Press Release: Congressman Andrews to Keynote Westfield Y Banquet

The Westfield Area Y is hosting its 12th Annual Black Achievers Fundraising and Recognition Banquet on Friday, March 26th from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm at L'Affaire Fine Catering in Mountainside.    Keynote Speaker for the evening will be Congressman Robert E. Andrews.

Congressman Andrews is the leading national voice on workplace, education, budget and national defense issues.  He has served his entire Congressional career (11 terms) on the House Education and Labor Committee.   He is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions (HELP) with responsibility for health insurance, pension and labor laws of the nation.  Congressman Andrews also serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is a member of the Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee and the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. 

In 2009 he was appointed to chair a special panel to address the ongoing challenge of defense acquisition reform and was appointed to the House of Budget Committee, which is working with the Obama Administration to ensure fiscal responsibility in the federal budget, provide relief to unemployed works and spur immediate job creation and economic growth. 

The Black Achievers Program began at the Harlem YMCA in 1968 as a conduit to helping youth develop life coping skills and education goals.  The program began at the Westfield Area Y 12 years ago and matches youth with achieving African-American and other minority professionals as role models in an effort to raise the academic standards of young people, expose students to diverse career options and inspire them to reach their goals.  Black Achievers youth also participate in community service activities. 

The cost for this event is $75.00 per person. Journal Ads can also be purchased in all sizes and need to be submitted with camera ready art work or business card no later than March 12th.  Please contact Susan Morton at (908) 654-8460 or e-mail smorton@westfieldynj.org for advertising details and space availability and to reserve your seat. The Black Achievers program is funded in large part by this Annual Banquet. Funds raised by the banquet go directly to the program, enabling youth to participate for little or no cost.  She is also available for questions regarding this event or to find out how to participate in supporting the leaders of tomorrow.    

The Westfield Area Y is a nonprofit human service organization dedicated to developing the full potential of every individual and family in the communities it serves through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.