ANNUAL NIGHT OF MIRACLES RAISES FUNDS
FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE

West Orange, NJ - On Thursday, May 4, 2006, the Women in Support of United Way of Essex and West Hudson held their annual Night of Miracles black tie gala at The Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange.

Approximately 300 guests were on hand to honor this year's Miracle Makers: Senator and Mrs. Richard Codey, for their work in launching a statewide educational campaign designed to build awareness about postpartum depression and offer resources for women, their families, and health care professionals; Dr. Terry and Faye Zealand for the 20 years of their lives devoted to caring for children and families affected by HIV and AIDS; Newark Emergency Services for Families for their work with Katrina victims who were temporarily relocated to Essex County; and North Star honoree, Helen Galt for her outstanding service to United Way, and for playing a seminal role in its transformation into a community impact organization.

The Night of Miracles Gala offers an opportunity to honor individuals and organizations that have made a positive difference in the lives of children in Essex County as well as to raise funding that is critical for the Success By 6 early-childhood initiative.

Success by 6^® is dedicated to assuring that by age six all children have received the necessary emotional, physical and social development supports needed to successfully embrace the educational experience.

The most critical years in a child's life are from birth to age six. This short period of time is when children develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive, intellectual and imaginative skills. These skills lay the groundwork for future success, and are the building blocks necessary for children to reach their full potential. If children do not have their early development needs met, their ability to be successful in school, as well as reach self-sufficiency in adulthood, becomes severely hampered.

Formed in 1997, The Women in Support of United Way (WIS) is a volunteer group that works to develop additional resources with a particular emphasis on children. Through their annual black-tie gala, this diverse group of women raised the initial funding for Success By 6. The group's efforts attracted the attention of The Prudential Foundation, which in 1998 pledged a three-year, $1.35 Million commitment to Success By 6 which they renewed at that same level in December 2001. In the fall of 2001, the efforts of WIS were recognized by the United Way of America with the "Innovation Award" for women's philanthropic initiatives for their ability to leverage funding for Success By 6.

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