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Excitement Surrounds the Harvesting Hope Gala to Benefit NFSB
An annual tradition returns as Nutley Family Service Bureau presents the Harvesting Hope Gala on Tuesday, November 12 from 6 pm to 10 pm at Nanina’s in the Park, 540 Mill Street in Belleville!
The first Charity Ball was hosted by NFSB in 1914, the second year of our existence, and evolved into the Harvest Ball, which was held for decades. While there have been conversations for several years about bringing back a similar event, talks intensified while recognizing NFSB’s 110th anniversary throughout 2023.
“We really wanted to celebrate the organization and how far it’s come,” said Marla Hunter, NFSB board member and Harvesting Hope Gala committee co-chair. “When we gathered the past presidents together and shared stories from long-time volunteers and supporters, we realized the timing was perfect to bring back such a special event.”
The Harvesting Hope Gala is a community and fundraising event that will benefit NFSB programs and services. The theme reflects the heart of our work as NFSB cultivates a brighter future through care and support. Demand for our services has never been higher. Each year, NFSB provides:
- More than 10,000 hours of affordable behavioral health counseling.
- Free case management services to more than 2,000 individuals.
- More than 200,000 pounds of food for people struggling with hunger.
Upscale Dining and Live Entertainment
The spectacular venue and gourmet dining will be provided by Nanina’s in the Park, which has been voted a top 10 wedding venue by BestofNJ.com and has won multiple awards from The Knot, NJ Bride, and Manhattan Bride. Nanina’s in the Park is a long-time supporter of NFSB as both a sponsor and donor of Thanksgiving meals.
Pianist Mike Popkin will perform during the cocktail hour, while tenor Eric Sebek will perform Broadway show tunes and opera during dinner. Ultimate Entertainment, owned by NFSB board member and Harvesting Hope Gala event co-chair Rob Frannicola, will keep you entertained with a live auction and music and dancing.
“We’re excited to offer something for everyone throughout the event,” Rob said. “From Broadway to interactive entertainment and dancing, we’ve put together an engaging program that will have you smiling and having fun right up until the final song of the night.”
The Honorees
NFSB is proud to honor Graeme Hardie, Silas Mountsier, and Jo-Ann Brown and remember Janet Bischak for their unwavering support of the organization and their commitment to the community over many decades.
Graeme Hardie worked with the LoCurcio family and others to organize small dinner parties to benefit NFSB at the Mountsier-Hardie Garden for several years. These events eventually grew into the Garden Party, hosted by Graeme and Silas Mountsier at the spectacular garden that surrounds their home.
The earliest events of this kind were held during the mid-1900s when the Mountsier family hosted “lawn parties” at their home to raise money for NFSB. Silas Mountsier, whose mother was involved with NFSB for decades, delivered food to local families with his father during World War II and spent many years serving on the NFSB board. Silas and Graeme continue to open their home and hearts to NFSB and anyone who needs help.
Jo-Ann Brown served on the Executive Board of the NFSB Women’s Auxiliary and Board of Trustees and volunteered at the Thrift Shop for more than 50 years. In fact, Jo-Ann and the Brown family were instrumental in securing the purchase of the former Thrift Shop location at 172 Chestnut Street. Jo-Ann was the co-recipient of the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award for Business in 1997 and was honored as an outstanding volunteer by the American Association of University Women, Nutley Branch in 1998. The Brown family business, SW Brown & Son Funeral Home, has operated on Centre Street in Nutley since 1950.
Janet Bischak enjoyed a 42-year career at Faust Intermediate School in East Rutherford, teaching 7th and 8th grade science. She was active with teachers’ unions at the local, county, and state levels with the East Rutherford Education Association (EREA), Bergen County Education Association (BCEA), and New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). She served as president of the EREA for several years. Janet passed away in 2020 after a four-year battle with breast cancer. She is survived by Mike, her husband of 47 years. Mike has made generous donations to NFSB in memory of Janet to upgrade our facilities and expand needed services.
We are grateful for the contributions of Graeme Hardie, Silas Mountsier, Jo-Ann Brown and Janet Bischak and look forward to honoring these champions of the Nutley community. Recognizing their dedication is another shining example of why the Harvesting Hope Gala will be such a special event.
“The work behind an event of this magnitude is immense, but the excitement of everyone involved in organizing the Gala and bringing the community together has been amazing,” Marla said. “We can’t wait to fill Nanina’s in the Park with people who share our passion for this organization. The Gala will be such a fun evening as we celebrate how much we love NFSB and our community.”
Tickets for the Harvesting Hope Gala are only $150. This is a black tie-optional event, with proceeds benefiting NFSB programs and services that are in such high demand in our community. Visit the Harvesting Hope Gala page on the NFSB website to purchase tickets and find out about sponsorship opportunities!
