PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
“ Companies that Care ” Prove Deserving of Annual CIANJ Honors
By Anthony Russo President , CIANJ
At CIANJ , we ’ re always talking with business owners . And naturally we learn a lot about their operations , their successes and challenges and also about their communities . It ’ s fascinating to hear how they are rooted in their communities , what kind of neighbors they are and the importance of that interaction . How companies make a difference is the basis for our “ Companies that Care ” program . Each year we shine a spotlight on the good works for business and industry .
This year ’ s Extraordinary Good Works winner was Terrie O ’ Connor Realtors . This Ramseybased company , founded by CIANJ Board member Terrie O ’ Connor , repeatedly proves it has a huge heart . Whether collecting Thanksgiving dinners , picking up a hammer with Habitat for Humanity , running an on-site blood drive or organizing collections of food , toys , coats and pajamas for children in need , this family company believes in the rewards of giving back .
One program to which Terrie is especially proud was the front cover of our Companies that Care issue in June . It showed Terrie and her team participating in Covenant House ’ s annual Executive Sleep Out in Newark , which raises awareness and funds to help homeless youth . Terrie was among the more than 20 companies honored at an awards breakfast in June . The honorees were selected by our judges , Gina Radice of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey and Ann Marie Sullivan of Spectrum Works . The entire list of winners and their categories included :
Helping Children
AmeriHealth
This healthcare provider embeds a culture of volunteerism among its employees . One of its latest projects saw AmeriHealth associates making activity kits to keep pediatric patients busy and engaged during their check-ups and treatments .
Lakeland Bank The bank has repeatedly awarded part of its community impact grants to St . Joseph ’ s
Health Foundation to make certain underserved children in Paterson receive pediatric dental services .
Community Outreach and Volunteerism
Atlantic Health
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility philosophy , in the past year , Atlantic Health workers volunteered more than 450 hours to pack 10,500 meal kits providing 63,000 servings for those dealing with food insecurity .
Bergen Community College
Students secured a grant from the Mellon Foundation to create two portable , accessible and sensory mini-golf course for adults with intellectual disabilities . The college worked with the Bergen County Special Services School District Stepping Stones Program to bring the project to the community .
Citrin Cooperman Giving back is part of the culture at the firm , which includes participating in food and consumer goods drives , holiday giving , and donations to charities that support victims of natural disasters . Last year firm collected more than $ 170,000 for charities .
Columbia Bank
The bank encourages volunteerism and allows employees to donate their time during work hours . Team Columbia volunteers have supported more than 140 different organizations and donated 8,674 hours of service .
T & M Associates Two years ago the firm created the T & M Associates Foundation to support its community outreach . The foundation provides volunteers and financial support for a wide array of programs . One unique effort is a STEM education program , offering scholarships , sponsorships , classroom presentations and site visits to students of all ages , especially those in underserved areas .
Whitestone
The company promotes a charitable spirit and fosters investment in the community through its Community Outreach and Volunteering Group , established nearly a decade ago . Some of its work includes projects with Habitat for Humanity and Clean Ocean Action .
Fund-raising
Mazars
In 2022 Mazars and its employees donates over $ 62,000 to more than 132 causes . The charities include veterans ’ services , safe-haven programs for youth and adults and refugee and immigrant services .
Peapack-Gladstone Bank
This past winter the bank held its Second Annual Charity Christmas Tree Sale on the property of its Boonton location . More than 300 trees were on sale , generating $ 30,607 which was donated to youth mental health programs in the area .
Global Outreach
Holy Name Medical Center
The Teaneck-based independent health system continues to provide support to Sacred Heart Hospital , the largest private hospital and public health provider for more than 250,000 people in the Milot region of Haiti – the poorest country in the North ern Hemi sphere .
NPZ Law
The attorneys and staffers at the firm work closely with local organizations in India to provide education and resources to underprivileged children by supplying educational materials and technology to them .
Assisting the Homeless
Valley Bank Affordable housing is one of the four Corporate Social Responsibility pillars identified by the bank . Valley is a long-time supporter of Homeless Solutions Inc . and participates in the annual Night in the Cold to raise awareness and funds for the cause .
Combating Hunger
Eva ’ s Village
Located in Paterson , Eva ’ s Village provides services for those struggling with hunger , homelessness , substance abuse and mental health challenges . In 2022 , the community kitchen served more than 287,000 meals to people in need .
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