaders have been making for years: You have to support small business if you want Main Street stores to survive.
We know there are plenty of stores in your town. In anticipation of Small Business Saturday – and in recognition of Losurdo’s, we offer a few places to shop in Hoboken.
· Leo’s Grandevous: A Hoboken institution since 1939, Leo’s Grandevous is famous for its Italian-American cuisine and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Known especially for their spaghetti and meatballs, it’s a favorite among locals.
· Piccolo’s Famous Cheesesteak: For 65 years, Piccolo’s has been serving up delicious cheesesteaks, earning its place as a Hoboken classic. Known for its generous portions and authentic flavors, it’s a must-visit for any cheesesteak lover.
· Fiore’s House of Quality: Renowned for its fresh mozzarella since 1913, Fiore’s is a Hoboken legend. This Italian deli brings a taste of Old-World quality with each handmade cheese and classic Italian specialty.
· The Brass Rail: Offering a contemporary twist on American cuisine, The Brass Rail has been a Hoboken favorite for years. With its charming ambiance and classic menu, it’s a popular spot for both dining and special occasions.
· M & P Biancamano: Known for their sandwiches made with freshly baked bread and premium Italian meats, M & P Biancamano has a legacy of quality and service that has made it a favorite in Hoboken for decades.
· Albini Pharmacy: Serving Hoboken for over 75 years, Albini Pharmacy offers personalized pharmacy services and a range of health and wellness products, ensuring the community has reliable, accessible care close to home.
· Muller Insurance: Established in 1906, Muller Insurance is a trusted name for Hoboken’s insurance needs, offering a wide variety of services for residents and businesses. Their longevity and commitment to service make them a staple in the community.
Small Business Saturday is more than just a marketing slogan. For many small businesses across the state, it is a potential jump start to the most important month of the year.
The day, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, began in 2010 as a way to help local stores and restaurants recover from the economic downturn of 2008.
It has quickly transformed into a Thanksgiving weekend tradition, becoming one of the busiest sales seasons for small business owners nationwide.
Eileen Kean, the state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said the importance of the day – and of small businesses to local communities – cannot be overstated.
“In addition to creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the local economy, small businesses shape our communities by volunteering their time and financially supporting charitable organizations,” she said. “A recent NFIB report highlights how small business owners and their employees benefit their communities, beyond operating their businesses.”
The NFIB report demonstrated a number of ways small businesses contribute to their communities: Creating jobs, stimulating local economies and adding unique characteristics to their area.
One of the important ways in which small business owners contribute to their community is volunteering their time. About three-quarters (76 percent) of all business owners reported volunteering their time to work on behalf of community or civic groups, charities, youth sport programs, schools, religious organizations, or similar activities in the last 12 months.
Despite obviously having smaller staffs, 73 percent of businesses with 1-9 employees reported volunteering.
The connection is real.
The 2024 Gallup survey on the public’s trust of American institutions found that over two-thirds of the public have a strong sense of trust among small businesses, more than any other of the listed institutions including large businesses.
All of which is why Kean is encouraging residents to shop locally.
“As we kick off the holiday season, I encourage all New Jerseyans to shop small, especially on Small Business Saturday, and thank a small business owner for how they enrich your community,” she said.
If you ever wondered whether the ‘Small Business Saturday’ initiative was more than just a marketing slogan — whether it actually had a bottom-line impact on business — ask the owners of the most unique store in the state.
Better yet, stop by ‘Just Jersey’ — the retail store just off the Morristown Green that sells products with a Jersey theme, or items created by New Jersey residents. The store, at 163 South Street, will be packed.
So said Paul Miller, who co-owns Just Jersey with Tina Bologna.
Co-owners Paul Miller, left, and Tina Bologna in front of their retail shop.
“It’s one of our biggest days of the year,” he said. “It far exceeds Black Friday for us. Friday is the malls and the big box; Saturday is for places like us.”
The truth is, there is no place quite like Just Jersey.
Consider the contents: Jersey-themed items abound, starting with coasters (name the theme or the star and it has it) are a big hit. As are the numerous food items (think pasta shaped like the state, Jersey Girl chocolate bars, handcrafted cookie mixes). There are T-shirts, jewelry, pillows, signs of all shapes and sizes (even a few made out of pieces of license plates, yellow and blue).
There are plenty of holiday ornaments, too.
The level of unique offerings never ceases to amaze: Where else could you get a ‘Real Housewives of Morris Plains’ apron?
It’s the reason why Just Jersey is a favorite of TV stations looking for a stand-up spot this holiday season — especially on Small Business Saturday.
Miller and Bologna offer another reason: Their store is not just about them – but the multitude of small business merchants from around the state who have their products on display there.
“We have more than 300 small businesses under one roof,” Miller said. “That’s who you are supporting when you shop here.”
Don’t be confused: While the concept of the store started as a holiday gift idea at the school where Miller and Bologna both had a child attending, Just Jersey is a 365-day operation. It has been since 2015.
And while Just Jersey is a small business, it courts big business.
Just Jersey has long been a go-to spot for corporate gift-giving, providing just the right ‘Welcome to Jersey’ gift box for any occasion. (Figure boxes cost between $75-$150 a piece.)
Boston Consulting Group and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield have long been customers, using the uniquely Jersey boxes as both onboarding items and holiday gifts.
In the past few years, realtors have discovered the store, often using its boxes as welcome gifts for new homeowners and thank you gifts for the sellers.
Just Jersey: What’s selling
A look at some of the top items at Just Jersey (located on South Street in Morristown) and the names of the merchant who created it.
1. Handcrafted Cookie mixes and decadent hot cocoa varieties Dry Goods Refillery, Montclair A one-stop shop for all of your grocery needs and gourmet foods, package and plastic-free including bulk foods, produce, dairy, home cleaning products and more.
2. Cocktail Infusions On the Rocks Cocktail Infusions, East Hanover Two bartenders took their skills to mixing drink infusions during Covid, when On the Rocks was launched. From classics like Old Fashioned to seasonal creations like Peppermint Espresso-Tini, they make wonderful gifts to spread holiday cheer this season.
3. Handcrafted soap Mt. Lebanon Soap, Port Murray The company creates beautiful natural cold process soaps with pure plant-based oils, essential oils and phthalate free fragrances. A small, family-run business, Mt. Lebanon Soap Company was established to support adorable daughter, Summer, born with Down Syndrome. In addition to providing her valuable life and work skills, as she grows, the proceeds are set aside into a special needs trust to secure a stable future.
4. New Jersey and town-themed Handmade Ornaments Variety of makers From wood to embroidery to pottery there are an array of handmade ornaments to choose from. The store offers ornaments that represent New Jersey, your hometown, or commemorate a special moment (first home, newlyweds or new baby).
5. Holiday and Shore-themed Glassware Marissa Nailed It, Rockaway Everyone has more room in their cabinet for these glasses. Made with non-toxic/food safe epoxy resin with designs that mimic ocean waves, New Jersey shapes, and holiday themes in the bottom of the glass. They are beautiful to display and use.
6. Beach Sand Jewelry Jersey State Line, Namasand and Northern Tides If you love the Shore (and who doesn’t?), this jewelry line incorporates actual beach sand into the design of bracelets, necklaces and rings. Together they provide a range of price points and options to satisfy every customer.
7. Handcrafted Pottery Multiple Potters Featuring the handcrafted work of multiple New Jersey based potters, our pottery provides functional, one-of-a-kind gift options at multiple price points. From mugs to berry bowls to a variety of serving pieces there are many beautiful options to choose from.
8. Holiday Linens Happenstance Creations, Glen Ridge Artist Susan Krien has created a creative and eco-conscious brand that is built on her love for the garden and nature. Her designs are based on her colorful, original art that is transferred through a printing process to the various fabrics or paper. Each year, Susan offers new holiday designs that make wonderful gifts throughout the seasons.
The uniqueness of the store has given it a global appeal. Yes, they send Jersey-themed items as far away as New Zealand.
Miller estimates on-line sales make up about 15% of all sales. And while he and Bologna would like to increase that number, they know it comes with challenges. Remember, this is a small business.
“We’re not Amazon,” Miller said. “We don’t have distribution centers; we don’t have free shipping, and we can’t turnaround orders in one day.”
They can, however, do whatever small businesses are best at: Add a personal touch.
Each shipped item comes with a hand-written note from Bologna, the only one of the two who has legible handwriting, they joke.
That personal touch is why the store figures to be jumping on Small Business Saturday – one of three huge days for the store.
The other two? National New Jersey Day (July 27) and Christmas Eve.
“Trust me, on Dec. 24, we’ll have plenty of men with their faces pressed up against the door, searching for that unique last-minute gift,” Miller jokes.
Miller and Bologna will gladly take the sale. They’ve got the goods. It’s why they are such a small business success story.
As the “medicine chest of the world,” New Jersey has a rich life sciences community with pharmaceutical, research, medical technology and other industries all finding homes in the state. “They are here for the skilled workforce,” Chrissy Buteas, president and chief executive officer of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, said. “So, a real focus for us is supporting that skilled workforce.”
Buteas addressed school leaders from New Jersey’s 21 county vocational-technical schools over the summer, sharing current and emerging job opportunities in health care throughout the state and the need to continue offering programs that encourage and train students for such opportunities.
Buteas commended the vocational-technical schools for broadening program offerings in health sciences to prepare students for a range of careers and next steps. She added that the expansion of biotechnology programs specifically addresses many of the sought-after skills in health sciences. In fact, an analysis by the New Jersey Department of Labor over the summer showed biotechnology among the top five specialized skills required for health sciences job postings.
With such demand, the timing was ideal for the September opening of the Passaic County Technical Institute’s John Currie Biotechnology Innovation Center. Made possible with funding from the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act, the state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot facility increases capacity in the career program for hundreds of additional students from grades 9-12. Inside are highly specialized learning spaces, including New Jersey’s first DNA Learning Center.
The DNA Learning Center is equipped, licensed and operated by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and supported by InnovATEBIO, a global leader in biomedical research and education. Such industry involvement makes it possible for students to gain hands-on experience in a rapidly advancing sector of biotechnology. (See video here.)
Michael Petruccelli, supervisor of the PCTI Biotechnology Program, said both Cold Spring Harbor and Passaic County Community College played roles in developing a curriculum to prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities, such as lab technicians, researchers, biophysicists, geneticists and more. Depending on the students’ ambitions, they also can earn an associate degree and industry valued credentials as part of their high school learning experience.
Chrissy Buteas. (File photo)
Buteas said relationships between industry and academia are so important for workforce development that they have become the focus of a new Life Sciences Industry Partnerships initiative led by the New Jersey Department of Labor. “It’s important to create partnerships that help students realize the career paths available in the life sciences and support them in pursuing those paths,” she added.
While the Department of Labor is moving this initiative forward on a state-wide level, the county vocational-technical schools have long incorporated industry partnerships into their educational models. Schools build dedicated Advisory Boards for their career programs, whose members review curriculum, serve as guest speakers and even open their doors for student visits. Most schools also designate individuals or full departments to place students in work-based learning and positions with help from their industry connections.
“Our School-to-Careers Department makes us unique in that we have an entire group of employees dedicated to placing students in industry before or after graduation,” Petruccelli said.
At Biotechnology High School (BTHS), part of Monmouth County Vocational School District, Principal Sharon Bryant, Ed.D., said partnerships are critical for students’ culminating learning experiences. “All seniors participate in a mentorship capstone experience before graduation, and our numerous partners support our students in applying their skills and knowledge in a workplace.” She added that the high school’s alumni and Advisory Board members, as well as area companies like Team Life, Inc. and Sunrise Senior Living, hospital systems and municipality EMT programs, all work closely with BTHS to secure mentors for students. (See video here.)
“The local experiences during mentorship also introduce our students to the relevance and local contribution of nearby companies and facilities in enhancing this field,” Bryant said. She and the BTHS instructors emphasized that their collective goal is to “immerse our students in community engagement and retention within the biotechnology field, while promoting international skills and communication through the International Baccalaureate curricula to grow biotechnology from a global perspective.”
Biotechnology High School in Freehold, part of Monmouth County Vocational School District, was ranked fifth best high school in the state and the 37th best public high school in America by U.S. News & World Report. — BTHS
BTHS’ approach has earned the high school impressive results. U.S. News & World Report ranked it the fifth best high school in the state and the 37th best public high school in America.
BTHS instructors recently polled a small group of students about their motivations to enter such a highly focused, rigorous program. The students: Nicholas French, Alay Galvankar, Emily Gerchak, Annika Raj, Ella Stastney and Kaanchi Utpat said they believe the future is wide open in the field and that new pathways will open that “don’t yet exist or that we don’t even know we need yet.” They also said that working in the biotechnology field will allow them to “make an impact for many people, whether directly in the sciences or changing policy.”
This is the exact sentiment Buteas hopes to instill in bright, ambitious young people as they consider a future in the health sciences. During a recent speaking engagement with the Department of Labor, she addressed student attendees, saying, “This industry is really special; you have the opportunity to either greatly improve or save someone’s life by working in this industry.”
Conversation Starters
Reach Passaic County Technical Institute at pcti.pctvs.org/pcti or call 973-790-6000.
Reach Biotechnology High School at bths.mcvsd.org or call 732-431-7208.
New Jersey American Water and its foundation recently announced that the Foundation has awarded a combined total of $25,000 in State Strategic Impact grants to five nonprofit organizations that are battling food insecurity throughout New Jersey.
American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S.
Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and board member of the American Water Charitable Foundation, said the company’s commitment goes beyond providing quality service.
“Food security and water security go hand in hand,” he said. “We are proud to provide clean safe reliable water to our customers’ taps and we are happy to support our community food banks in their mission to provide healthy nutritious food to residents in our service areas throughout the state.”
Five organizations across New Jersey American Water’s footprint received donations totaling $25,000:
Community FoodBank of New Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey
FulFill NJ: Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
Mercer Street Friends Food Bank
Norwescap
Torrina Bennett-Michael, director of External Affairs at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, expressed profound gratitude for the support.
“This donation, coupled with the year-round support from New Jersey American Water for our events, enables us to enhance our efforts in providing essential assistance to nearly 675,000 individuals in our 15-county service area who are facing hunger,” she said.
Funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation was provided through the 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program’s State Strategic Impact grant. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and throughout American Water’s national footprint.
It’s the reason why Just Jersey is a favorite of TV stations looking for a stand-up spot this holiday season — especially on Small Business Saturday.
