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More than 250 business executives attended the gala reception at the Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack. Martin Kafafian, chairman of the CIANJ board of directors, presented trophies to 33 businesses. "For most of these companies their donations, kindness and community outreach are part of their corporate culture -- their mission," said Kafafian, who is also a managing member of the Beattie Padovano law firm in Montvale. "The public at large is often unaware of the magnitude and scope of the good works. This reception is our way of shining a spotlight on "Companies that Care."
Valley was recognized for its contributions to local not-for-profit and charitable organizations, including Community Meals, Inc., a private non-profit "Meals-on-Wheels" organization that provides nutritious meals to those who are unable to shop or cook for themselves due to age or disability. The group serves clients in Allendale, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Ridgewood and part of Saddle River.
Along with providing financial support to offset the cost of the subsidized meals, Valley Dining, under the supervision of Valley Executive Chef John Graziano, plans the menus and prepares the meals. Cold meals are prepared and packed at The Valley Hospital and hot food is transported to the kitchen of Christ Church in Ridgewood to be apportioned into compartmented aluminum trays and packed for delivery to clients.
The CIANJ is a statewide business advocacy organization based in Paramus. It represents more than 900 member companies from every business sector. The association asked businesses to submit stories of their good works and more than 90 responses were received this year. These accounts and pictures are featured in a special "Companies that Care " section in the March issue of COMMERCE Magazine, the media arm of the association.
