Hope Finds a Home: FCNJ Banquet 2025

“Tonight is about community. About hope. About the power of someone saying, ‘Give me the baby,’” shared Angela Brewer during her heartfelt remarks, capturing the spirit of a deeply moving evening. “Those were Toba’s first words to me when I walked up the musical stairs three years ago with my son Cy. Through him, and through Friendship Circle, I’ve learned that even the darkest nights can give way to brighter days.”

On the evening of May 12, LifeTown buzzed with energy as more than 600 friends and supporters gathered to celebrate at the annual Friendship Circle Banquet. While the stories shared were deeply touching, the atmosphere was warm, joyful and filled with gratitude.

This year’s Banquet honored New Jersey State Senator John McKeon, Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, Bonnie and Stuart Kotler of Citrin Cooperman, and Liat and Laurent Morali of Kushner Companies. The event also paid tribute to the memory of Gloria and Jesse Weissberg.

Upon entering LifeTown, guests were treated to an elaborate buffet dinner. Laughter echoed through the LifeTown halls as friends reconnected and engaged in conversation. As they explored the LifeTown Shoppes and the expansive 53,000 square foot center, guests witnessed firsthand the profound impact LifeTown continues to have on the community.

“Often times when you’re a parent of a special needs child you feel very alone,” said New Jersey State Assemblywoman and honoree, Rosy Bagolie. “I feel like I am in a place where not only my family is welcomed but all the children feel loved. It’s a place everyone can come and feel embraced by community.”

The program began with a memorable video highlighting Meghan Henderson, a woman living with scleroderma, and Fred and Ronnye Schreiber, who lost their only son to ALS. Through their volunteer work at LifeTown, they formed a deep and lasting bond – a poignant example of the life-changing relationships that blossom at LifeTown.

“Fred came over to me the first time I volunteered and said hello. We started chatting about my wheelchair,” Meghan shared. “It progressed to us emailing each other and visiting each other. And now, he’s like our family. No, he is our family.”

Meghan, Fred and Ronnye and are just a few of the 1,500 volunteers who bring LifeTown to life each day.

“Our volunteers’ presence, commitment, and enthusiasm are irreplaceable,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of Friendship Circle and LifeTown. “Their actions reverberate far beyond the walls, creating ripples of kindness and change.”

That unwavering kindness is felt by LifeTown participants who need it most. Angela’s heartfelt speech detailed her family’s journey that led them to Friendship Circle, after her son was diagnosed with MN1C, terminal truncation syndrome – an extremely rare disorder.

“When you have a child with unique abilities, people don’t know what to say to you,” said Brewer. “But Friendship Circle didn’t just offer words, they offered action. They didn’t just support Cy; they embraced our entire family. Something magical happens at Friendship Circle. Children gain independence, teens learn empathy, parents find understanding, and families like mine find hope.”

That deep sense of hope, felt by families like Angela’s and nurtured by every act of kindness, is what defines Friendship Circle. This year, thanks to a generous grant from the State of New Jersey, LifeTown was able to open its doors to even more children, especially from Title I schools. In total, 35,000 people laughed, learned and made connections at LifeTown.

After award presentations to the honorees, guests were treated to a delectable dessert bar. As the evening drew to a close, attendees carried with them a powerful message: everyone deserves to be included and everyone has the ability to make a difference.

“LifeTown is not just a facility, it’s a sanctuary of belonging,” said Rabbi Grossbaum. “Here, no one is defined by a diagnosis or a label. Barriers fall away and differences fade. What emerges is joy, connection, and a powerful sense of shared purpose. In a fractured world, LifeTown is an oasis where unity is nurtured, kindness takes the lead, and hope finds a home.”