Family Promise and the New Jersey Nets came together to celebrate the holidays this year.  Family Promise Night with the Nets, a toy drive to benefit homeless children in New Jersey, took place at the IZOD Center on December 16th when the Nets played the Utah Jazz. Almost 500 new toys were donated by fans to be distributed to current or former Family Promise guest children in Morris and Essex Counties.

Devin Harris, the Nets star point guard, posed for pictures and his Foundation, 34 Ways to Assist, made a generous contribution to our general fund.  Margaret Stone, a long-time volunteer for IHN Morris County, was honored before the game by the Nets and TD Bank as a Hometown Hero-an everyday person who goes above and beyond through her dedication to a charitable cause.  Even Family Promise Board member Jamie Haenggi got into the act, as she was invited to present the ball at center court for the opening tip.

It was a special evening for all concerned.  Although the Nets came up a bit short on the scoreboard, one look at the faces of the children as they lined up to high-five their heroes before the game made it clear that everyone was a winner on Family Promise Night.