PHILANTHROPY
PHILANTHROPY
Making a Difference
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
The good works and generosity of corporations , small businesses and community leaders sometimes go unnoticed . The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey believes their contributions are essential to our neighborhoods and towns . Private industry ’ s charity and outreach can offer stability and lay the foundation for growth and success . Each year CIANJ salutes “ Companies that Care ” by highlighting their stories in a special section here and hosting an event to honor them . This year we are showcasing the efforts of more than 50 companies . Their stories are inspiring .
Helping Children
Amerihealth
Giving back to the community through volunteerism and donating is embedded in the culture among associates at AmeriHealth New Jersey , who see their involvement as a privilege and an opportunity to improve the quality of life for others .
An example of the team ’ s commitment is its work with Project Sunshine . In November 2022 , AmeriHealth New Jersey teamed up with this dedicated nonprofit that brings joy and play to pediatric patients through volunteer-led programming in various medical settings and raises awareness for the emotional needs of children facing medical challenges . AmeriHealth New Jersey associates gladly rolled up their sleeves to assemble , package , and deliver special activity kits for pediatric patients designed to keep them busy and engaged during their checkups and treatments .
Community Outreach / Volunteerism
Alfred Sanzari Enterprises
Inspired by the powerful legacy of Alfred N . Sanzari , the founder of Alfred Sanzari Enterprises , the Alfred N . Sanzari Family Foundation ( ANSFF ) was established in 2006 to promote and support a wide range of charitable causes throughout northern New Jersey . Reflecting the values of Alfred and his family , the ANSFF provides financial support to various organizations with a special preference for patient care and Parkinson ’ s disease , local education programs , and programs that assist disadvantaged populations such as shelters / housing , and services for women and children in need . Since its founding , the ANSFF has donated over $ 2.5 million to such organizations throughout the region and has been a dedicated supporter of Hackensack University Medical Center .
Hoping to expand its reach across New Jersey , the ANSFF launched a grant program in 2020 . Since the program ’ s launch , it has awarded thousands of dollars to a variety of organizations across the region .
Atlantic Health
Atlantic Health System ’ s commitment to building healthier communities extends far beyond its delivery of innovative and personalized health care . The organization ’ s Corporate Social Responsibility philosophy is a dedication to the well-being of team members and our communities through programming and partnerships designed to improve the society and environment within we work and live .
As part of the system ’ s second annual Dr . Martin Luther King , Jr . Day of volunteerism , hundreds of Atlantic Health System executives , physicians , nurses and other team members donated more than 450 hours of work to pack meal kits for those dealing with food insecurity . In total , more than 63,000 servings were packed into more than 10,500 meal kit bags .
Atlantic Health System team members have also donated care packages for service members on three continents , participated in housing improvement projects to assist the homeless and collected pallets of humanitarian and medical equipment for the people of Ukraine .
Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College students secured a $ 1,000 grant from the Andrew W . Mellon Foundation to create two portable , accessible and sensory mini-golf courses for adults with intellectual disabilities . Working with the Bergen County Special Services School District Stepping Stones Program , an initiative designed to develop skills for adults with intellectual disabilities , the students completed the project as part of their work with the honor society of twoyear colleges , Phi Theta Kappa ( PTK ).
To secure funding , design and build the project , the students conducted research on inequities in sports for those with disabilities , played mini-golf with members of the College ’ s Turning Point Program for intellectually disabled adults and visited the USGA Golf Museum in Liberty Corner .
The mini golf course features sensory elements , including textured golf club handles , colorful hazards and a first-of-its-kind musical golf cup .
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Lakeland Bank
In 2022 , Lakeland Bank was proud to award a $ 20,000 Community Impact Grant to St . Joseph ’ s Health Foundation – its fourth grant since 2019 – to help expand pediatric dentistry services at the hospital that support underserved children living in Paterson and the surrounding area . The bank has remained a steadfast partner of the foundation and recognized the tremendous impact this program could have for providing access to professional oral care for some of the most vulnerable children and families in the Paterson community . In addition to the monetary grant , Lakeland provided over 500 brand-new toothbrushes to distribute at the hospital as part of the routine checkups offered through the program . This grant is one of many awarded by Lakeland Bank , which contributed over $ 1.5 million to various organizations throughout New Jersey in 2022 , including more than $ 200,000 in Community Impact Grants .
With the help of a grant by Lakeland Bank , St . Joseph ’ s Health Foundation expands pediatric dentistry services to support underserved children living in Paterson .
Photo : Lakeland Bank
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