The Alternative Press

SHORT HILLS, NJ – The Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce, in association with the Hilton Short Hills, hosted its Winter Gala on Saturday night with the theme, “Jersey Proud.”  The evening was a fundraiser for the Chamber as well as for the seven honorees being celebrated throughout the festivities.

Chamber President, Ileana Martin-Novoa of Katz-Novoa Architects, kicked the evening off with a warm word of thanks for the gala’s sponsors: Investors Bank, The Mall at Short Hills, Barnabas Health, Paper Mill Playhouse, and Dennis Klein of Rand Feuer & Klein LLC.

The evening’s honorees were each given special attention for their outstanding work in the community.  They are (in alphabetical order):

·      The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas – the only state-certified burn treatment facility in New Jersey and one of the largest in North America, treating more than 400 burn patients each year with its expert staff and state-of-the-art equipment.

·      Downtown Millburn Development Alliance – established 20 years ago by the Township Committee to enhance the economic vitality of the downtown area, it continues to do this today, as well as working to improve the visual appearance of downtown Millburn.

·      Investors Foundation – supports non-profit organizations that enrich the quality of life in the communities Investors Bank serves, and has dispensed more than $6 million since 2005 to support a wide range of initiatives, from civic improvements to the fight against diseases.

·      The Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills – working to better the social, economic and educational institutions of the community for more than 100 years, including Disaster Relief Programs, Support the Troops initiatives, and work with women’s shelters and underserved schoolchildren.

·      Paper Mill Playhouse Theatre School – providing expert instruction and a nurturing environment that has allowed thousands of students to hone their craft, stretch themselves and gain the confidence and skills to act, sing or dance onstage.

·      The Short Hills Association – promoting the interests and welfare of the Township since 1911, preserving the general character of Short Hills and protecting the interests of the residents; its members and Board are true community advocates.

·      Student/Partner Alliance – providing scholarships to deserving inner-city students in our region to attend private high schools to prepare them to be candidates for college scholarships; founded by Tom cash in the 1980’s, the alliance now has 102 individual partners and 24 corporate supporters and have assisted more than 1,500 students.

A festive mood prevailed, despite the enormous snowfall that had just hit the area and had residents scrambling to clear their driveways to allow their attendance at the event. The dance floor saw plenty of action, as the band, The Jersey Girls, entertained the crowd. Numerous auction items that had been donated by local merchants were awarded to lucky winners.