Kidsbridge, a nonprofit organization and mini-museum based at the College of New Jersey and dedicated to character education, tolerance, and the celebration of human diversity, will honor three humanitarians who have made significant contributions to its community. The event takes place on Thursday, October 23, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Jasna Polana in Princeton. West Windsor resident Nancy W. Kieling is being honored for her contributions as Princeton Area Community Foundation’s president and executive director, a position she has held since 1994. Under her leadership PACF has grown from $300,”000 to more than $55 million in assets.##M:[more]##
“The community foundation was formed by local people who believed in the power of philanthropy to bring people together and solve community problems,” says Ralph Serpe, executive vice president of Princeton Area Community Foundation. The organization is a resource for nonprofits, donors, and their professional advisors. “Its mission — to promote philanthropy — will strengthen our community’s ability to care for itself forever through permanent endowments that would remain meaningful over time.”
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in history, Kieling received a master’s in education counseling from Old Dominion University. Kieling was previously a corporate lending officer with the Bank of New York in New York City and the regional director of undergraduate admissions at Princeton University.
She has also been former chair of the board of trustees with the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, trustee with Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, a member of Leadership NJ, Class of 1999; and received a YWCA Princeton TWIN Award in 2001.
“TCNJ students majoring in education, sociology, and psychology interact with close to 2,”000 elementary and middle school students, day campers, scouts, and leadership groups each year,” says Lynne Azarchi, executive director of Kidsbridge and also a West Windsor resident. Kidsbridge also provides anti-bullying, victim empowerment and character education programs in Trenton public schools, reaching an additional 500 students each year and conducts an annual competition and celebration for community service in Mercer County.”
“Kieling and her staff have been special friends to Kidsbridge, advising Kidsbridge on strategy and direction and offering specific programs to the nonprofit community,” says Azarchi.
Cocktail Party, Kidsbridge Children’s Museum, Jasna Polana, Province Line Road, Princeton, 609-581-0239. www.kidsbridgemuseum.org. Benefit for the mini museum on tolerance and to honor individuals, groups, and classrooms. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auction. Business casual. Honorees include Nancy Kieling, president and executive director of the Princeton Area Community Foundation; former NJ State Senator Peter Inverso; and Calvin Thomas, Lodestar Consulting and community youth activist. Register. $135. Thursday, October 23, 6 p.m.
