A Bountiful Celebration at an Evening for GRACE

(above, l-r) GRACE honored Overlook Medical Center. Pictured are Elizabeth Newell, President of GRACE Board of Directors; John Serruto, Vice Chair of Community Advisory Board for Overlook Medical Center; Lauren Yedvab, Overlook’s Chief Operating Officer; Tara Larkin, Atlantic Health System; Amanda Parrish Block, Founder of GRACE. 

An Evening for GRACE

GRACE (Giving & Receiving Assistance for our Community’s Essentials), its supporters, and community partner institutions continue to strengthen the roots of our community. On Friday, October 6, at Beacon Hill Club, Summit neighbors gathered to celebrate two pillars in our community. Overlook Medical Center and Antonietta LaVecchia were recognized with a Crystal Apple for their unwavering support and commitment to GRACE and the City of Summit. Founder Amanda Block affirms, “In recognizing the roots of our community, we are honoring the unseen forces in Summit that enable our quality of life worth celebrating. Antonietta and Overlook Medical Center’s tireless presence and collaboration make possible vibrant health, a sense of security, and assurance of belonging for all people here.” 

The signature event raised funds to support the weekly distribution of nutrient-rich food, basic household necessities, and stabilizing initiatives that enhance the health, well-being, and security of more than 500 families every week. 

(above) Event Co-Chairpersons Michelle Duncan and Michelle DeMuth. 

The event was put together by a committee of dedicated volunteers led by Event Chairpersons Michelle DeMuth and Michelle Duncan and the Invitation Committee: KC Artemenko, Sara Binnington, Corina Borg, Samantha Ekert, Apollo Hrehorovich, Sherry Kerrigan, Megan Myers, and Beth Wohl. 

Summit’s finest tastemakers made the night possible. Summit House crafted a completely unique cocktail to toast the honorees, Roses in Stereo’s music moved the crowd to dance and sing, and Donna Fisk of Fisk Foto captured all the glorious moments. The guests all departed with boxes of sweet treats from Natale’s Summit Bakery. 

A special thank you to the generous sponsors who made this event possible: The Golden Apple Sponsor: Borg Family; Orchard Sponsors: MICRO, Summit Health Cares, Artemenko Family; Grove Sponsors: CSL Seqirus, Overlook Medical Center. 

(above) An Evening for GRACE Invitation Committee 2023. 

About GRACE  

Since 2016 GRACE has been Giving & Receiving Assistance for our Community’s Essentials. As a volunteer-run 501(c)3 non-profit organization, GRACE meets community needs with community resources to enable the good health and success of our vulnerable and underserved neighbors by distributing culturally relevant fresh food and supplies, including milk, bread, eggs, and produce, toilet paper, diapers and wipes, period products, and laundry detergent, every Thursday evening in Summit, NJ, while providing access and referrals to stabilizing support services. GRACE now serves more than 500 local families every week. GRACE meets community demand with community resources. For more information, visitgracegivingreceiving.org, or email GRACE Founder Amanda Parrish Block at info@gracegivingreceiving.org

Courtesy photos

(above, l-r) GRACE honored Antonietta LaVecchia as community supporter. Pictured are Elizabeth Newell, Amanda Parrish Block, and Antonietta LaVecchia.