To the Editor:

On October 12, the Princeton-Blairstown Center (PBC) hosted our 2018 Soirée Under the Stars, in celebration of our 110th Anniversary. I am writing to extend our sincerest thanks to the greater Princeton community for supporting our efforts.

Proceeds from the event directly support PBC’s award-winning Summer Bridge Program that allowed 540 young people from Trenton and Newark to spend a week in Blairstown, completely free of charge. Through experiential and adventure-based programming, focus is placed on team-building and leadership skills, closing the summer learning gap, STEM and environmental education. PBC strives to empower young people with the skills needed to create and sustain positive change within themselves, their environment, and in their home communities.

It was a spirited evening, as 160 guests were moved by the heartfelt speeches of Bailei Burgess-Simmons of Trenton, a member of the 2018 Leader-in-Training Program, and Sally Jane Ruybalid, Princeton Internship in Civic Services intern and STEM instructor. Longtime Princeton resident and community leader, Marge Smith, who has passionately devoted her life to empowering and connecting people, received the 2018 Frank Broderick Award.

An emotional highlight to the evening came with the announcement and dedication of the Ev Pinneo Award. The award will be given to the volunteer or staff member who has gone above and beyond in their dedication and commitment to the mission of the Princeton-Blairstown Center, in much the same way that Ev has throughout his seven-decade association with PBC.

We would like to thank the many and generous sponsors and attendees for their support.  We are also indebted to Soirée co-chairs Christina Bailey, Denise Frederickson, and Katie Herspiegel for creating a memorable evening of warmth and comradery, celebrating 110 years of PBC history.

Pam Gregory
President & CEO, Princeton-Blairstown Center