Our History
The Greater Newark Holiday Fund dates back to 1937 when hardships of the Great Depression inspired businessmen to provide Christmas presents to children on the streets of Newark. By the 1950s, the effort had become the Greater Newark Christmas Fund with the Newark Evening News and several local social service agencies united to bring holiday cheer to the needy. The News ceased operations in 1972, but the fund continued thanks to Mort Pye, editor of The Newark Star-Ledger, who instituted a partnership that still exists to this day. Over the years, the fund has evolved to embrace Essex, Union, Passaic, Hudson, Morris, and Bergen Counties. Its name was officially changed in 2002, but its mission has remained the same. The holiday fund has raised and distributed $8.5 million to the needy since its creation.
Our Board of Trustees
Our board members give generously of their time to keep administrative costs at a minimum. This allows us to make the most of every monetary contribution.
Officers
Frank E. Ferruggia, Esq., President
McCarter & English
Reuben Rotman, Vice President/Secretary
Jewish Family Service of Metrowest
William B. Watson, Treasurer
Catholic Community Services (retired)
Members At Large
Faith Gideon Brown
Thomas Callahan, Esq.
Laura Constable
Allan J. Daul
Frank Feruggia, Esq.
Saverio Garruto
Arthur Guida
John O. Lasser
Robert Mcdonald
Trish Morris-Yamba
Uzoamaka N. Okoye
Reuben Rotman
Shirley M. Ward
William B. Watson
Jeffrey Vanderbeek
Anonymous
The 2007 campaign kicks off on Sunday, November 11, 2007 and runs through Sunday, January 13, 2008. We at the Greater Newark Holiday Fund look forward to another successful fundraising effort thanks to the generosity and commitment of our many donors. This year, with your support, we intend to help even greater numbers of needy and underprivileged people in New Jersey.
