GlassRoots Honors The Horizon Foundation Of New Jersey And Lauren Meehan At 17th Annual Gala And Auction

GlassRoots announced today that its annual Gala and Auction, this year entitled Glowing + Growing will be held on October 18, 2018, and will celebrate the nonprofit's 17 years of impact by paying tribute to the deep connections among organizations invested in arts education by honoring Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and Lauren Meehan of the Newark Arts Education Roundtable.

"It is only right that we announce our event during this National Arts in Education Week. This year, we are recognizing the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts in Newark, serving both our youth and adult communities. Lauren Meehan, through her previous work with the Victoria Foundation, and now as the leader of NAER, demonstrates passion for reaching our young people through the arts and to enriching their lives through all of the artistic mediums. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has long been a supporter of arts in our state, and understands that arts make New Jersey residents, and communities, healthier. We are pleased to honor them both." said Board Chair Sheila Kenny.

GlassRoots is a community-based nonprofit organization working to ignite and build the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark, with a focus on underserved youth and young adults, through the transformative power of the glass art experience. At the very heart of the organization's work is the focus on engaging youth from Newark and throughout the state in an effort to promote the flame within them to create, to innovate, to reach and exceed their potential and to guide them towards educational and career opportunities that they may have not had access to otherwise.

The gala, the organization's largest fundraising event each year, will take place at The Priory at St. Joseph's Plaza in Newark, NJ, on Thursday, October 18 from 5:30 -9 pm. The event includes wine and hors d'oeuvres, and an auction of glass art created by students in its programs and by talented glass artists, along with fun experiences and local and regional sites.

"The GlassRoots annual celebration enables our organization to showcase our strong mission and dynamic programs to new friends, longtime supporters and the community at-large" said Barbara Heisler, Chief Executive Officer. "And it allows us to recognize those who have a tremendous impact on the organization and the educational and artistic community. Proceeds from this year's auction will benefit our out-of-school time programs. Too many urban, low-income youth grow up without even a cursory understanding of what high-quality arts programs are like, or what benefits may accrue from participation. Support from this event will help us increase the number of students that can participate in our out-of-school time programs."

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available from $1,500 to $15,000, while individual tickets start at $195. For information on sponsorships, placements in the ad journal or tickets call 973.353.9555 or visit https://www.glassroots.org/celebration.

The Honorees:
Lauren Meehan, Director of the Newark Arts Education Roundtable, was born and raised in West Orange, NJ, Lauren pursued music, playing violin at the age of 8. While perfecting her musical craft in her teens, she performed at Lincoln Center, the Capitol, and the United Nations. GlassRoots met Lauren while she was serving as a Program Associate at the Victoria Foundation, supporting the foundation's work in arts education and summer learning. As Director of NAER, Lauren continues to work to ensure that all children in grades PreK-12 in the city of Newark have equitable access to high quality, sequential arts education opportunities, both in and out of school - work GlassRoots heartily supports.

The mission of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is to support organizations that make New Jersey healthier. Since its formation in 2004, the Foundation has awarded more than 1,400 grants and more than $51 million in support of non-profit organizations that have improved public health and the quality of life in New Jersey. It is committed to working alongside those who can help improve NJ's health, inform their health decisions and inspire them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. GlassRoots is proud to be a grantee of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey as it recognizes the role of the arts and cultural organizations in improving the quality of life for New Jersey residents.

GlassRoots is a Newark-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for achievement to youth and young adults by engaging them in the creation of glass art and the development of entrepreneurial and life skills. GlassRoots programs are STEAM-based (STEM+Art), and are offered as in-school residencies, after-school and summer arts programs, workforce development programs, and as workshops for teens and adults, using competency in handling molten glass as a pathway to personal development. For more information, please visit www.glassroots.org, call 973.353.9555 or email info@glassroots.org.

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