Local New Jersey Supporters Host Fundraiser Events for BlinkNow
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
“We can all do something.” NJ supporters hosted spring events with Maggie and Tope and serve their communities in many other ways
Continuing a long tradition of support from our extended BlinkNow New Jersey family, several local supporters hosted fundraising and awareness events this spring to introduce BlinkNow, and Maggie and Tope, to their circles of influence. We are constantly inspired by the generosity of these friends who share their time and connections to make the world better.
Jan Hines and Kristin Dubnoff spearheaded two different events to share our work with their friends and colleagues, and we would like to highlight their events and the many ways that they are contributing to the community.
Food and Farming
On May 25, Kristin and Corey Dubnoff hosted an event focused on sustainable food and farming at Peace Valley Farm, Far Hills, NJ. Maggie spoke to attendees about BlinkNow's Food & Farming program, while Tope talked about his personal journey and experiences growing up hungry and without parents. The event included delicious vegan canapes and cocktails. Maggie signed copies of her memoir, Between the Mountain and the Sky. Our Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Dave Sager, was also present.
Kristin Dubnoff is known in the community for her devotion to animals and gardening. She runs an organic flower and veggie farm, and she donates the profits to the Equal Justice Initiative. She has fostered hundreds of pets, hosting dog moms through their pregnancies and caring for their new litters until loving homes can be found for the puppies.
Kristin is also passionate about food security for the children BlinkNow works with in rural Nepal. She says, “I am overjoyed to be a part of the Kopila Valley community, offering annual and eternal support.”
Kristin Dubnoff and Felicity Wilmerding at Peace Valley Farm
BlinkNow Co-Founder Maggie Doyne speaks to supporters at Peace Valley Farm
BlinkNow friends and supporters gathered at Peace Valley Farm
Cocktails for a Cause
Just down the road in Morristown, “Cocktails for a Cause” was hosted on June 4 at the Kellogg Club by Jan Hines, along with Naomi Sachs (Club President), Melissa Pappolla, and many others. At this festive event, supporters enjoyed specialty cocktails, wine tastings from Cambridge Wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a book signing with Doyne. Board Treasurer Claudia Mott was also in attendance.
Jan began supporting BlinkNow in 2020 during the pandemic. She is a beloved connector and community volunteer, is a member of Impact 100 and the Co-Co, and very actively raises money for Heart Care International. She serves on the board of Boys and Girls club and volunteers for CASA and Homeless Solution. Having worked with children and participated in multiple international volunteer trips, she instantly connected with BlinkNow's mission to empower children and women in Nepal when she first learned about it.
Jan says, "It was incredible to see how, what to us was a nominal amount of money, was transformative to the children of Nepal. I was instantly hooked. What I have learned is that we can all do something, even if it feels small in the grand scheme of things, to support the incredible work Maggie is doing. When you find an organization that is demonstrating great success, it’s an honor to feel like a real partner in their work."
Melissa Pappolla, BlinkNow Co-Founders Maggie Doyne and Tope Malla, and Jan Hines at the Kellogg Club
Melissa Pappolla, Kellogg Club President Naomi Sachs, and BlinkNow Co-Founder Maggie Doyne at the Kellogg Club
BlinkNow Board Treasurer Claudia Mott, Heidi Hemmer, and Jen Palombo at the Kellogg Club
All of these generous New Jersey supporters partner with BlinkNow to ensure that the mission to empower children and women in Nepal continues. In addition, they are connecting their own community and bringing together friends and colleagues around good causes. We are so proud to know each of them!