10/16/2026
Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey (ECS-NJ) held its second annual gala on October 8 at the Pines Manor in Edison, bringing together people from across the Diocese in support of ministries responding to hunger and other needs in communities throughout New Jersey. This year’s theme was “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat” (Matthew 25:35).
“The Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey Second Annual Gala was a definitive response to a divine mandate,” said the Rev. Tammy Young, Administrative Director of ECS-NJ. “Christ calls us directly to the margins, where the deep hunger of our neighbors meets our sacred obligation to act.”
During the evening, Bishop French presented Gospel Justice Awards to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Clarksboro, recognized as a founding congregation; The Open Door Clinic, a joint ministry of St. Wilfrid’s, Camden, Grace Church In Haddonfield, and First Presbyterian Church, Haddonfield, serving neighbors with food and other necessities; and Christ Episcopal Church, Toms River, recognized for its extensive community outreach.
The Rev. Dave Snyder offered the invocation, and the Rev. Paul Chalakani served as emcee. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe offered a video greeting, and Kim Guadagno, President and CEO of Mercy Center and former Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, gave the keynote address.
Young noted that 1.2 million New Jersey residents, including 330,000 children, are experiencing food insecurity. ECS-NJ has already distributed more than $20,000 in grants to frontline feeding ministries this year, and support from the gala will help sustain that grantmaking and other Gospel Justice ministries in the year ahead.
“The extraordinary generosity poured out at the gala provides the essential foundation for next year's work,” Young said. “Because of this support, we can remain steadfast on the front lines—breaking bread, honoring human dignity, and answering the urgent call to feed God’s people.”
(Photo credit: Doan Tucker, Christ Church Bordentown)