Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey 50th Anniversary Celebration Gathered More Than 300 to Celebrate Five Decades of Impact
Executive Director William Salcedo surrounded by Bigs & Littles
ASBURY PARK, NJ – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) welcomed more than 300 supporters, volunteers, alumni, partners, and community leaders to the iconic Bell Works ballroom on June 5, 2026, to celebrate the agency's 50th Anniversary and five decades of youth mentorship across New Jersey.
The anniversary celebration raised more than $325,000 to support BBBSCNNJ's mentoring programs, which currently provide mentorship and support services to more than 2,100 youth across Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties.
The evening highlighted the organization's history, impact, and vision for the future while recognizing the volunteers, donors, partners, and families who have helped shape the agency over the past 50 years. Guests enjoyed live entertainment from The Sensational Soul Cruisers, special anniversary programming, casino games, raffles, and a commemorative look back at the organization's growth since bringing the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission to New Jersey in 1976.
One of the evening's signature moments was the launch of BBBSCNNJ's 50th Anniversary Time Capsule. Attendees contributed messages, memories, and reflections that will be preserved and sealed later this year before being reopened in 2051.
"For 50 years, mentorship has helped young people discover their potential, build confidence, and pursue brighter futures," said William Salcedo, Executive Director of BBBSCNNJ. "This celebration was an opportunity to honor the thousands of mentors, supporters, and young people who have been part of that journey while recommitting ourselves to serving the next generation."
The anniversary celebration is one of several events and initiatives taking place throughout BBBSCNNJ's 50th anniversary year. The organization will continue celebrating this milestone throughout 2026 while expanding opportunities for local youth to be matched with caring adult mentors.
You can view photos from this special evening on Facebook here.
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SUPPORT SPONSORS
Princeton Strategic Communications
Saibel Foundation
Stella & Jamie Price
UNDERWRITING SPONSORS
Casino
Live Music
Anniversary Toast
Anniversary Swag
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey
Celebrating 50 years of impact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) has been transforming the lives of children through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adult volunteers. BBBSCNNJ empowers young people to reach their full potential, helping them grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. Serving 10 counties across New Jersey - Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren - BBBSCNNJ creates lasting, positive change for both youth and mentors. To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, or to donate, visit www.mentornj.org.
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