The Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s annual Blue Jean Ball on June 12 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark raised $1.6 million, the equivalent of 4.8 million meals, as the gala marked the culmination of the foodbank’s 50th anniversary year.
The $1.6 million raised topped the foodbank’s goal of $1.57 million.
The Blue Jean Ball helps The Community FoodBank of New Jersey to raise funds needed for the foodbank to continue its work of distributing food and providing long-term supportive solutions when funding cuts and federal policy changes may impact the foodbank and those it helps.
The 2025 Blue Jean Ball served as the capstone of Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration. Five decades ago, Kathleen DiChiara first began distributing food from her station wagon in downtown Newark. Since then, the foodbank has evolved into New Jersey’s largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization.
The event featured special entertainment by The Big Little Band featuring Mark Rivera — saxophonist for Billy Joel and musical director for Ringo Starr — joined by Neil “The Dude” Pawley and Chris Anderson from Southside Johnny’s horn section. The event’s cocktail hour and dessert partners included the foodbank’s Culinary Team (Stone Soup Culinary Creations and Food Service Training Academy), Harvest Restaurant Group, and the NJPAC Catering Team.
The Blue Jean Ball event chairs included Lyn & Dan Cregg, Jen & Chuck Salzman, and Roby & Josh Weinreich.
“Our 50th anniversary Blue Jean Ball was both a celebration of what we’ve achieved and a call to action for the future,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “With one in nine New Jerseyans — including one in seven children — facing food insecurity, our mission has never been more urgent. We’re inspired by the generosity and hope our community brings to this effort year after year. Together, we are building a future of food security for all.”
This year’s honorees were:
Visionary Award
Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin – A leading champion for anti-hunger legislation who supports food access and dignity for all New Jerseyans
Amplifier Award
CBS New York – A media ally dedicated to spotlighting hunger issues and Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s work
Top sponsors included:
Blue Jean Hero
Jess Chang & Wayne Paglieri
Denim Diamond
Larry L. Luing Family Foundation
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Wakefern Food Corp./ShopRite
Dungaree Idols
Appaloosa L.P./The Tepper Foundation
D’Maris & Joe Dempsey
Polly and Terry O’Toole
Peerless Beverage Co.
Prudential Financial
Judy & Bob Spires
Roby & Josh Weinreich
