RELEASE: February 17, 2005

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Commerce Secretary Joins Safe Child Consortium

Commissioner Davy announces new member of philanthropy panel

TRENTON – Commissioner James M. Davy today welcomed Commerce Secretary Virginia Bauer to a new consortium that raises donations from corporations and private foundations as part of the historic effort to reform the state's child welfare system.

Commissioner Davy thanked Secretary Bauer for agreeing to be a member of the Safe Child Consortium, which has raised $700,000 since forming in mid-December under the chairmanship of New Jersey Resources Chairman and CEO Laurence Downes. The consortium was created to promote the work of the Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships in the Office of Children Services and support programs that prevent child abuse and neglect.

“I am thrilled that Secretary Bauer will lend her time and expertise to this historic effort,” Commissioner Davy said. “In addition to her current leadership in working to bring productive and responsible businesses to New Jersey , she has an extensive background in philanthropic fundraising. I can't thank her enough for her commitment.”

Secretary Bauer said she appreciates the Commissioner's invitation to join the consortium and looks forward to helping it evolve.

“The fact that this panel has raised $700,000 in its first two months shows the commitment of it members, and I am pleased to be one of them,” Secretary Bauer said. “I also think the donations show that there are generous corporate leaders, like Larry Downes, who are willing to step up to the plate to help our children.”

NJR pledged a total of $500,000 - $380,000 to the Safe Child Fund, and $120,000 for Leadership Development within the Department. The Prudential Foundation contributed $200,000.

Chairman Downes also welcomed Secretary Bauer, saying, “Secretary Bauer is a great addition to our consortium. Her experience in partnering with corporations in our state and her background in fund raising are tremendous assets. I have no doubt she will do much to help us achieve our goal of helping New Jersey 's children.”

The state's new Child Welfare Reform Plan calls for the development of a consortium of at least five corporate and foundation leaders to identify and promote steps businesses and foundations can take to help implement the plan. Representatives from more than 20 corporations and foundations have joined together as a working group.

“Other reform efforts in New Jersey have failed, but the thing that distinguishes this one is that everyone has a chance to “buy in” to increase resources for our neediest citizens and children instead of relying only on government and tax dollars,” Commissioner Davy said.

“Individuals, providers and businesses can buy-in by promoting the neighborhood collaboratives aimed at linking and enhancing prevention services,” said Kathi Way , Deputy Commissioner with the Office of Children's Services.

“The whole idea is to involve everybody, because they are not just DYFS' children, they are society's children,” Davy said. “The future of our children is entwined with the future of New Jersey , its neighborhoods, workforce, and business community.”

The Safe Child Fund of NJ is managed by the nonprofit Princeton Area Community Foundation and will not replace government funds dedicated to child welfare reform implementation. This is an opportunity for “value-added endeavors” for groups and agencies committed to stronger communities, secure families and safe children.

All donations are tax deductible and should be made payable to Safe Child Fund/PACF and mailed to the Princeton Area Community Foundation, 15 Princess Road , Lawrenceville , NJ 08648 ; call 609-219-1800 or visit www.pacf.org .

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