Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey Prepares to Celebrate 50 Years of Mentorship

Yearlong campaign will honor the past, present, and future of mentoring through special events, partnerships, and community engagement Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) is gearing up to celebrate a monumental milestone, 50 years of igniting the power and promise of youth through mentorship in New Jersey. The agency’s upcoming year of celebrations will honor the past, present, and future with a theme of “Celebrating 50 Years, Inspiring Futures,” shining a light on the transformative impact of mentorship. ​

To mark this milestone, BBBSCNNJ will unveil a special 50th Anniversary logo, a visual tribute to the organization’s history and enduring mission. The design reflects both legacy and progress, honoring five decades of connection and growth while symbolizing the bright futures that mentorship continues to build. The logo will appear throughout the anniversary year across all communications, events, and community celebrations.

Throughout 2026, BBBSCNNJ will honor its legacy with a series of celebrations, including its signature events that begin in March with the Bowl for Kids’ Sake peer-to-peer fundraising events and a standout 50th Anniversary Celebration that will take place at Bell Works in Holmdel on June 5, 2026. All events will include a special element for the anniversary milestone.

“Fifty years is a remarkable milestone, and one that gives us the chance to celebrate how far we’ve come while looking ahead to the work still to be done,” said William Salcedo, Executive Director of BBBSCNNJ. “This anniversary is more than a celebration – it’s a call to action. Our goal is to ensure that no child in our communities grows up without a mentor in their corner. We’re reflecting on our history with gratitude and planning boldly for a future where every child has the support they need to thrive.”

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration, BBBSCNNJ has launched its Founders Circle, a legacy initiative recognizing partners whose leadership is helping secure the future of youth mentoring.

The agency is proud to acknowledge its inaugural Founders Circle members, whose generosity is already fueling this milestone year: RWJBarnabas Health, The Morris & Clara Weshnak Family Foundation, and Frank & Karen Wardzinski at the Visionary level, and UBS Alpha Legacy Wealth Management, Hope For Children Foundation, The Citta Foundation, C Suite Assets, Garden Savings Federal Credit Union, and Delta Dental, and at the Advocate level. Their early commitment demonstrates a shared belief in the power of mentorship and the promise of the next 50 years. Further announcements, including details on special events and commemorative initiatives, will be shared in the coming months.

The official kickoff of the 50th Anniversary Campaign is planned for January 2026, coinciding with National Mentoring Month. For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit www.mentornj.og or follow @BBBSCNNJ on social media.
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MEDIA CONTACT FOR BBBSCNNJ:
Mikki-Jean Burzon, Associate Director, Community Engagement
732-447-9144
[email protected]