On Tuesday, December 3rd, community leaders and stakeholders from far and near gathered in the heart of the Capital City to celebrate the 7th Annual Caren Franzini Capital City Award Celebration. This invigorating evening of cocktails and conversations serves as a catalyst for the transformative work currently being undertaken in the Capital City. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was none other than Samuel Frisby, Mercer County Commissioner, who helped to lead this lively evening of discussion.

This year, Greater Trenton bestowed the Caren Franzini Capital City Award to The Smith Family Foundation, an organization devoted to education, cultivation, and community in the City of Trenton. This year’s Business Impact Award was given to Freddie and Rosa Rosado, owners of the Chambers St. McDonald’s and inspiring entrepreneurs who have captured the momentum of their business to make a difference in the city they serve. These honorees exemplify the very best of the diverse Trenton community and continue to play a pivotal role in our community’s economic renaissance.

Greater Trenton would like to extend its thanks to local and state leadership for their attendance and support of this crucial event. Distinguished leaders in attendance included Mayor W. Reed Gusciora, City Council President Crystal Feliciano, Councilwoman Teska Frisby, Councilwoman Yazminelly Gonzalez, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Assemblyman Anthony Verelli, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, County Commissioner Dan Benson, County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, Hamilton Council President Anthony Carabelli, and many others who helped to shape this year’s celebration. Greater Trenton was also honored to be joined by members of the Franzini family, Sam, Sarah, and Anna Franzini, whose touching message captured the spirit of their mother and the event’s namesake.

A major highlight of the evening’s celebrations was the official premier of this year’s inspirational video, “Trenton Is”. This stirring cinematic production invited leaders from myriad industries to come together and share what Trenton means to them. From stellar students to self-made millionaires, this video demonstrated the profound potential that is on the rise in our small but mighty city. Featured participants include Wayne Downing, Success Barber Shop; Joe Festa, State Barber Shop; Dr. Deborah Preston, MCCC; Cassandra Sanchez, Warren Street Multiservices; Bjutiful Seay, Foundation Academies Student; Pastor Charles Boyer, Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church; Brishen Miller, Passage Theatre Company; Craig Shofed, Artworks; and Reverend John Taylor, Friendship Baptist Church. This inspiring vision of Trenton, where progress is fueled by the collective efforts of our gifted and diverse community, embodies the late Franzini’s motto: “When we pull together, we move things forward.”

As the evening drew to a close, anticipation reached its peak as the crowd eagerly prepared to welcome the esteemed honorees for the 2024 Caren Franzini Capital City Award. This prestigious award memorializes and celebrates the remarkable legacy of Caren Franzini, a former CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and a founding member of Greater Trenton. Presented annually to exceptional leaders in the Trenton area, the award celebrates their invaluable contributions to the development and revitalization of the Capital City. Past honorees include John Hatch, David Henderson, John Harmon, Drs. George and Pamela Pruitt, Anthony “Skip” Cimino, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Anthony R. Coscia, Esq.

This year’s unforgettable celebration is thanks to the support of Greater Trenton’s distinguished Event Committee, who has worked tirelessly to bring this celebration to life. The 2024 Event Committee includes Jacqueline Baptiste, African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ; Elijah Dixon, Equity by Design; John Goedecke, Citizens Bank; Reggie Hallett, 1911 Smokehouse BBQ; Duncan Harrison, Princeton University; Pat Hartpence, NJM Insurance Group; Jeannine LaRue, The Zita Group; Shirley Michael, Greater Trenton; Aquatia Owens, PNC Wealth Advisors; John Rogers, NJM Insurance Group; George Sowa, Greater Trenton; and Mike Van Wagner, Retired NJM Insurance Group executive. Greater Trenton would also like to extend its appreciation to the event’s generous sponsors, without whom this celebration would not be possible.

A portion of proceeds from this event will be designated to support scholarships, internships, and opportunities that will benefit Trenton’s youth. For information on how you can join the effort to memorialize Caren’s extraordinary legacy while helping Greater Trenton reboot, refresh, and reinvigorate our Capital City, please contact Greater Trenton at 609-473-2837 for additional information. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and thank you to all those who helped make this year’s celebration the most memorable yet.

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