Celebrate With Us

Join us for our 11th Annual Breakfast Celebration

Be part of our journey to help every child in New Jersey get the strong start they deserve.

Celebrate With Us

Let's celebrate our accomplishments!

Join us on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM at a new location — Pines Manor, 2085 Lincoln Hwy, Edison, NJ — as we shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting fathers to ensure children and families thrive.

Be part of our journey to reach our $100,000 goal, helping every child in New Jersey get the strong start they deserve. Celebrate this year's accomplishments for children with us, connect with fellow supporters, and take action for a brighter future for children!

This year’s panel discussion, We're Here Too! Recognizing the Critical Role of Fathers, will explore the vital role fathers play and the supports they need to help ensure their children have a healthy start in life.

8:00 AM - Breakfast & Networking

9:00 AM - Program

If you have any questions about the breakfast please call Rich Santangelo 973-643-3876 or email rsantangelo@acnj.org.

We're Here Too! Recognizing the Critical Role of Fathers

Our Panelists

Mayor-Ras-Baraka-Newark

Mayor Ras Baraka,
Newark, New Jersey

Ras J. Baraka is the 40th Mayor of the City of Newark and a lifelong Newark resident whose family has called the city home for more than 80 years. First elected in 2014, Mayor Baraka is currently serving his third term. His proactive approach to governing has earned recognition from Newark residents, grassroots organizations, and leaders at the national level. He is also regarded as a national thought leader on urban revitalization.

A graduate of Newark Public Schools, Mayor Baraka earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Howard University and a master’s degree in Education Supervision from St. Peter’s University. Before entering public office, he spent 22 years in Newark Public Schools as a teacher, administrator, and principal.

Mayor Baraka is the son of the late Amiri Baraka, a renowned poet and playwright, and Amina Baraka, an acclaimed poet. He is also a published author and appeared as an educator on Lauryn Hill’s Grammy Award-winning album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. He is a father to three daughters and a son.

Asm-Andrew-Macurdy-Leg-D21

ASM. Andrew Macurdy,
NJ Legislative District 21

Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy is proud to represent New Jersey's 21st Legislative District. Assemblyman Macurdy previously served as a state prosecutor in Hudson County and a federal prosecutor in Newark. He also served as a Senior Counsel to the New Jersey Attorney General, where he worked on statewide public safety initiatives to combat gun violence and reduce auto theft, and designed the Arrive Together co-response program pairing police officers with mental health workers to respond to crisis calls, which has been adopted by dozens of police departments across the State. Born and raised in New Jersey, Andrew lives in Summit with his wife Ellen and kids, and he is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

Moderated by

Erick Estrada

Erik Estrada, Member,
ACNJ Board of Trustees

Erik is the Founder & Principal of Bridges Not Walls Advisory Group, where he draws on more than two decades of public and nonprofit sector experience to help changemakers, nonprofit organizations and social impact groups strengthen community impact and advance community-led change.

Most recently, Erik served as Community Manager at the Community Foundation of South Jersey, where he led Transform South Jersey, a community leadership initiative focused on engaging residents in shaping the future of their communities. He also supported grantmaking and built strategic partnerships to advance South Jersey’s priorities.

Previously, Erik held several roles with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, including helping launch Forward Promise, a national initiative focused on the health and well-being of boys and young men of color. He also managed research, evaluation and program development for New Jersey Health Initiatives.

Erik holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College, a Master of Science in Public Affairs–Community Development from Rutgers University–Camden, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UC Berkeley. He serves on the boards of the New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund, Advocates for Children of New Jersey, and the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Exclusive VIP Access for All Breakfast Sponsors
Immediately following the breakfast, sponsors are invited to an exclusive 1-hour extended conversation. Engage directly with experts and gain valuable insights into the vital role fathers play in strengthening families and supporting children’s well-being across New Jersey.

DEADLINE: Friday, November 20th
Final date to submit Ads and logos.

$10,000
Event Sponsor

  • Full premier table seating (10 tickets)
  • Prominent full-page ad placement in digital program book
  • Prominent logo placement on ACNJ website
  • Company logo displayed on guest table
  • Social media recognition post with tag and story feature
  • Sponsorship recognition on event sponsor display board
  • Sponsor recognition in ACNJ’s 2027 Kids Count County Pocket Guide
  • Keynote speaking opportunity during the program

$5,000
Champion for Children

  • Full Premier table seating (10 tickets)
  • Full-page ad in digital program book
  • Company logo featured on ACNJ website
  • Company logo displayed at guest table
  • Sponsorship recognition on event sponsor display board
  • Sponsor recognition in ACNJ’s 2027 Kids Count County Pocket Guide

$2,500
Benefactor

  • Full table seating (10 tickets)
  • Half-page ad in digital program book 
  • Company logo featured on ACNJ website
  • Social media recognition post with tag
  • Sponsorship recognition on event sponsor display board
  • Sponsor recognition in ACNJ’s 2027 Kids Count County Pocket

$1,500 Community Partner

  • Full table seating (10 tickets)
  • Half-page ad in digital program book
  • Company logo featured on ACNJ website
  • Social media recognition post with tag
  • Sponsorship recognition on event sponsor display board

$1,000
ACNJ Sponsor

  • Half table seating (five tickets)
  • Quarter-page ad in digital program book
  • Company logo featured on ACNJ website
  • Social media recognition post with tag
  • Sponsorship recognition on event sponsor display board

$500
Friend of ACNJ

  • Half table seating (five tickets)
  • Acknowledgment on ACNJ website
  • Name recognition in digital program book

 

Special thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible and investing in helping give every child a chance to be safe, healthy, and educated.