Long-time friends and newer acquaintances of Family Promise gathered at Baltusrol Golf Club on November 10 to learn more about the effects of homelessness on children and the ways in which Family Promise helps families in need.  In all, more than 200 people were in attendance for the one-hour program entitled Our Promise to Children, which began at 8am and concluded promptly at 9 o'clock. 

Guests were invited by 22 volunteer Table Captains, each of whom served as host to his or her invitees.  Janet Whitman, Family Promise's Vice-Chair served as the event's emcee. Karen Olson, Family Promise's Founder and President, offered remarks that focused upon the rising tide of family homelessness, its effects upon children, and how Family Promise helps communities across the nation to mobilize to help those in need.

Heather Chester, a former guest of Family Promise's Cape May Affiliate, shared her compelling story of hard work and perseverance as Family Promise helped her family to regain self-sufficiency.  Family Promise Trustee Cary Hardy rounded out the morning's proceedings by inviting the financial support of those in attendance.  In response to Mr. Hardy's invitation, our generous guests enabled Family Promise to more than qualify for a $30,000 challenge grant.

Principal sponsors of the event included the S. Rubenstein Family Foundation and Celgene Corporation.  Other sponsors included the law firm of Lindabury, McCormick Estabrook and Cooper, Christmas City Printing and Lois Schneider Realtor.  Family Promise also extends thanks to Hilltop Community Bank, Somerset Hills Bank and Zappia's Gourmet Delicatessen for their sponsorship of the event.