How the 2025 Soirée Powers a Summer of Growth at the Center
While the school year winds down, the Princeton-Blairstown Center has already been buzzing with excitement over the transformative summer ahead. Each year, our award-winning Summer Bridge Program empowers hundreds of students from marginalized communities with the tools they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Our one-week leadership and academic enrichment program provides equitable access to address summer learning loss, increase appreciation for nature, and develop critical 21st-Century skills, including cooperation, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. This May, we were proud to celebrate the extraordinary event that makes much of this possible — the 2025 Soirée Under the Stars.
A Night to Remember: 2025 Soirée Under the Stars
The 2025 Soirée was more than just a gathering; it was a vibrant celebration of community, purpose, and promise. Set against an elegant night filled with laughter, guests came together to support the Center’s mission and commitment to youth from Trenton and Newark. Together, we raised vital funds that directly support the Summer Bridge Program, providing 125 students with equitable access to outdoor experiential learning and academic enrichment opportunities to help shape their lives.
Celebrating Our 2025 Award Recipients
This year’s Soirée Under the Stars was also an opportunity to recognize and honor outstanding leaders and partners who embody the mission and values of the Princeton-Blairstown Center.
2025 Frank Broderick Award Recipient: Eleanor Horne
Eleanor Horne was honored with the Frank Broderick Award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to increasing educational equity and access for women, people of color, and those with limited financial means. Eleanor’s decades-long advocacy has opened doors and created brighter futures for countless young people.
2025 Rev. David H. McAlpin, Jr. Community Champion: Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson was awarded the Rev. David H. McAlpin, Jr. Community Champion Award for its vital work in keeping people well at every age and stage of life. Much like Rev. McAlpin, the company exemplifies a deep commitment to putting a healthy mind, body, and environment within reach for all youth. For nearly a decade, Johnson & Johnson has provided essential funding to the Princeton-Blairstown Center, enabling Trenton youth to participate in the Summer Bridge and Venture Out programs, turning possibilities into opportunities.
Record-Breaking Investments Toward Our Summer Bridge Program
This year’s Soirée Under the Stars raised over $75,000, with 160 attendees coming together in support of our mission. Through the generosity of our sponsors and the tireless efforts of our event committee, the evening was a powerful testament to what makes Princeton-Blairstown Center so special.
The Soirée shone a spotlight on the core values that guide our work: growth, leadership development, and community building. These pillars are the foundation of Summer Bridge, equipping students for success in life, not just school.
Thank You for Your Support
Every investment in the Princeton-Blairstown Center is more than just a donation, it is a catalyst for providing students with experiences that plant seeds of self-confidence and curiosity that last long after the summer ends.
As we prepare to welcome our 2025 Summer Bridge participants, we do so with deep gratitude to those who contributed to making this event a success. To our donors, volunteers, committee members, and friends: Thank you for believing in the power of youth and for joining us on this journey. Because of you, this summer will be one of growth, exploration, and transformation for every student we serve.
Here’s to another summer of adventure!