What an incredible afternoon! On July 11, 2026, the ballroom at Pierre’s of South Brunswick was filled with more than just music and laughter: it was filled with hope, community, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Our 2nd Annual "Partying for a Purpose" Day Party was a resounding success, and we are still buzzing from the energy you all brought to the room.
To every guest who danced, every sponsor who invested, and every volunteer who gave their time: Thank you. Your presence was a powerful statement that no family in New Jersey should have to face displacement alone. At Family ReBuild of New Jersey, we believe that when a family loses their home to a natural disaster or an unforeseen crisis, the community is the foundation that helps them stand back up.
A Mission Rooted in Resilience
We don't just throw a party for the sake of celebration; we party to rebuild lives. Our mission is to empower families across New Jersey who have experienced displacement, helping them move from the chaos of crisis to the stability of a safe, healthy home with their dignity fully intact.
To date, Family ReBuild of New Jersey has had the privilege of helping over 750 families. That is 750 stories of resilience, 750 sets of keys, and thousands of meals served. But our work is far from over. This year’s event was focused on a bold new goal: raising $70,000 to provide two weeks of emergency hotel assistance for 50 families in immediate need.
When a disaster strikes, the first 14 days are the most critical. By providing a safe place to stay, we give parents the breathing room to plan their next steps without the immediate fear of being on the street. Your support of this event brings us closer to making that safety net a reality for our neighbors.
Celebrating Our Guests of Honor
The afternoon was made even more special as we paused to recognize two individuals whose lives reflect the spirit of service we hold so dear.
We were deeply honored to host Pastor Jide Lawore of Agape House of Worship. Pastor Lawore has been a pillar of strength and spiritual guidance in our community, reminding us that we are our brother’s keeper. His dedication to uplifting those in need aligns perfectly with our vision of a supported, empowered New Jersey.
We also celebrated the incredible work of Tula Richards-Gift, a dedicated educator and literacy advocate. Tula’s work reminds us that rebuilding a family involves more than just physical shelter: it involves nurturing the minds and futures of our children. Thank you both for your leadership and for joining us in this cause.
If you missed the details of their incredible contributions, you can view the full event program here: 2nd Annual Day Party Program PDF.
A Moving Poetry Presentation
One of the most moving moments of the afternoon was a special poetry presentation featuring Ananeika Gordon’s original, copyrighted work from the event program. Her poem shares the deeply personal story that lives at the heart of Family ReBuild of New Jersey’s “why.”
In it, Ananeika reflects on being displaced with her children in 2019 and facing the heartbreaking reality of a shelter that would separate her from her kids. Instead of giving in to despair, she chose faith. She chose to keep going. And from that painful chapter came a powerful purpose: to help other families rebuild with dignity, confidence, and hope.
Her words resonated throughout the room. You could feel how deeply this story connected with everyone present, because it speaks to the strength of a mother who refused to give up. It reminded us all that Family ReBuild is more than an organization. It is a living testimony of resilience, compassion, and bold action.
The full poem is included in the 2nd Annual Day Party Program PDF. If you have not yet purchased your ticket for future Day Party events, we invite you to get on the list for early bird ticket sales and stay connected as we continue to make a difference together.
To Our Board: The Heart of the House
This event would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of the Family ReBuild Board of Directors. These individuals work behind the scenes year-round to ensure our family assistance programs in New Jersey are effective, transparent, and compassionate.
A heartfelt thank you to:
- Ananeika Gordon (Founder/CEO) – Your vision and "Say Yes" energy are the sparks that light our path.
- Edward Gordon (Advisor) – For your wisdom and steady guidance.
- Stephania Monnay (Treasurer) – For your meticulous care of our resources.
- Shawn Jacobs (Secretary) – For keeping our mission organized and moving forward.
- Kemi Abiola (Social Media) – For sharing our story with the world so beautifully.
- Matthew Taylor (Trustee) – For your unwavering commitment to our community's growth.
Our Community Partners: Strength in Numbers
We are firm believers that "it takes a village," and our village is comprised of some of the most generous businesses and organizations in the state. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors and partners who helped make the 2nd Annual Day Party a reality:
- Fulton Bank
- Gordon Leadership Foundation
- Especially 4U Event Planning
- Victorious Kids
- Applebees
- ACME
- Touchlink
- Mowana Care
Your partnership is a vital part of the disaster recovery resources in NJ that families rely on during their hardest moments. Because of you, we can offer more than just emergency financial assistance in New Jersey; we can offer a path forward.
Why Your Continued Support Matters
While the music has faded and the guests have gone home, the need remains. Every day, families are forced to leave their homes due to flooding, fire, or other unforeseen disasters. These families are our neighbors, our friends, and our colleagues.
Providing disaster relief in New Jersey is a continuous effort. The funds raised at our Day Party go directly toward:
- Emergency Housing: Securing safe hotel stays for families in immediate crisis.
- Essential Resources: Providing meals, clothing, and hygiene kits.
- Emotional Support: Offering counseling to help families process the trauma of loss.
- Rebuilding Assistance: Helping families navigate the complex process of finding permanent, stable housing.
When you support Family ReBuild, you aren't just giving a donation; you are giving a family the chance to breathe again. You are providing the help for displaced families that turns a tragedy into a story of triumph.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
If you were unable to attend the event but still want to contribute to our $70,000 goal for emergency hotel assistance, it is never too late to make a difference. We invite you to join our circle of supporters today.
How You Can Help:
- Zelle: Send your donation to Ananeika@familyrebuild.org
- PayPal: Visit our Donation Page to give securely online.
- Spread the Word: Share this recap with your friends and family to let them know about the work we are doing.
And for those of you who are already asking about next year: we hear you! We are already planning to make our 3rd Annual event even bigger and better. Don’t miss out! Click here to get on the list for early bird ticket sales for our next "Partying for a Purpose" event.
Thank you for being the "Re" in Family ReBuild. Together, we are rebuilding New Jersey, one family at a time.
With gratitude,
The Family ReBuild of New Jersey Team
