The YMCA of Montclair Gala Honors Ashenfelter, Slous, Trembulak, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP and Celebrates the Geyer Family Branch

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The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce the law firm of Ashenfelter, Slous, Trembulak, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP as this year’s honoree at their annual YMCA 1891 Gala fundraiser being held November 17th at Mayfair Farms.

The firm is being honored for their remarkable 30 years of service to the Y, numerous community organizations and causes, and their significant role in paving the way for the construction of the Y’s Geyer Family Branch, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. This year’s Gala emcee is broadcast journalist Mary Alice Williams, anchor of NJTV News and a longtime Montclair resident.

“The partners of our firm have consensus about our commitment to Montclair. All we do collectively and individually to help this community is because we are invested in the YMCA of Montclair and other community organizations like the Ashenfelter 8K, Family Service League/SAVE, the Glen Ridge Education Fund, HOMECorp and the Salvation Army,” said Laurence Slous Partner at Ashenfelter, Slous, Trembulak, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP. “It’s an important part of our practice and encompasses who we are as a law firm.”

“My wife and I moved to Montclair in 1982,” said Partner Calvin Trevenen. “We’ve raised our family here in Montclair. We have lived, worked and worshipped in this community. This firm is a special place to work. Montclair is a special place.”

“Ashenfelter, Slous, Trembulak, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP have been a tremendous supporter of this community and many local nonprofits,” said Rose Cali, founder of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center and one of this year’s Gala chairs.

Cali is co-chairing the Gala with Betsy Smith, a YMCA employee for almost 20 years and an activist and advocate for inclusion of all individuals including those who have disabilities. Smith and Cali have had a unique 40 year friendship committed to building inclusive communities.

During Smith’s life, she has continuously fought to break barriers for people with disabilities. She was one of the first youth with Down syndrome in the country to break disability barriers when she was included in general education classes. In 1997, Smith graduated from Montclair High School and attended classes at Montclair State University. She currently serves on the boards of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities and the NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education. She is a prior board member of the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center and President Clinton’s Committee on Intellectual Disabilities.

“I love the Y,” said Smith.” “I have so many friends who I work with. I also get to know the Y’s members. It is a community that cares about me. I’m co-chairing the Gala because Rose and I love helping families out, especially when they need help finding out about the scholarships the Y offers. My family is a big supporter of the Y and co-chairing the Gala is my way of helping the Y help others.”

“Having Ashenfelter, Slous, Trembulak, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP, along with Betsy Smith and Rose Cali as part of this Gala embodies the Y’s goal of promoting inclusion and community engagement,” said Tim Weidman, Interim President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “Like the Y, both our honorees and co-chairs have been major advocates for making our community a place where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive” Weidman said.

Proceeds from the Y’s annual Gala support their Financial Assistance Program which provides scholarships to children, families and individuals in need so that everyone can benefit from their myriad of programs and services regardless of their financial situation.

Last year the Y’s Financial Assistance Program served and assisted more than 300 children attending summer camp, 400 individuals joining the Y and over 200 children participating in safe before and after school care.

Investors Bank is a sponsor of this year’s event.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation visit montclairymca.org/gala or call 973-415-6125.