"Bring Dinner Home" Helps School Children Succeed in Newark

Newark, NJ, November 7, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Bring Dinner Home will celebrate five years of success in elevating the fortunes and performance of Newark elementary school students by hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for 350 families (1,000 individuals) at the Camden Street School in Newark this Thursday, November 10 from 5 to 8 PM.

In addition to the community dinner, families receive grocery gift cards, winter coats and visit the book fair, where they can browse thousands of donated books.  This is especially critical this year because, due to funding cuts, the school no longer has a staff librarian. 

"I believe those of us who have found success owe it to this world to make it a better place. Every child deserves to be fed, safe and educated."

Monica C. Smith, CEO and Founder of Marketsmith, Inc.

Families will also enjoy a photo booth, DJ, face painting, balloon animals and a special performance by the school’s students. 

To date, the program has distributed 2,400 coats and 2,200 books and provided gift cards to more than 1,500 families. More importantly, since the program’s inception, there has been a marked increase in student’s test scores.

The program, jointly developed in 2011 by Marketsmith CEO Monica C. Smith and Camden Street Principal Sam Garrison, is a response to the real problem of child hunger and poverty, especially the proven effect they have on student performance.

The program provides ongoing support to area families over the course of the year. A highlight of this year’s event will be Marketsmith’s announcement that it will adopt a second institution, Boonton-based Cedar Hill CDC Community After School Program, into the program.

“I believe those of us who have found success owe it to this world to make it a better place. Every child deserves to be fed, safe and educated,” says Monica C. Smith, CEO and Founder of Marketsmith, Inc.  All members of the Marketsmith staff are involved in the effort – a part of their commitment to global citizenship and an integral part of the firm’s mission, which is “To do great work, so we can do good things.”

Thanks to Marketsmith, Thursday’s event will feature the launch of Camden Street Elementary School’s new STEAM Room, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Technology) a program for early childhood learning, as well as the Camden Cares Room, to support families with services like free laundry machines, diapers and school supplies throughout the year.

Those who would like to make a tax-deductible donation can do so at www.bringdinnerhome.org.  Those who would like to donate supplies, or learn how to use Bring Dinner Home as a model for your own program to help children in New Jersey, can contact Anne Picone at [email protected].

MEDIA NOTE: Principal Sam Garrison, Founders Monica C. Smith and Amy Allan Smith (another crucial leader in the program) will be available for interviews at the fundraiser, as will volunteers, families and children.

Editorial Note:

Media interested in covering the event can request credentials by contacting Ann Willets at (908) 433-7821 or [email protected].

Source: Marketsmith Inc.