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Vol. LXV, No. 16
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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Vol. LXV, No. 16
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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The Corner House Foundation will present an evening of “Motown Magic” on Friday evening, April 29, at the Bedens Brook Club in Skillman. The evening, which includes a light dinner, dancing, and a silent auction, will begin at 6 p.m.
A highlight of the evening will be the introduction of the Marie Matthews Award, named in honor of the long-time board member. The first award will be given to Pinneo Construction for their long-standing support of Corner House. A joint agency of Princeton Borough and Township created in 1972, the non-profit provides counseling for adolescents, young adults, and their families as they confront substance abuse and other emotional issues.
Ms. Matthews’s death in 2010 was “a huge loss” said Corner House Executive Director Gary De Blasio. “She thought about Corner House all the time; even when she was traveling she called at least once a week.” Pictures by Ms. Matthews, who was an avid photographer, line the walls of Corner House offices.
Ms. Matthews’s generosity and good will during her 20-year association with the agency was particularly apparent in 2003, with the creation of the Student Board. “She was always eager to know their perspective on things,” recalled Mr. De Blasio. “She would buy quantities of tickets so that all the students could participate in various events.”
Students will be very much a part of the scene at the April 29 fund-raiser as they talk about the impact Corner House has had on their lives. Entertainment will be provided by The Red Alert Band, and silent auction items include dinner and conversation for eight mothers and their daughters at the home of the evening’s host, Nancy Snyderman, Chief Medical Correspondent for NBC News. Another draw will be Police Chief Robert Buchanan’s offer of a “Fly High Over Princeton” aerial tour of the area in a helicopter.
“Stepping Up”
Matthews Award-winner Pinneo Construction has demonstrated its support for Corner House in a number of ways, said Mr. De Blasio. In addition to Tom Pinneo’s term as Corner House Foundation Board President, four members of the Pinneo team have served as volunteers. Donations of things like free bookkeeping services and a refrigerator have also made a difference. “We’re a small agency,” observed Mr. De Blasio. “Everything helps.” Ed Matthews will be presenting the award, and other members of Ms. Matthews’s family will be in attendance. In addition, the Township and the Borough have declared Friday, April 29, “Pinneo Construction Day” in Princeton.
Tickets for “Motown Magic” are still available. For more information, visit www.cornerhousenj.org or call (609) 924-8018. Proceeds will benefit Corner House’s leadership, prevention, and treatment programs for adolescents and young adults.