United Way Legacy Event Raises $328,000 as New Jersey Leaders Highlight Economic Growth and Community Impact
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By Adam Rizvi | Editor-in-Chief, The India Observer (TIO): WHIPPANY, N.J. — More than 300 leaders from the commercial real estate industry gathered at the Hanover Marriott for the 27th Annual United Way Legacy Event, raising $328,000 to support families struggling to make ends meet across northern New Jersey.
Organized by United Way of Northern New Jersey, the annual luncheon brought together executives, developers, policymakers and community advocates to highlight how the commercial real estate sector can contribute to both economic growth and social impact.
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This year’s United Way Impact Award was presented to Sanofi for its Sanofi at M Station project in Morristown, a new 260,000-square-foot flagship office campus bringing approximately 2,000 employees together under one roof.
The development also created significant economic opportunity, employing more than 900 construction workers and representing a major reinvestment in New Jersey’s life-sciences and pharmaceutical sector.
The project team included numerous industry leaders such as CBRE, Gensler, Cushman & Wakefield, SJP Properties, and several engineering and design partners.
During the ceremony, longtime commercial real estate leader Erik Sletteland received the United Way Spirit of Philanthropy Award for decades of service supporting United Way’s mission and helping struggling households achieve financial stability.
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The program also featured a panel discussion examining New Jersey’s economic outlook and its implications for commercial development.
Panelists included:
- Dale Caldwell
- Evan Weiss
- Amy Herbold
- Jill Hirsch
The discussion focused on investment opportunities, economic development and the role of commercial real estate in shaping the state’s future growth.
Funds raised through the Legacy Event will support ALICE households — families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — meaning they work but still struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, transportation and healthcare.
According to United Way, the commercial real estate industry has helped raise more than $5.1 million since 2000 through this annual event.
“We are grateful for this industry’s longstanding commitment to United Way and to ALICE households who are the backbone of our community,” said George Xuereb. “Together, we are creating pathways to financial stability.”
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The event concluded with networking among industry leaders and community stakeholders. During the gathering, The India Observer spoke with several participants, including United Way CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso, who discussed the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening communities.
Editor Adam Rizvi of The India Observer attended the event and also briefly greeted Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, highlighting ongoing engagement between community media and public officials on economic and social issues impacting New Jersey residents.
United Way of Northern New Jersey works to improve financial stability for families across Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties, as well as parts of Essex County. Through its United for ALICE research initiative, the organization advocates for policies and programs that help working families overcome financial hardship.
Editorial Note:
Events like the United Way Legacy Luncheon demonstrate how business leaders, policymakers and nonprofits can come together to address real challenges facing working families. As journalists and community observers, it is important that we highlight not only economic growth but also the responsibility to ensure that prosperity reaches every household.
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