The Oct. 25 “Trumpeting Success Gala,” which celebrated the many contributions of Fred Vereen Jr. to Eggerts Crossing Village and the broader Lawrence Township community, was a huge success, according to organizers.
Over 230 people attended the event hosted by Educational Testing Service.
Through ticket sales, program book advertising and other donations, over $50,000 was raised to support and sustain the “Every Child Valued” programs at Eggerts Crossing Village, a 100-unit rental complex for low- and moderate-income families in Lawrence.
Mr. Vereen is retiring at the end of 2008 as Eggerts Crossing Village’s managing agent, a position he has held since the complex opened in 1974.
The Every Child Valued programs, inspired by Mr. Vereen, provide after-school, summer and mentoring programs for ECV children and youth through a community-schools partnership with the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
The purpose of the Every Child Valued programs is “to encourage and motivate all young residents to reach their highest potential as educated, mature and fulfilled adults.”
Since the inception of these programs in 2002, according to Eggerts Crossing Village, student attendance, test scores, and participation in activities have improved, parent involvement and parent-school communication have increased, and fewer ECV children are requiring costly special education services.
Those who attended the gala heard from Dr. H. Dana Fearon III, pastor emeritus of The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville and ETS Vice President Eleanor Horne, about the formation of Eggerts Crossing Village and the Every Child Valued programs and the impact that they have had on enriching young lives and strengthening the Lawrence Township community.
In her remarks, Ms. Horne announced an additional “challenge gift” of $20,000 from the ETS Social Investment Fund, if the assembled crowd could muster an additional $5,000 “match” by Dec. 31.
Contributions to Every Child Valued are welcomed from all interested individuals and organizations. Visits to observe the Every Child Valued programs can be arranged via Audrey Barton at 609-883-7111.
Checks should be made payable to Lawrence Non-Profit Housing, Inc. with “ECV Challenge Gift” written in the memo, and mailed to the Every Child Valued Program, 175 Johnson Ave., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, Attention: Heather Steinmeier. E-mail inquiries may be directed to Ms. Steinmeier at [email protected].
