CCM Foundation Gala to Honor Community Partners
Philanthropic Event Supports Students and Transformative Initiatives
County College of Morris (CCM) invites the community to its 2026 Foundation Gala, “One College, One Community, One Special Night,” on Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. This elegant, philanthropic event will provide support for CCM students, programs and initiatives; while honoring community partners and individuals whose contributions make a meaningful impact on the college.
The evening will include a grand welcome reception featuring signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and chef-curated stations, in addition to dessert and coffee upon conclusion. To purchase or to participate with sponsorship, visit https://www.ccm.edu/events/ccm-foundations-annual-gala/. For questions, call the CCM Foundation office at 973-328-5060.
The formal program will recognize the following honorees:
Gilead Foundation — Philanthropy Award
As the philanthropic arm of Gilead Sciences Inc., the Gilead Foundation works to create a thriving health ecosystem. They take a holistic approach to mitigate the root causes of health inequities by providing resources to organizations that empower people with the skills to be their own best advocate and create systems of support that strengthen communities, classrooms and workplaces. The Gilead Foundation has contributed a $150,000 grant in support of our forthcoming Center for Health Professions, which will help prepare CCM students to become the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Crum & Forster — Community Partner Award
Crum & Forster (www.cfins.com) is a leading national property, casualty, and accident & health insurer, providing specialty insurance products through its admitted and surplus lines insurance companies. Founded in 1822, C&F is one of the oldest U.S. insurance companies, and today conducts business through a network of independent agents, brokers and wholesalers. C&F has been instrumental with both financial and mentorship support to CCM, particularly of CCM’s College Promise Program, and is committed to student success.
Hurley Fox, ‘15 – Alumnus of the Year Award
Hurley Fox, CCM graduate, Class of 2015, is the owner of Fox & Partners, which provides financial and business services designed to help small and medium-sized business owners better understand finances, overcome challenges, and ensure sustainable growth. Hurley established the James and Wally Hurley scholarship at CCM in honor of his grandparents to support employed students in the Workforce Development program. His accomplishments, leadership and dedication exemplify the highest values of CCM, and illustrate how the power of education has been transformative for his career.
Marcela I. Lenox — Dr. Edward J. Yaw Leadership Award
As Chief Advancement Officer of the West Morris Area YMCA, Marcela leads fundraising, communications and community engagement initiatives that promote wellness, equity and belonging. A strategic and people-centered leader, she has transformed organizations like the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, expanding programs and services to serve tens of thousands of individuals, and elevated the Hispanic Women’s Resource Center into a trusted hub supporting over 5,000 women. Marcella is recognized for her leadership, guidance and stewardship in service to CCM.
The CCM Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening both the college and the broader Morris County community. By supporting CCM’s students, programs and initiatives, the Foundation drives workforce development, innovation and economic growth. CCM plays a vital role in the region’s prosperity by supporting local businesses, healthcare, technology and other essential industries. Investing in the CCM Foundation means investing in a stronger, more vibrant Morris County.
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