We were so pleased to have hosted the 71st Annual Humanitarian Awards Gala, at the Pleasantdale Chateau on the evening of April 9th, when members from the business and non-profit communities came together for our biggest fundraising event. We were proud to honor the following businesses and individuals for their efforts in supporting diversity, inclusion and equal rights.
- Corporate Diversity & Inclusion Humanitarian Honoree: The Colgate Palmolive Company
- Corporate Social Responsibility Humanitarian Honoree: Public Accounting Firm Withum
- Civic Advocacy Humanitarian Honoree: Rev. Forrest Pritchett of Seton Hall University
- Bridge Builder Humanitarian Honoree: Luis De La Hoz, Vice Pres Business Community Development, BCB Community Bank & Chair of the Board – Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Left to Right: Rev. Forrest Pritchett (Seton Hall University), William R. Hagaman, Jr. (Withum), Elizabeth Williams-Riley (American Conference on Diversity), Eugene Kelly (Colgate Palmolive), Luis De La Hoz (BCB Community Bank)
ACOD would like to thank the Gala event sponsors: Colgate Palmolive Company, Withum, Seton Hall University and PSE&G, ADP, L’Oreal USA, NJM Insurance Group, New Jersey Natural Gas, BASF, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Drinker Biddle, Investors Bank and Prudential.
Elizabeth Williams-Riley, President & CEO of ACOD was thrilled with what had been achieved at the evening’s event. “We are deeply committed to the commitment to empower individuals and institutions to address issues of bias and discrimination – advocating for meaningful social change in our communities, but we cannot deliver these important initiatives without crucial sponsorship, donations and attendance at our events.”
“After all, an investment in the development of our young people is a valuable investment in our future, says Tom Hayes, Co-Chair and Director, American Conference on Diversity. “So, it’s wonderful to see community members and local businesses join our mission and come together to help advocate, educate, motivate and bring people together to promote diversity, inclusion and respect” continued Hayes.
The Gala proceeds enable ACOD to support and expand their programs, including the Lead for Diversity Institute, a year-long program which has changed the lives of more than 3,300 high-school graduate participants. The Lead for Diversity program provides leadership and human-relations training to empower youth to stand up against hate, educate their peers, and be better prepared to enter today’s workplace. Other initiatives include customized Diversity & Inclusion Training, the Diversity Issues in Higher Education Conference, the No Hate Town Hall community-focused program and the Diversity Stride Walkathon.