FINDYOUR PEOPLE
NIGHT OF PROMISE
Growing Up at UrbanPromise
Anthaney UrbanPromise School & Camp, 7 grade th
The Place That Changed Us
Elianie & Kyheir
StreetLeaders & UrbanPromise Middle School Alums
Sophia UrbanPromise Academy 10 grade & RiverGuide th
Kiss the Sky
Written by Maren Morris
Amayah, Elisha, UrbanPromise Choir, Dr. Rose Parks, Neal Stephens, Jesus Castro, Derrick Sondrini
The Sacred Space of Camp
Brandon Santiago Program Director for Camp Spirit
Zion Brown Program Director for Camp Peace
The People Who Make This Home
From Live Wire to Leader
Terry Bullock UrbanPromise Principal, K-8th
Mrs. Paterson Grandma
Brandon Santiago Program Director for Camp Spirit
Nikia Palmer School Counselor
Find Your People
Written by Drew Holcomb
Jayden, Christian, Anthaney, UrbanPromise Choir, Dr. Rose Parks, Neal Stephens, Jesus Castro, Derrick Sondrini
Opportunity to Give
What Makes the Difference
Bruce Main, Founder & President
Join us in the ballroom for a dessert reception following tonight’s program.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to equip Camden's children and young adults with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, spiritual growth, and Christian leadership.
OUR PROGRAMS
Youth Employment Programs: Engage up to 100 teens and young adults including academic enrichment and leadership development
After School Programs & Summer Camps: Extended learning and recreational camps that provide safe, fun, and positive spaces for 300+ children ages 5-14
CamdenForward School (K-8) and UrbanPromise Academy (9-12): Private schools that provide 150+ students with quality education and unique extracurricular opportunities
UrbanCorps: An educational, hands-on training program for collegeaged adults from around the world interested in youth development
Experiential Learning: Hands-on and journey-based activities for 250+ youth and local residents including environmental science, leadership development, boat-building, and on-the-water paddling experiences
Wellness Initiatives: Engage all students and youth program participants in a variety o that promote overall wellmental health supports UrbanPromise was establish to engage residents of Camden; programs are inclusive regardless of the religious beliefs or practices of participants.
A WORD FROM OUR LEADERS
Dear Friend,
Tonight, I want you to notice something as you look around the dining room.
Staff and students are serving your dinner—together. Side by side. Partners. No “us” and “them.” Everyone, all hands on deck.
“It’s intentional,” explains Shannon Oberg, our Creative Director. “When staff and students work shoulder to shoulder, there’s no hierarchy just people contributing their gifts. That’s how real community is built.”
And community is something very different from a service provider Scholar John McKnight reminds us that a “serviced” life does not guarantee a purposeful or joyful life. Instead, purpose, meaning, and joy are found in community.
That’s what makes UrbanPromise unique. Yes, we provide tutoring, jobs, counseling, and meals but at our core, we are a community And community asks something of everyone, including our students. We believe every person has a gift to share, and it’s in the sharing that we discover our true, God-given identity.
Tonight, we invite you to join this community by sharing your time, your talents, and your resources. And in doing so, we trust you’ll be blessed in ways you never imagined.
With gratit de and partnership,
ey Markelz evelopment & Finance VP of Human Resources & Volunteer Programs
THANK YOU TO OUR IMPACT SPONSORS
Canada Dry Delaware Valley and Pepsi National Brand Beverages
ChurchArchitects, LLC
Dan Higgins Wood Flooring
Garrison Architects
Georgetti’s Market & Catering
Grace Construction Management Company
Hardenbergh Insurance Group
Holman
Jacaro Financial Services - Andy Cross
Paparone New Homes & Insurance
Steve and Donna Park
Retail Sites, LLC
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
DinnerSponsor
Georgetti’s Market & Catering
SilverSponsor
Camden Education Fund
The Kennedy Companies
TD Charitable Fund
BronzeSponsors
Barry Bannett
Blake-Doyle Funeral Home
Copper Beech Financial Group
New Jersey American Water
TD Bank
Woehr Associates
WSFS Bank
TableHosts
Mike and Sarah Amato
Ashland Church
Jim Cummings
Pamela Foxx-Levi
Maureen Gallicchio
Andy Joshua
Tom and Lisa Kulp
Bruce Main
Lindsey Markelz
Ian Mulreaney
Leah and Brent Schroeder
Anne Tokazewski
Nancy and Greg Watson
THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY PRESENT TONIGHT
Ashland Church
Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church
Christ the King Episcopal Church
Deerfield Presbyterian Church
Faith Church (PCA)
Fellowship Alliance Chapel
First Baptist Church of Collingswood
First Baptist Church of Glenarden
First Methodist Church of Moorestown
First Presbyterian Church of Pitman
First Presbyterian Church of Ambler
First Presbyterian Church of Caldwell
First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield
First Presbyterian Church of Haddon Heights
First Presbyterian Church of Merchantville
First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown
First Presbyterian Church of Toms River
Grace Ministry
Holy Communion Lutheran Church
Hope Community Church
THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
PRESENT
TONIGHT
Hope United Methodist
Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church
James Varick AME Zion Church
Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church
Logan Memorial Presbyterian Church
Lutheran Church of Our Savior
Medford United Methodist Church
Parker Ford Church
Presbyterian Church On the Hill (Ocean, NJ)
Protestant Community Church
Refuge Care Apostolic Ministry
Sacred Heart Camden
Sovereign Grace Church
St. Andrew's United Methodist Church
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church of Cherry Hill
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Tower Hill Presbyterian Church
Woven Faith Community
Wyoming Presbyterian Church (Millburn, NJ)
OUR HONORED GUESTS VALUE AWARDEES
UrbanPromise has named four core values that are embedded in our organizational culture and program model; they are faith, innovation, holism, and community. Tonight’s honored guests were selected for the ways that they exemplify these traits at UrbanPromise and in the community at large.
Marty Smith
A retired school teacher, Marty has been committed to volunteering at UrbanPromise over the past decade. She is very supportive of our teachers and administrators, and is in the school one to two times a week. She excels in teaching Science, offering project-based activities that provide hands-on opportunities for learning. She finds additional ways to help at UrbanPromise, including offering a recent all-staff Wellness training.
Because of her outstanding commitment and hands-on approach to education and support for students and staff, Marty is the recipient of this year’s Innovation Award.
Barry and Jean Hale
The Hales have been faithfully engaged with UrbanPromise for more than 20 years! Jean organizes a Christmas gift collection every year, Barry and their son Barry Jr. along with their company Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel make sure our child sponsorship needs are filled at the annual Golf Outing.
The Hales have been intentional about ensuring that charitable giving and their partnership with UrbanPromise are an important part of their business and family, inviting the next generation of Hale leaders to continue their legacy.
Because of their dedication through their business and family approach, Barry and Jean Hale are this year’s recipients of the Holism Award.
Yalixa Rivera
As a parent at UrbanPromise, Yalixa Rivera is deeply invested in her children’s education and is always willing to help out!
Yalixa has a servant’s heart and volunteers in any capacity that she can. From building a balloon arch for graduation to supporting staff events and baking treats so that students can host fundraisers, she continually gives of her time and talents to serve the mission of UrbanPromise.
For her exceptional support of the UrbanPromise community, Yalixa is presented with the Community Award.
Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation - Kirsten Hocker
Founded in 2005, the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation started supporting students at UrbanPromise in 2008, providing educational opportunities for those who demonstrate leadership abilities, academic abilities, and a commitment to their community. Over their tenure, they’ve provided scholarships to more than 35 students at UrbanPromise.
For their outstanding commitment to students at faith-based schools locally and across the country, we present the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation with this year’s Faith Award.
First Baptist Church of Collingswood
Always ready to engage and support UrbanPromise, our friends at the First Baptist Church of Collingswood have impacted our work through volunteerism. They are always willing to help out, whether it’s organizing a collection for the holiday toy drive, hosting one of our volunteer groups for a meal, or showing up as a Partner for one of our students. If they are able to help, they do!
For the many ways they further the UrbanPromise mission, First Baptist Church of Collingswood is receiving this year’s Promise Award, which is given to those who exemplifies all four of our core values: community, faith, holism and innovation.
URBANPROMISE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Bruce Main, DMin
Founder & President
Pamela Foxx-Levi, MS
Vice President of Human Resources and Volunteers
Terry Bullock, M. Ed.
CamdenForward School
Principal
Albert Vega Director of Children & Youth Programs
UrbanPromise Alum
Ryan McCormick Director of Strategic Initiatives
Jessica Shinn, MSW, LSW Director of Wellness
UrbanPromise VPs
(left to right)
Pamela Foxx-Levi, Andy Joshua, Lindsey Markelz
Lindsey Markelz, MSW Vice President of Development and Finance
Andy Joshua, MPM Vice President of Schools & of Programs
Calvin Carthan, MSW
UrbanPromise Academy
Principal Tony Vega Director of StreetLeader Program
UrbanPromise Alum
Tom Kulp Director of Experiential Learning
URBANPROMISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Byrne, Chair
Lighthouse Planning Consultants
Robert Hill, Vice Chair
Retail Sites, LLC
Katrina Ingram*
NJ Department of Children and Families
Frank Beideman Holman
Michele Sanchez
Steve Eigenrauch
Grace Construction Management Company
Jenise Rivera, Esq.* Marshall Dennehey
Noah Tennant
School District of Philadelphia
*UrbanPromise Alumni
The Law Offices of Jamie Reynolds Legal Counsel
Jamie Reynolds, Esq., Legal Counsel
IN MEMORY
We dedicate this season of ministry and tonight's program to the faithful friends of UrbanPromise that we lost this year.
In Loving Memory of Dr.Tony Campolo
Dr.Tony Campolo helped spark the vision of UrbanPromise, standing beside Bruce in its earliest days.He recruited countless college interns to give a summer or year of service; many of whom continue to support our mission.His voice, heart,and lifelong commitment to justice helped shape who we are today.
John Anderson
Linda Blackman
Frances Casperson
John Dale
Joan Dunphey
Helen Ford
William Garvey
James Giudice
Mike Haines
Bob Harris
Kathleen Leimkuhler
Maureen Marella
John Mackey
Lou Mitchell
Rita Plant
Jean Scheuer
CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS
Clothing
TonyVega&AlbertVega UrbanPromiseLeadership TeamMembers&Alumni Yourguides...
See Camden through our eyes...
Join us for a driving tour of Camden, guided by UrbanPromise alumni and staff. This unique experience offers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of our community's strengths and challenges.
You'll visit our Boat Shop in South Camden, explore the industries that call Camden home, and see the city through the eyes of the families we serve. Along the way, you’ll gain insights into the history and spirit of the neighborhoods where our young people live and grow.
Upcoming Tours
Tuesday, November 25th 9:00AM–11:00AM or 11:00AM–1:00PM
UrbanPromise is hosting this as an educational opportunity. There will not be a call for additional financial support.
All tours will depart from our main campus at: 3700 Rudderow Street Pennsauken, NJ 08110
Camden’s Educational Landscape Zoom
Thursday, December 4th, 11:30am-12pm
Join UrbanPromise’s VP of Schools and Programs, Andy Joshua on Zoom for insight into the educational landscape in Camden.
Recent budget reductions of $90M and the recent departure of the district superintendent leaves schools and families navigating the change. This 30 minute Zoom offers insight from Andy Joshua, who has served the Camden community at UrbanPromise for nearly 30 years.
ScantoRSVP forzoomr
Andy Joshua VP of Schools & Programs
Taste of Promise: Food and Wine Tasting
Moorestown Community House + Friday, March 27, 2026
Join UrbanPromise for South Jersey’s premier food and wine charity event, a showcase for the area’s most distinct restaurants and caterers. The evening will include a sumptuous sampling of fare prepared by local chefs; wine and beer from around the region and the world; live and silent auctions featuring incredible sports and travel; live music; and a beer garden — all hosted at the beautiful Moorestown Community House. All proceeds will benefit UrbanPromise's programs.
Find more information on our website: urbanpromiseusa.org/events/taste
TUITION ASSISTANCE AT URBANPROMISE
Open the door for students to receive a K-12 Christian education at UrbanPromise, regardless of household income.
There are two ways to give to Tuition Assistance:
Partner Program:
Partners are paired with a student yearly, offering support and encouragement through their years at UrbanPromise.
Partners commit a minimum of $3,000 annually to support student learning.
Scholarship Program:
Contributions underwrite tuition costs for families with the greatest financial need. Gifts can be made at any level with suggested giving levels starting at $1,000.
Named Scholarships
Honor a loved one or create a family legacy by establishing a Named Scholarship Fund, which greatly supports families who can benefit most from extra financial assistance. For a gift or commitment of $30,000 or more, donors may create a Named Scholarship Fund at UrbanPromise either as a onetime gift or through a 3-year commitment of $10,000 per year.
UrbanPromise is grateful for the generous support of the families, churches, and donors who have established Scholarship Funds:
The Odessa Brooks Scholarship
First Presbyterian Church of Caldwell Scholarship
Copperbeech Scholarship
Deerfield Presbyterian Church Scholarship
Jack Ford Scholarship Fund
Bill and Ruth Haase Memorial Scholarship
Bill and Nancy Hall Scholarship
Mary Hicks Memorial Scholarship
Cynthia Johnson Scholarship
Richard M. Kull Scholarship
Mary Martin Scholarship
Rex McWilliams Jr. Scholarship
Pasquale and Rose Procacci Family Scholarship
Al and Ginny Ritchie Scholarship
The Connie and Larry Scanlan Scholarship
Arlene Shofe Memorial Scholarship
The Sparrow Scholarship
Iva Sullivan Memorial Scholarship
Vogt Family Scholarship
Additional Ways to Give THIRD-PARTY FUND DISTRIBUTORS
Donor Advised Funds and IRA Rollovers
UrbanPromise can receive gifts through Donor Advised Funds (e.g. Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Schwab Charitable Fund, and Vanguard Charitable Endowment).
UrbanPromise can also receive gifts through Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), including as a recipient of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you are 73 years or older. Contact your financial advisor or IRA custodian to initiate a contribution to UrbanPromise.
When directing a gift to UrbanPromise, be sure to search by EIN 22-3229121 or by UrbanPromise Ministries (no space between “Urban” and “Promise”). This will ensure that your contribution is directed to UrbanPromise in Camden.
United Way Designation
You can support UrbanPromise through the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s Donor Choice program by selecting designation code 10157.
Additional Ways to Give
GIFTS OF STOCK AND PLANNED GIFTS
Gifts of Stock
If you own an appreciated stock, it can be beneficial tax-wise to donate the stock to receive both the income tax deduction and avoid paying capital gains tax on the stock earnings in that year. Donations of stock must be received by our bank before close of business on the last work day of December to count in this calendar year's tax deduction.
UrbanPromise Broker Information:
Michele R. McDowell
Integritis Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley (856) 222-4541
DTC number: 0015
Account name: UrbanPromise (Tax ID # 22-3229121)
Account number: 672-027304
Legacy of Promise
An excellent way to provide for the future of UrbanPromise and leave a lasting legacy is to remember us in your will. You can name UrbanPromise as a beneficiary of a your estate (a percentage, a specific dollar amount, or the residue), a remainder of an IRA, or other assets. Your attorney can provide guidance on how to name UrbanPromise as a beneficiary.
For more information or questions
Contact us at (856) 382-1886 or donate@urbanpromiseusa.org
PROMISE
The Kennedy Companies are proud to support the
Retail Sites, LLC is proud to support UrbanPromise's mission of education the leaders of tomorrow and providing job opportunities for the youth of Camden today.
Creating great places to shop and helping retailers grow in the Mid-Atlantic markets
Robert M. Hill, President Maple Shade, NJ
Proud to support the mission & students of
