The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ), a longtime nonprofit serving vulnerable children and families across the state, will host its annual Champions of Children Gala on Saturday, March 28, at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton.
The evening celebration, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m., will recognize four individuals for their contributions to youth development, education, and community support, while raising funds for the organization’s statewide programs.
CHSofNJ CEO Julie Dees said the gala brings together supporters and partners to highlight the impact of services that strengthen families and expand opportunities for children.
“We are thrilled to gather friends, partners, and champions of our mission in such a beautiful setting,” Dees said. “This event is more than a gala — it’s a platform to honor remarkable leadership and reinforce our collective commitment to expanding opportunities and services for children and families.”
The event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, and live program. Award-winning CBS News Philadelphia anchor Jim Donovan will serve as emcee.
Honorees
This year’s honorees represent a range of sectors — housing, corporate philanthropy, financial services, and the arts — reflecting what CHSofNJ describes as the broad community network supporting children and families in New Jersey.
Honorees include:
- Darren Freedom Green, coordinator with the Trenton Housing Authority, recognized for leadership in CHSofNJ’s Aspire after-school program serving middle-school students.
- Maureen Levine, trademark paralegal at Church & Dwight, honored for volunteer and philanthropic support of school-based initiatives.
- Paul Schaffer, senior vice president advisor at CAPTRUST, cited for advocacy and engagement in youth development programs.
- David Schoner, senior advisor with the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, recognized for advocacy supporting school-based services.
Supporting children and families statewide
Founded in 1894, the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey provides adoption and foster care services, counseling, early childhood education, maternal and child health programs, school-based supports, and services for kinship caregivers.
Proceeds from the gala support those programs, which serve children and families across New Jersey, including in Mercer County.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available at chsofnj.org.
Organizers say the event aims both to celebrate community leadership and to sustain programs that help children and families achieve long-term stability and well-being.
