Local Nonprofits Show Off Meaningful Work

With Mardi Gras beads and festive decorations in hand, representatives from over two dozen area non-profit organizations gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern last week to explain what their charities are all about.

The Public Spirit Showcase was sponsored by the Plaza, which has been open for just about a year, and . Patty Langdale, Mahwah’s Boiling Springs branch manager, said “this event is all about the great work these organizations do in the community. This is a chance to spotlight them, and we try to help do that any way we can.”

For Kevin Wolford, the general manager of the Crowne Plaza, the Public Spirit Showcase was an event he’s been wanting to host since the hotel opened last May. “It’s such a great thing to be able to have at this facility,” Wolford, who moved to the new hotel from the Sheraton Mahwah last year, said. Working at the new location, which he said has hosted many similar events since its opening, has been “challenging, rewarding, and a lot of fun."

Representatives from the organizations said they were grateful for the opportunity to share their missions. Brian and Mary Brandle of Oakland, who formed the Christopher Brandle Joy of Life Foundation in 2010 after their 10-year-old son Christopher lost his battle with brain cancer, said they were there to spread the word about their organization. “We knew we wanted to [form this organization] the day after Christopher passed,” Brian said. “It’s important for us to let people know about the foundation so we can help other families going through what we went through.” The couple used the Showcase to tell others about their charity’s second annual casino night next month to raise money for brain cancer research.

Click on the links to each of the organizations below, who were all represented at last Tuesday’s event to find out more about how you can be involved.

Altrusa – Organizes community volunteers
Alzheimer's Association – Educating the public about Alzheimer’s while researching a cure
Bergen Highlands-Ramsey Rotary – A service-oriented group serving Mahwah and surrounding communities
Buehler Challenger & Science Center – Works to foster student and teacher interest in scientific education
Center for Food Action – Serves food to families in need
DACKKs Group – Helps homeless transition to independent living
Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey – Girl scout troops
Christopher Brandle Joy of Life Foundation – Funds brain cancer research
Jawonio, Inc. – Provides services to disabled adults and children
Mahwah Elks – Service-oriented group in Mahwah
– Funds museum exhibits
– Mahwah’s library
Mahwah Schools Foundation – Funds grants for equipment, programs, and learning tools in the Mahwah school district
March of Dimes – Annual walk in Mahwah to prevent complications from premature birth
National Foundation for Animal Rescue – No-Kill animal rescue association
NJBS/Skylands Association – New Jersey Botanical Gardens
Northern NJ Council, BSA – Boy Scouts of America
Pascack Valley Meals on Wheels – Delivers meals
Ramsey Farmer's Market – Indoor/outdoor venue to buy locally grown and cultivated food
Saddle River Valley Lions Club - A service-oriented group serving Mahwah and surrounding communities
SCORE – Provides help for local small businesses
Shelter Our Sisters – Serves victims of domestic violence
Table to Table – Picks up extra foods from food establishments to donate to food pantries and shelters
Valley Health Systems – Operates Hospital and associated charities
Volunteer Center of Bergen County – Coordinates various volunteer programs
West Bergen Mental HealthCare – Child and adult guidance and mental health center