Though we would be among the first to admit we were “gala-production- newbies,” we were thrilled with your response and the outcome of last Friday’s “1st Annual” UU FaithAction Eco Gala fundraiser!
Sold out a month in advance – 135 tickets!–nearly all of our 21 UU congregations in New Jersey were represented during the celebration of a decade of social justice ministry. What an outpouring of support! Volunteers from throughout the organization helped to turn Beacon’s Fellowship Hall into a gala-worthy space, featuring a slide show photo review of some of the justice highlights over the last 10 years, live music and song by singer/songwriter, John DeMasi, (Dorothea Dix UU/Bordentown) and an amazing Indonesian and Eritrean buffet dinner provided by the skilled chefs of Global Grace Cafe in Highland Park.
After recognizing ministers and lay leaders from our participating congregations, attendees gave a standing ovation to longtime UU and racial/social justice activist, Al Stawsky. A founding member of UU Congregation of the Palisades/Englewood, Al received the UU FaithAction Lifetime Achievement Award in Social Justice for his 65+ years of activism and leadership here in New Jersey. Attended by a table of his family members and fellow congregants, it was an honor and privilege for all of us in attendance to recognize such a worthy contributor to the cause of human dignity and “walking the UU talk.”
More people than can be listed here donated their time, energy and money to make the evening such a success. Special recognition must go, however, to Gala and Development Committees chair, Marty Rothfelder (Beacon UU/Summit) for not only conceiving of the event but for guiding it to its fruition. We would also like to recognize Gala Committee member (and interior decorator par excellence), Rev. Jennifer Kelleher (UU Princeton); Lessie Culmer-Nier, Keith Nier and Mia Morse (Beacon UU/Summit) for staffing the cash bar and securing the award/overseeing the kitchen throughout the entire evening; and board member, Mark Williams (First UU/Fanwood), for donating the 2 fantastic gift basket auction items, arranging for desserts from fellow board members and emceeing the event alongside UULMNJ founding member, Rohn Hein (Cherry Hill UU.)
Not to worry if you couldn’t join in this year–we will be celebrating again at next year’s Second Annual Eco-Gala! In the meantime, enjoy the pictures and the short, audio-free slideshow of the last ten years of UULMNJ/UUFANJ!