Mercer Street Friends’ Leadership Awards event is a unique opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding leadership through service to the Greater Trenton community.
“When you consider the longevity of loyalty to service by this distinguished group of leaders, it’s extraordinary. Each of the honorees have supported our organization for over 25 years and counting. We are incredibly grateful for their collective commitment to making our community better.” – Courtney Matlock, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Mercer Street Friends
The event took place on June 13 at the organization’s food bank in Ewing, New Jersey, where more than 200 people gathered to celebrate the 2023 award recipients: Jack Morrison, President of JM Group, received the Philanthropic Leadership Award; Odie and Bob LeFever were awarded the Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award; Adam Taliaferro, Director of Strategic Alliances and former New Jersey Assemblyman, accepted the Corporate Leadership and Public Service Award on behalf of Bristol Myers Squibb.
For a full gallery of event photos, visit our Flickr album.
Jack Morrison, President of JM Group, received the Philanthropic Leadership Award. Morrison’s 25-year relationship with Mercer Street Friends’ food bank began with a turkey drive, and through the years expanded to provide more enduring support for food bank initiatives to combat food insecurity county-wide. Because of the direct and immediate impact “feeding people” has, Morrison knew he’d found an organization that aligned with his purpose and sense of service.
Odie and Bob LeFever were awarded the Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award for their tremendous leadership and dedication to service of Mercer Street Friends. Former trustee and board chair, Odie LeFever began her tenure with Mercer Street Friends in 1997 with an ever-present sensitivity to the needs of the community. Bob LeFever had a significant impact on the organization when he took on the Director of Advancement role, broadening the organization’s reach by strengthening relationships with donors, volunteers and the community at large.
Adam Taliaferro, Director of Strategic Alliances and former New Jersey Assemblyman, accepted the Corporate Leadership and Public Service Award on behalf of Bristol Myers Squibb. Supporting Mercer Street Friends’ mission since 1997, Bristol Myers Squibb employees continue to generously share their time and talent with the organization’s food bank helping with critical programs for students and seniors.
Read the full press release here.
