
HOME of Somerset County
Gala
Benefiting Project HOMEBase, a Capital Campaign for HOME
Join us for a celebration of community, generosity, and incredible people
— like YOU — who make it all possible.
April 3, 2025
Raritan Valley Country Club
Rt. 28 Bridgewater, NJ
6:00-10:00 p.m.
Cocktail Hour (Beer & Wine), Dinner, Basket Auction
Awards Ceremony
We're proud to recognize this year's honorees:
BILL JONAT
MEMORIAL AWARD
Kathy Rue, Branchburg

We are honored to celebrate Kathy Rue for her service to our HOME community. Kathy’s connection to HOME started during her career working as the Welfare Director in Branchburg Township. For over 30 years, Kathy has been a leader on the HOME Board of Directors, where she has held roles as President, Vice President and Secretary. Kathy has been an active congregant at North Branch Reformed Church for over 40 years, where she has served on the Mission Committee and as Chairman of the Kirkside shared home for seniors. Kathy was instrumental in the development of the Sunrise House partnership between HOME and North Branch Reformed Church, an initiative that provides transitional housing for HOME’s shelter clients. We are deeply grateful for her remarkable contributions and proud to honor Kathy for her dedication and leadership.
BEACON AWARD
LaFontaine & Budd, Inc., Somerville

LaFontaine & Budd, an established property and casualty insurance agency in Somerville, has been serving individuals and businesses for more than 80 years. Douglas LaFontaine and Frank Budd founded the agency in 1940. James T. Rick, Sr. acquired the agency and operated the business from 1963 until 2003. Today, the agency is led by Jamie Rick, co-owner and president, alongside Mike McCurry, vice-president and secretary. Jamie also serves as the account manager for HOME of Somerset County. His connection to HOME is deeply personal—Jamie recalls when his father first wrote insurance policies for the organization in the early 1990s. The relationship between LaFontaine & Budd and HOME is incredibly meaningful, and Jamie notes the people and the bonds that are forged through this partnership are truly what make it special. LaFontaine & Budd views the opportunity to work with HOME as both a professional responsibility and a heartfelt honor.
FAITH IN ACTION AWARD
Liquid Church, Somerville

Liquid Church is a vibrant, non-denominational Christian congregation with seven locations across central and northern New Jersey. For the past 3½ years, Pastor Chris Capua has served the Somerset County location, guiding 350-400 congregants a week with a passion for spiritual growth and community service. Concerns about homelessness and food insecurity are what led the church to HOME of Somerset County. On June 1, 2024 well over 100 volunteers from the church came together at HOME’s office to transform the Flynn Day Center, along with the resource area and the client’s storage area. Children painted inspirational rocks lining the front walkway, while volunteers completed a major beautification of the gardens and a stunning renovation of the building’s interior. As Pastor Chris described, this revitalization was about more than just physical improvements—it was about “jumpstarting the next season of life” for HOME’S clients.
INSPIRATION AWARD
Church of the Immaculate Conception, Somerville

The Church of the Immaculate Conception serves as the heart of the Catholic faith community in Somerville and neighboring towns. With a membership of over 4,000 households, the parish provides faith-based education for children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and a Children’s Faith Formation program. In addition to its spiritual mission, the church is deeply committed to community outreach and services throughout Somerset County. For more than three decades, the parish has been a steadfast supporter of HOME. A parish facility has been a “home” to HOME since it’s founding over 33 years ago, showing a deep commitment to helping at-risk families. As Msgr. Joseph Celano aptly put it, “We are proud to support HOME and the outstanding work they do for families in need across Somerset County.” Msgr. Celano first became involved with the then Interfaith Hospitality Network while pastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, supporting the mission of IHN by opening the parish’s facilities as a temporary shelter to homeless families and by encouraging parishioner participation in and support for IHN.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the HOMEBase Capital Campaign,
fueling the next chapter of our shared vision.
Tickets: $150 per person
Includes a $75 tax-deductible donation.
Tables of 10: $1,500
Includes a full-page ad in our Gala booklet to spotlight your support.
Or call the office at 908-704-1920 to reserve your tickets.