A Message from the Executive Director - Winter - Spring 2023
February 7, 2023Greetings and I hope 2023 got off to a happy, healthy, and productive start!
As we look back, 2022 was a very impactful year for the BCF. In September, we opened up our third Berkeley College food pantry at our Woodland Park, NJ campus. It was wonderful for my colleagues and I to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony as it was truly an exciting and uplifting event. There was quite a bit of planning, moving parts and hard work, and everyone involved in putting the pantry and the event together pulled it off with flying colors. This addition to our campus is having an impact for Berkeley College students and addresses the campus food insecurity issue that is challenging higher education institutions nationwide. If you are so inclined, tours can be arranged to see any of the three pantry locations. Please reach out to my email below for further information.
Another moving occasion was the 2022-2023 Scholarship Awards event held in November. Eight Berkeley College students received scholarships while their families and Berkeley College staff were in attendance to cheer them on. In 2022, the BCF added to the number of scholarships awarded, bestowing five additional scholarships for the winter ’23 semester. Those students will be formally recognized at our next Scholarship Recipient Awards event, which will be held in fall ’23.
At the close of ’22, the BCF witnessed a change of leadership with the Board Chairperson position. We said goodbye to Berkeley alum Donna Boles, whose knowledge and steadfast guidance was very valuable to me during my first year in the role of Executive Director. She will be missed. We are very excited to welcome John Philips, the BCF’s first chairperson, who returns to this role for an encore performance. He brings with him both a strong amount of enthusiasm and affinity for our organization and I look forward to working with John in this capacity.
As the BCF embarks on its 2023 journey, the 6th annual golf outing, our largest fundraiser for the BCF is quickly approaching. This year’s event will be held at the Basking Ridge Country Club on Monday, June 5, 2023. Please check back on the “Events” page on our website in mid-March, when our registration will be open.
As always, we welcome comments, suggestions, and of course, monetary support. Every donation counts, no matter how great or small and I am available to meet you in person, virtually, or via phone to discuss giving opportunities.
Thank you for visiting this page and I look forward to engaging with you!
Sincerely,
Ellen