Gala History

The Annual Rutgers/LEAP Gala was established in 2000 in order to inform and excite the Camden community about the Alfredo Santiago Endowed Scholarship and to galvanize fundraising efforts on its behalf.  The Gala remains the primary vehicle for scholarship fundraising and each year it generates thousands of dollars for the endowment through private and corporate donations, ticket sales, and revenue from our Silent Auction. 

In the last 10 years, this formal black tie event has brought university, business, and community partners together and has emphasized the necessity of creating more higher education opportunities for Camden youth.  In recognition of their support for the Scholarship and for the city, the Gala has awarded the Rutgers/LEAP Leadership Award to individuals, corporations, and stakeholders whose investments in the community are changing lives and revitalizing Camden.

2010

Mr. Peter J. Burke, Jr., Brandywine Senior Living
Ms. Elizabeth G. Christopherson, The Rita Allen Foundation
Ms. Brenda Ross-Dulan, Wells Fargo & Company

2009

Mr. Ralph LaRossa, President & COO, PSE&G Dana Redd, Mayor Camden NJ

2008:

Mr. Dennis M. Bone, Verizon New Jersey

2007: 

Mr. Joseph Lizza, Susquehanna Bank 
Ms. Linda Rohrer, The William G. Rohrer Foundation
Ms. Deborah Rosado Shaw, Dream BIG Enterprises, LLC

2006:  

Melinda Holman, President & CEO Holman Enterprises

2005:

Alberto Ibarguen, President John S. & James L. Knight Foundation
Carol P. Herring, President Rutgers University Foundation
Gualberto Medina, Esq., Cushman & Wakefield

2004:

Senator Jon Corzine,U.S. Senator from NJ Former Governor
Congressman Robert E. Andrews First District of New Jersey
Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald,New Jersey Legislature, Dist. 6
Dr. David P. Beck, Former President Coriell Institute for Medical Research

2003:

Susanne Svizeny, Regional President, Wachovia Corporation
Ross Danis, Program Director Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
John Matheussen, President & CEO Delaware River Port Authority

2002

Vernon W. Hill II, Former Pres. & CEOCommerce Bank (TD Bank)

2001

Jerry Buckley, President Campbell’s Soup Foundation