On October 12 the Princeton-Blairstown Center (PBC) hosted our celebration of our 110th anniversary. Proceeds directly support PBC’s Summer Bridge Program that allowed 540 young people from Trenton and Newark to spend a week in Blairstown, completely free of charge. Through experiential and adventure-based programming, focus is placed on team-building and leadership skills, closing the summer learning gap, STEM, and environmental education. PBC strives to empower young people to create and sustain positive change within themselves, their environment, and in their communities.
It was a spirited evening, as 160 guests were moved by the heartfelt speeches of Bailei Burgess-Simmons of Trenton, a member of the 2018 Leader-in-Training Program, and Sally Jane Ruybalid, Princeton Internship in Civic Services intern and STEM instructor. Community leader Marge Smith received the 2018 Frank Broderick Award.
An emotional highlight was the dedication of the Ev Pinneo Award to be given to the volunteer or staff member for their dedication to the mission of the Princeton-Blairstown Center, as shown by Ev has throughout his seven-decade association with PBC.
We are indebted to co-chairs Christina Bailey, Denise Frederickson, and Katie Herspiegel for creating a memorable evening celebrating 110 years of PBC history.
— Pam Gregory
President & CEO, Princeton-Blairstown Center
