Mercer Street Friends will honor Bank of America, Phyllis Stoolmacher and Dan Rodgers at its upcoming awards celebration. These are individuals and organizations whose extraordinary contributions to the nonprofit’s mission have nourished minds, strengthened bodies and empowered families and communities.
The group’s fifth annual Leadership Awards will be held June 10 at the group’s food bank in Ewing.
The 2025 honorees are:
- Bank of America – Corporate Leadership & Public Service Award
A longstanding partner and steadfast supporter of Mercer Street Friends, Bank of America exemplifies corporate leadership and a deep commitment to strengthening communities by investing in local initiatives and creating pathways for New Jersey residents to thrive. Since 2019, the bank’s employees have contributed over 502,000 volunteer hours to support New Jersey nonprofits.
- Phyllis Stoolmacher – Humanitarian Award
The leader of the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank for 30 years, Phyllis Stoolmacher fostered the Food Bank as it grew to the primary provider of food to anti-hunger programs in Mercer County. She oversaw all areas of the Food Bank, including operations, procurement, fundraising, marketing and advocacy; launched child hunger programs including Send Hunger Packing (SHUP) and summer feeding; and joyfully yet firmly cultivated Mercer Street Friends’ volunteer corps.
- Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award – Dan Rodgers
Dan Rodgers is the Henry Charles Lea Professor of History Emeritus at Princeton University, where he taught the history of America ideas and culture for over 30 years. He joined the Mercer Street Friends Board of Trustees in 2000 and served for 18 years, including four years as Board Chair.
“We are proud to recognize these remarkable award recipients, each of whom has profoundly impacted the lives of the people of Mercer County,” Bernie Flynn, CEO, Mercer Street Friends said. “Access to nutritious food, quality education and a strong support system is critical for success. Thanks to our honorees, we’re building a better tomorrow for the greater Trenton community.”
The Leadership Awards Celebration will take place on June 10 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music and delicious local food during the celebration. For more information, or to purchase tickets or secure a sponsorship for the event, click here.
