Interfaith Caregivers Event Honors Individuals, Organizations Serving County's Homebound

HAMILTON, N.J. - Oct. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- In celebration of its 20^th Anniversary, local nonprofit Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (ICGMC) is preparing a special, starlit night for guests of its 7^th Annual Shining Lights Award and Recognition Event on Thursday, October 23^rd at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton, NJ. The gala event will honor many community members who have helped ICGMC provide free caregiving assistance to homebound elderly and people with disabilities for the past two decades, particularly ICGMC’s 2014 “Shining Light” honorees:

Dr. Teena Cahill, Director of Wisdom and Beyond, LLC, holds a doctorate in Psychology. She is an internationally acclaimed humorist and speaker, and a former adjunct professor for undergraduate and graduate studies in the Behavioral Sciences. For years, she has advocated about issues in family living, mental health and wellness education.

Nancy W. Kieling, who has led the Princeton Area Community Foundation for its first 20 years, brought the Community Foundation from its infancy to its standing today as a leader and advocate for the nonprofit sector in Central New Jersey. She has been the driving force in enabling the Community Foundation to grant out more than $7 million per year to deserving nonprofits.

The Very Reverend René R. John has been ordained for 25 years, and has served many congregations in his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago and in New York, prior to becoming the Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Trenton in 2006. He has served on several boards, including ICGMC and Ecclesiastical Bodies in Trinidad, New York and New Jersey and is the recipient of several honors by community and civic groups. He has conducted several pilgrimages to Israel, Egypt, Ghana, Turkey, Greece, Rome, Ethiopia and South Africa.

Princeton Area Community Foundation, a nearly $100 million foundation,is a public charity serving central New Jersey. The Princeton Area Community Foundation enables individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create permanent charitable funds that help their communities meet the challenges of changing times. The Foundation promotes philanthropy, helps generous people to give effectively and supports local nonprofits with grants, advocacy and professional guidance.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson, provides medicines for an array of health concerns in several therapeutic areas.  The company’s ultimate goal is to help people live healthy lives. Headquartered in Titusville, NJ, administering its philanthropy program, the company encourages employee volunteerism, involvement in our local communities, and makes charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that are advancing the health of its patients and its communities.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, headquartered in Princeton, is the nation's largest philanthropy devoted solely to the public's health.  The RWJF has worked to improve the health and health care of all Americans for more than 40 years. The foundation is committed to initiatives that will transform our nation into one in which getting healthy and staying healthy are top priorities.

Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening of celebration, including awards presentation, cash bar, appetizers, serving stations, beverages, dessert, a 50/50 raffle, gift prizes and more.

“Without the financial support of individuals, corporations, foundations and the community – and the work of our close to 400 Mercer County volunteers – ICGMC would never be able to continue serving the 300 plus elderly and disabled people that we do each year,” explains Jane Latini, ICGMC Executive Director.  “We encourage anyone in the Mercer County community who has played any role in our history – as well as those interested in finding out more about the work we do – to join our celebration on October 23^rd! I personally promise they will leave filled with positive spirit, as well as delicious food!”

About Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County

ICGMC relies on more than 300 dedicated volunteers from 28 interdenominational congregations throughout Mercer County, as well as individual, corporate, foundation and government support. Its mission is to promote the independence and dignity of homebound elderly and people with disabilities by matching them with caring volunteers who assist with the tasks of everyday life. Volunteers are professionally screened and trained, and all services are provided without proselytization or regard to religious affiliation. ICGMC is celebrating its volunteers and its 20 years of service to the community with special events and programs throughout 2014. To request services, volunteer, or support Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County, visit www.icgmc.org or call 609-393-9922.