By Amy Batista, Special Writer
EAST WINDSOR – “Once Upon A Time” had a happy ending, according to Better Beginnings Child Development Center Executive Director Liz Horta.
The annual Mayors’ Shining Star Gala for Better Beginnings Childhood Development Center, with a theme this year of “Once Upon A Time,” was indeed an evening of celebration.
East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov and Hightstown Mayor Larry Quattrone hosted the annual gala April 9. Council member Perry Shapiro filled in for Mayor Mironov, who was unable to attend the event.
“We (are) gathered with friends and family to express our gratitude to our ‘Shining Star’ honorable awardees,” said the mayor in a statement prior to the event.
The Lifetime Achiever recipients were Larry Blake, Pete Bussone and Kerri Peterson; Individual Award recipients were Lee Hutchinson and Denise Daniels; Organization Award recipient was the Rocky Brook Garden Club; Business Award recipient was Dairy Queen; and the Youth Award recipient was East Windsor/Hightstown Boy Scouts Troops 59, 5700 and 6284.
Mr. Blake said it was a very enjoyable evening and he was very humbled by the nomination.
“Pete and I would like to thank Mayor Mironov, Mayor Quattrone, the Board of Better Beginnings, those of you who nominated us for this award and all of you here tonight,” said Ms. Peterson. “To be deemed worthy of receiving a Shining Star is truly humbling.”
She said that Better Beginnings was born of the passion of Bettie Witherspoon, whose dream and passion it was to see that children in the community get the very best possible start in life.
“Many people caught her vision and her passion,” said Ms. Peterson. “And through the years have worked alongside of Bettie, and are now working alongside the current director, Luz Horta, to provide the leadership, skills and love that have long been the hallmark of Better Beginnings. They have provided and continue to provide the Better Beginnings students with a great start in the journey to a good education and a fulfilling life.”
Ms. Peterson said that her youngest son, now in eighth grade, is one of those Better Beginnings graduates.
“It feels odd to hear all the things attributed to us, and I want to say that we could not have done anything without the support and help of many other people in this community,” she said. “In fact, many of you in this room have been involved in one or another of our adventures, probably more than one of them. I’m sure that many of you, when you see my name appear on your Caller ID think ‘Oh no! Here we go again!’”
She said that she and Pete have always been people who when there is a need in the community, they ask themselves, “How can we work toward filling this need?”
“Some of our projects have taken a short time to get started, others have taken years of blood, toil, sweat, tears and preparation,” she said. “But what is undeniable is that anything we have accomplished in this community is because of the help we have received from other members of this community.”
“Troop 59 is truly blessed,” said Sandy Tootleman and John O’Brien in a follow-up email on Tuesday on behalf of Troop 59. “Most communities have one mayor who “may” provide support to local Scouting. We have two mayors who do.
“The continued support that we receive from Mayor Mironov and Mayor Quattrone has allowed our troop to thrive over the years and deliver a program that helps the youth in our community learn sound values, grow as individuals, and give back to our community through service projects,” they wrote.
Ms. Horta thanked everyone for joining the celebration and for the support they receive from corporate sponsors, contributors and local businesses.
Mercedes Colón-Vargas, gala coordinator, was cited for her commitment to Better Beginnings’ mission, which is reflected in her dedication in making past galas and this year’s gala a success.
“Children dream, they live life with their childhood expectations, imaginary friends, and in their “magical” land,” said Ms. Horta. “They depend on us, their trusted caregivers, and their knights in shining armor to keep their kingdom safe and protected. And we start by shaping minds when time matters most and by providing them a better beginnings.”
Better Beginnings (BBCDC) is celebrating its 49th year of service, a longevity that can be credited to the support it has received throughout the years from the community and governing bodies. It celebrates families and children and publicly honors individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a high degree of commitment to the welfare of others.
Throughout the evening a silent and chance auction was held. Guests had a chance to bid on items, including baskets.
“We raised $31,000,” said Ms. Colón-Vargas in an email on Tuesday. “Our goal for next year is to raise $50,000 for our 50th anniversary.”
For more information about Better Beginnings or the event, contact Mercedes Colon-Vargas or Luz Nereida Horta at 609-448-6226 or visit the website at www.betterbeginnings.net.
