The YMCA of Montclair Gala Honors The McMullen Family Foundation and Kate Stanton Paule and Leslie Wallace

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The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce the McMullen Family Foundation, and Kate Stanton Paule and Leslie Wallace who lead the Montclair Public School Transition to Adulthood program, as this year’s honorees at their annual YMCA 1891 Gala fundraiser being held Friday, October 26, from 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm at the Valley Regency in Clifton.

The McMullen Family Foundation will be honored as a community champion of academic enrichment programs. Thanks to a grant provided by the Foundation, many elementary school age children have excelled at the YMCA’s Academic Camp Experience (A.C.E.). The A.C.E. program helps prevent the “summer slide” for children, keeping their minds active and available to learn. In addition to the A.C.E. program, the McMullen Family Foundation has supported the construction of the YMCA’s Senior/Teen room. Hundreds of active older adults gather weekly for lectures, programs and stimulating group interaction, and the room also serves as a safe gathering place for teens to learn and socialize after school.

The McMullen Family Foundation is also this year’s Gala Event Sponsor.

“The McMullen Family Foundation is proud to align and partner with organizations that have values that are consistent with the values that we share,” said Peter McMullen, President of the McMullen Family Foundation. “The YMCA of Montclair believes in providing programming and support for the entire community regardless of socio economic issues, race or gender.”

Kate Stanton Paule and Leslie Wallace are Montclair Public School educators who equip students with special educational needs from every walk of life, with skills and opportunity to recreate, work, and live as contributing citizens. The Transition program prepares students for life after high school by developing the skills to navigate their community. “A big component of the Transition program is to provide students with work experience that prepares them for competitive employment in the community,” said Stanton Paule. Wallace says the Transition program is home to a diverse population of students who have the opportunity to explore their strengths and interests outside of the classroom, in real life settings.

The YMCA of Montclair is one of more than 50 community partners who provide work experiences and jobs for young people in the Transition program. Together the YMCA and the Transition program work side-by-side to ensure that all community members can reach their full potential with dignity. “There is no way we could do this without our partners and the community,” said Wallace. “We appreciate that they believe in our students.”

“At our 1891 Gala, we honor notable individuals and programs which have made a significant impact on the YMCA and the community we serve,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “The McMullen Family Foundation, Kate Stanton Paule and Leslie Wallace stand out for the immeasurable impact they have made on the community. They embody the YMCA’s mission of strengthening the mind, body and spirit of every person in our community.”

This year’s 1891 Gala emcee is Montclair resident and on camera music and entertainment personality Amy Scott. Amy held the Music News Anchor slot on the re-launch of VH1, was a correspondent on CNN’s “Newsstand” and freelanced as a correspondent for Fox News Network. Event co-chairs are community members Christine Delaunay and Dawn Fabbro, who along with her husband John, owns Fleet Feet Montclair.

Proceeds from the YMCA’s annual 1891 Gala support the YMCA’s Financial Assistance Program. Last year the YMCA’s Financial Assistance Program served more than 200 children attending summer camp, almost 400 individuals joining the Y, nearly 200 children participating in safe before-and-after school care and over 150 children learning to swim. Fundraising is a critical component in the YMCA’s ability to offer school aged child care, summer camp, membership, swim lessons and program scholarships to those in need.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation visit montclairymca.org/gala or call 973-415-6125.