Hunterdon United raises more than $49,000 for local families

United Way of Hunterdon County drew 150 people to Alba Vineyard in Milford on Thursday night for its annual Hunterdon United fundraiser, which brought in more than $49,000 toward a $64,000 goal. The event honored local volunteers, business leaders and civic partners while spotlighting the county’s ALICE households and the need for year-round support.

Why it matters: - United Way of Hunterdon County is raising money for families that work but still struggle to cover basic costs. - The organization said 27% of Hunterdon households are ALICE or in poverty. - Every dollar raised stays in Hunterdon County, which keeps the support local. - The group still needs about $15,000 to reach its $64,000 fundraising goal.

What happened: - Hunterdon United: A Celebration of Impact took place Thursday evening at Alba Vineyard in Milford. - About 150 neighbors, business leaders, volunteers and elected officials attended. - The event raised more than $49,000 by the end of the night. - A live appeal brought in $11,250 in the room for local programs. - Saxophone music, a silent auction, live art by Lena Shiffman and a farm-to-table buffet from Chef Hunter Stagg shaped the evening.

The details: - United Way of Hunterdon County recognized several community honorees during the program. - Volunteers of the Year were John Rice, William “Bill” Hamilton and Michael Wellons. - Rice is a retired chief human resources officer, former UWHC trustee and longtime leader of UWHC programs. - Hamilton joined the free tax preparation program in 2017 after 36 years at Merck & Co. and now serves as board secretary. - Wellons, a UWHC board member, was honored for his work with the VITA program. - Mark Masessa, principal of Francis A. Desmares Elementary School, received the Legacy of Youth award. - Masessa has worked as a Flemington-Raritan educator since 1997. - Onset Worldwide received the Cultivating Community honor for creating local jobs and investing in New Jersey. - Jill Kearney, founder and executive director of ArtYard, received the Community Visionary award. - Jerri May-Grimes, founding president of Impact100 Hunterdon, was named Community Catalyst. - State Sen. Andrew Zwicker could not attend, but he sent a framed legislative resolution that host committee member Sakina Cole delivered. - Gold sponsor Springpoint, silver sponsors Edward Jones and ShopRite, plus other sponsors, patrons, the host committee and Alba Vineyard supported the event.

Between the lines: - CEO Jennifer Thompson used the night to frame the county’s needs as both urgent and solvable through local action. - Thompson compared community building to planting vines that mature over time, a signal that the organization sees this work as long-term infrastructure, not a one-night fundraiser. - The ALICE message connected the fundraiser to a broader affordability problem, including housing and health care costs. - The emphasis on a “front door to help” and a “front door to helping” suggests UWHC wants to be seen as both a safety net and a volunteer gateway.

What’s next: - Community members can still donate at the organization’s donation page. - UWHC says about $15,000 remains to fully fund the work tied to this campaign. - The organization also invites people to give or volunteer through its website. - UWHC’s ongoing programs include VITA free tax preparation, Holiday Hands, Start School Strong and Pantry with a Purpose.

The bottom line: - Hunterdon United was both a fundraiser and a public reminder that local philanthropy is still carrying part of the safety net for Hunterdon County families.