JESPY plans spring gala 2026
JESPY House will hold its annual fundraiser, Spring Gala 2026: The JESPY Journey — Celebrating Honorees and the Empowerment of Adults with Disabilities. It’s on June 3, at 6:30 p.m., at the historic Orange Lawn Tennis Club in South Orange.
The evening will celebrate JESPY clients and their inspiring accomplishments. Through its all-encompassing programs and services, JESPY empowers clients by providing them with the tools and supports they need to achieve goals, and live with independence, dignity, and choice — all while building meaningful lives within the community.
The gala will honor community partners and leaders who share a commitment to inclusion. Bottle King will receive the Inclusive Employer award for its dedication to creating meaningful employment opportunities where JESPY clients’ reliability and drive are making a real impact. Jason Miller, owner of Sonny’s Bagels in South Orange, will receive a Community Pillar award for building a culture rooted in inclusion and mutual respect where JESPY clients are valued as full members of the community. Elizabeth Broadhurst of Little Apple Arts will receive a Community Pillar award for her contributions of fostering a sense of belonging and her commitment to building dignity while working with JESPY’s theater group, the JESPY Players.
Proceeds from the gala will fill the funding gap for critical programs and services that make a lasting difference in the lives of JESPY clients, adults with IDD. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and digital journal ads, go to JESPYhouse.org/SpringGala, or email events@jespy.org.
Founded nearly 50 years ago, JESPY House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Through personalized services (clinical, residential, athletics & fitness, day habilitation, and recreation), career opportunities, and community engagement, JESPY helps individuals achieve independence and lead fulfilling lives.