How long have you been around?
The foundation was founded in 2000 by Jim Greberis and Brett Haire
Why is the Summit Diner your world headquarters?
The Summit Diner is a very transparent almost 100 year old iconic fixture in Summit. Everyone is treated equally in the Summit Diner. Because the food is uniquely Jersey and because of its warm and welcoming family atmosphere, we believe it reflects the values we want people to associate with our small foundation.
What is your mission?
We exist to help New Jersey families in distress.
What sorts of folks have you helped?
We have assisted families with many different challenges ranging from paying the rent, funeral expenses, families rendered homeless because of fires, overwhelming medical challenges, or sudden job loss. We also help Summit’s non – profits raise money. EXAMPLE: Several years ago, we raised $5,000,000 for the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad to rebuild their headquarters. These very selfless volunteers have every family’s back in Summit and culturally are perhaps our closest allies. They are in the business of helping others and find it uncomfortable and awkward when they find themselves asking the community for help. They have a great story, and we see ourselves as their storytellers.
Where is your money custodied?
We are a 501 c-3 organization operating under the umbrella of the New Jersey Community Foundation in Morristown. All our assets are custodied and managed by the CFNJ. For efficiency, we operate as a Donor Advised Fund.
How quickly do you respond to families in crisis?
We are a small organization. In some cases, being small is a problem. For us, it is perhaps our defining strength. When we learn of a problem, we respond VERY quickly. We do not have a formal foundation structure. We operate like a SEAL team, quietly and very quickly. Over the years, we have learned that the 1st dollar of help for a family in trouble is the most important because it kindles the spirit of hope that the family will get through the crisis.
How are you governed?
We are governed by a small, totally volunteer board of 8 members. Please see our Board Members on the Board section of this website. Our operating expenses are tiny. There is no mahogany anywhere. The Board does everything together. Because we are small, very lean, and communicate instantly with each other, the speed of response is our calling card.
How do you find out about families in financial crisis?
We have close working relationships with organizations and people who bump into families with problems. EXAMPLE: Summit’s Mayor, Summit’s Common Council, Summit’s Chief of Police, Summit’s Fire Chief, Summit School teachers and principles and countless friends who all serve as community radar stations for families in distress.
Where do you get your money to help families?
Once / year, usually in November, through an annual appeal letter, we ask the Summit Community to help us if they can. Over the years, we have been exceptionally fortunate because the Summit family has been very generous to us