Mercer Street Friends, a prominent Mercer County nonprofit dedicated to food, family, and education initiatives, has announced the honorees for its sixth annual Leadership Awards Celebration.
The event will take place on June 9 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the organization’s food bank warehouse in Ewing.
This annual celebration recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations whose leadership, partnership, and deep commitment to public service have directly advanced the Mercer Street Friends mission to nourish minds and bodies while empowering local communities.
This year’s ceremony highlights three distinct pillars of support within the region, spanning corporate philanthropy, legislative advocacy, and internal organizational leadership.
The 2026 honorees include:
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Bloomberg Philanthropies (Corporate Leadership & Public Service Award)
Recognized for a foundational partnership spanning nearly three decades. Since 1998, Bloomberg employees have dedicated more than 10,000 volunteer hours to Mercer Street Friends, heavily bolstering the programs that provide essential food and resources to local families. - Senator Shirley Turner (2026 Humanitarian Award)
A lifelong educator and public servant, Senator Turner has represented New Jersey’s 15th Legislative District in the State Senate since 1997. She is being honored for her fierce advocacy for education, equity, and youth programs, including her vital support of the Mercer Street Friends Community Schools Initiative.
- Ken Blackwell (Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award)
Serving on the Board of Directors since 2017 and as Board Chair since 2020, Blackwell is being celebrated for his strategic guidance, advocacy, and decades of nonprofit experience that have helped significantly expand the organization’s reach across Mercer County.
The event underscores the collaborative effort required to tackle food insecurity and educational equity in the region.
“Each year, the Leadership Awards Celebration gives us the opportunity to recognize the individuals and organizations whose compassion and commitment to our community improve the lives of our neighbors,” Randall West, chief administrative officer of Mercer Street Friends, said.
“Our honorees exemplify the spirit of service that drives our mission forward, helping ensure families across our region have access to nutritious food, educational opportunities and the social-emotional support they need to thrive.”
Guests attending the June 9th celebration will enjoy an evening of live music and refreshments while supporting the ongoing community initiatives of the nonprofit.
