The local commercial real estate (CRE) industry proved once again that its impact extends far beyond the skyline. On May 8, the Hanover Marriott served as the epicenter for the 2026 United Way Legacy Event, where developers, brokers, architects, and engineers who shape the state’s physical and economic landscape convened.
Hosted by the United Way of Northern New Jersey’s Commercial Real Estate Committee, the annual luncheon transitioned from a high-powered networking hub into a mission-driven engine for community support, specifically targeting the needs of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households.
The highlight of this year’s program was the presentation of the Spirit of Philanthropy Award to Erik Sletteland. The honor recognizes Sletteland’s sustained leadership and personal commitment to the Northern New Jersey community, positioning him as a standout figure in an industry that has raised more than $4.5 million for United Way initiatives since 1999.
The event also served as a showcase for architectural and economic innovation, spotlighting five major projects that are redefining life and work in the Garden State. The finalists for the 2026 Impact Award represented a diverse cross-section of healthcare, corporate, and residential development:
- The District at the Park: A multifaceted residential and community-centric development.
- Freshpet HQ: A modern corporate home for the burgeoning pet food leader.
- RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center: A state-of-the-art sports medicine and training facility.
- Sanofi at M Station: A landmark corporate relocation and office innovation project.
- Selective Insurance Headquarters in Short Hills: A major regional office footprint in one of the state’s most prestigious corridors.
With nearly 400 industry leaders in attendance—building on last year’s successful $335,000 fundraising total—the Legacy Event remains one of the most influential rooms in New Jersey real estate.
“Some events are worth supporting. This one is worth showing up for,” the Committee noted, emphasizing that the turnout allows United Way to provide a safety net for those who work hard but still struggle to afford the basics in a high-cost state.
Proceeds from the Legacy Event are funnelled directly into programs that strengthen financial stability for local families living paycheck to paycheck. By aligning the “movers and shakers” of the real estate world with the needs of the ALICE population, the United Way of Northern New Jersey continues to bridge the gap between commercial prosperity and community resilience.
