Community Leadership Continues
Last night Greater Orange felt the love and energy created when community comes together to celebrate. And what a celebration it was! Hosted at the local treasure (and HANDS tenant) Inner City Cafe, HANDS staff, board members, friends, and family came together to share the incredible stories of six leaders shaping the future of our community.
There were awards, there were snacks, there were hugs and pictures and laughter - and that was just in the room! More than a dozen supporters also joined online, sharing in the fun and feeling the love through phones and laptops. If you missed it last night or just want to enjoy the show again, we already have the video for you!
This was the 24th year HANDS has recognized local leaders - and we’re already excited to make it 25! We hope these stories warmed your heart and sparked your mind, inspiring ideas for how your leadership can benefit Greater Orange in the next year. And we hope that you’ll partner with HANDS to support and amplify your leadership!
But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s celebrate our awardees one more time!
Robin Gordon, retired HANDS leader
Thank you, Robin, for your 18 years of service to HANDS and to the community!
Orange Public Schools (represented by Barry Devone)
Thank you, Barry and Orange Public Schools for all you do for our community!
Luna Stage (led by Ari Laura Krieth)
Thank you, Ari and Luna Stage Theater for all you do for our community!
NJ Roofing and Maintenance (led by Jermaine Hylton)
Thank you, Jermaine and New Jersey Roofing Maintenance for all you do for HANDS and the community!
Garden State Kitchen (led by Kris Ohleth)
Thank you, Kris and Garden State Kitchen for all you do for our community!
Coach Iya of Athletic Arts Academy
Thank you, Coach Iya and Athletic Arts Academy for all you do for our Community!
And thank you again to our sponsors!
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) - Newark
Steven Gomez
The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges (IFPO)
Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket or made a contribution to HANDS in honor of an awardee. Your financial support makes so much possible in Greater Orange - and if you haven’t had a chance to make your contribution yet, please consider making a donation today.
Lastly, thanks to the team at HANDS who put the event together! Special thanks to our speakers:
Board Chair Steve Gomez
Interim Executive Director Lisa Boyd
Board Member Dr. Mindy Thompson Fullilove, MD
Program Consultant Andrijana Bilbija
Asset Manager Vidya Ramakrishnan
Thank you… see you soon!
