The United Way of Greater Newark, which works to improve outcomes for families in the Brick City, will celebrate a century of service at its upcoming Centennial Gala. 

The event will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Newark Museum of Art. Community leaders, partners, supporters and volunteers will gather to honor the organization’s history. 

For the first time since 2016, UWGN will present its esteemed William M. Ashby Community Service Award, which recognizes an individual for exceptional dedication and contributions to community service. The award was named for the organization’s founder — “a visionary community leader who was New Jersey’s first black social worker,” according to the UWGN. 

This year’s honoree is Dr. Denise Rodgers, whom the organization described as “a trailblazing figure in the field of health care and community service.” 

UWGN will also recognize Prudential Financial and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield at the gala “for unwavering support for the last 100 years,” UWGN Chief Development Officer Richard Greco told NJBIZ. 

UWGN President and CEO Catherine Wilson said in a statement that the event “represents a major milestone” for the organization. 

“Over the past century, we have seen the tremendous impact we can achieve when we unite in our mission to create lasting change in our community,” Wilson added. “[W]e are grateful for the unwavering support from our partners, volunteers, and donors who have been instrumental in our journey.” 

This year’s gala is made possible by Centennial Champion sponsor Wells Fargo, Centennial Diamond sponsor Mars Wrigley and additional supporters. 

About this year’s Ashby Award honoree 

Rodgers will be recognized for her longtime commitment to improving the health and well-being of underserved populations. 

As vice chancellor for Interprofessional Programs at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, she plays a crucial role in training the next generation of health care professionals. Rodgers also serves as RBHS chair in Interprofessional Education at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where she is a professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. 

Rodgers steered the UWGN-supported Believe in a Healthy Newark initiative, aiming to transform communities and improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged populations. She also provided guidance and leadership for UWGN’s Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, a move that resulted in more than 30,000 people receiving the vaccination, the organization said. 

The fifth and final president of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey until 2013, Rodgers is a current and past member of several community boards and organizations.

For more information or to register for the gala, click here.