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<\/p>\nBy Visual Arts Center of New Jersey<\/p>\n
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On Saturday, April 26, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) held its annual spring gala at Canoe Brook Country Club, hosting roughly 200 guests, donors, and sponsors in a celebration of the arts. The signature event raised over $300,000 to support the Art Center\u2019s powerful arts programming. \u201cOur annual gala is always a powerful reminder of the incredible community we have at the Art Center. This year\u2019s theme, \u2018Spark Art\u2019s Impact,\u2019 truly came to life as guests went above and beyond to support our mission. We\u2019re deeply grateful for their generosity,\u201d said Sam Davis, VACNJ Director of Development and Communications. The funds raised will help fuel VACNJ\u2019s mission to deliver the life-changing impact of art where it\u2019s needed most\u2014from programs for students in the Elizabeth Public Schools to individuals facing Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia, from veterans finding healing through creativity to families discovering joy together in the Art Center\u2019s galleries.<\/p>\n
The evening featured music, delicious food and drinks, a silent art auction showcasing more than 50 artists, and a live auction overseen by Auctioneer Jacqueline Towers-Perkins. The Art Center recognized former VACNJ Board Chair Anne Grissinger as their 2025 honoree and awarded its eighth annual Changemaker Award to Overlook Medical Center for launching its cultural series, built to help support Overlook team members and members of the community with cultural programming. The award was presented to Stephanie Schwartz, SVP, Atlantic Health System, and President, Overlook Medical Center, and Thomas Dooley, Program Manager, Humanistic Medicine.<\/p>\n
The evening was co-chaired by Suzanne & Dean Henry and Andr\u00e9 Renaudo. Gala committee members included Rebecca Almog, Christine Aschwald, Katherine Buchanan, Lisa Butler, Susan Cagnassola, Amy Harris, Christopher Joralemon, Lorraine Kelly, Anamaria Llanos, Jennifer Markovitz, Deborah Schwarzmann, and Rachel Wilf.<\/p>\n
Diamond sponsors for the evening included: Susan & Mike Cagnassola; Anne & RJ Grissinger; and Rachel & Jonathan Wilf. Platinum sponsors included: Lisa Butler; CHUBB \/ Risk Strategies; and Wilf Family Foundations. Gold sponsors included: Cambridge Wines; Clunes Cares Foundation; Lorraine & Peter Kelly; and Summit House Restaurant + Bar. Silver sponsors included: Julie & Greg Adams; Marie & Roy Alan Cohen; Amy & Clint Harris; Jodi & Jeff Hiller; Briana King & Christopher Joralemon; Amy Knight; Vani Krishnamurthy & Alok Sanghvi; Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C.; Alison & David O’Neill; Isabel Ribeiro & Diego Rotsztain; Deborah & Fred Schwarzmann; The Schmitt Group of Raymond James; and Jess Van Nostrand & Mike Smith. Bronze sponsors included: Sally & Thomas Abbott; Christine & Eric Aschwald; Heather & Elliot Braun; Millie & Jack Cooper; Creative Wallcoverings & Interiors; Terri & Mark Friedman; Betse & Frank Gump; Suzanne & Dean Henry; Eleanor Lear; Lear Bray Team; Anamaria Llanos; Jennifer & Michael Markovitz; Murray Hill Tennis & Fitness;<\/p>\n
Peapack Private Bank & Trust; Amy & Mitchell Radin; Andr\u00e9 Renaudo; Renee Stene; TD Bank; Claire Toth & David Dietze; and Greg Vargas & Dan Crisafulli. Community Sponsors included: Associates International; Cavazini Dangler Real Estate Partners; Gillis Consulting for Arts & Culture; Otterstedt Insurance Agency, Inc.; Partner in Art; Peerless Beverage Co.; RAM Gallery; and Tea & Oranges.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s gala was a warm reminder of how deeply the Art Center touches lives throughout our community and beyond,\u201d said gala co-chair Suzanne Henry. \u201cThe overwhelming support we felt that evening reaffirms the importance of the work we\u2019re doing\u2014and helps ensure we\u2019ll be able to continue into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
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About the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n For more than 90 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center\u2019s renowned Studio School, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youths, families, seniors, and people with special needs annually.<\/p>\n The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, NJ. Gallery hours: Monday\u2013Thursday, 10 AM\u20138 PM; Friday & Saturday, 10 AM\u20135 PM; and Sunday, 11 AM\u20134 PM.<\/p>\n