In the heart of Willingboro, New Jersey, a vibrant community gathering took place, showcasing the power of barbecue and conversation in fostering connections. This event, organized by WHYY and the Willingboro Community Development Corporation, brought together over 100 residents, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared experiences. The Willingboro Library Park served as the backdrop for this heartwarming scene, where neighbors met, local organizations connected, and the aroma of barbecue filled the air.
The barbecue was more than just a meal; it was a strategic move by WHYY to strengthen community ties in South and Central Jersey. Sarah Glover, WHYY's vice president of news and civic dialogue, emphasized the importance of meeting the community on their own turf, stating, 'Our news team is one of the most trusted news sources in the Delaware Valley. How we build that trust with our audience is meeting them where they are.' This event was a testament to that commitment.
Patricia Lindsay-Harvey, president of the Willingboro Community Development Corporation Board of Directors, echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for WHYY's partnership. 'This is a wonderful environment, and I’ve met a lot of people I didn’t even know,' she said. 'We’re really appreciative that WHYY sees value in Willingboro and wanted to partner with us.'
The Willingboro CDC, a nonprofit organization, plays a pivotal role in improving residents' quality of life through engagement, economic development, and sustainable initiatives. During the event, the Conglomerate Performance squad, a team of young women, showcased their leadership and talent with a drill, majorette, and step performance, inspiring the community.
Willingboro Mayor Samantha Whitfield highlighted the town's commitment to community engagement, stating, 'So this kind of event contributes to the sense of community that we are trying to nurture.' The complimentary lunch, prepared by 1911 Smokehouse BBQ, was a hit, with dishes like ribs, hamburgers, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and vegan sausages satisfying the crowd.
Gail Fountaine, a Willingboro resident, praised the event's ability to bring people together, saying, 'It brings people together, and we love that. These events build relationships. It’s multigenerational, and that’s what it’s all about.' Lavonne Bebler Johnson, a former mayor, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community connections, 'It’s great to have WHYY hear about what’s going on in the community. And if you don’t have community, you just have a bunch of houses.'
The event also served as a platform for local leaders and organizations to connect with the community. Tiana Harvey, a 16-year-old resident, enjoyed the food and the opportunity to meet new people, saying, 'You meet a lot of people from different backgrounds and find out about their personalities.' Allison Eckel, deputy director of the Burlington County Board of Commissioners, agreed, emphasizing the value of such gatherings in understanding the diverse needs of the community.
The presence of organizations like the Burlington County Sheriff's Office, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, and local businesses showcased the event's impact on community engagement and support. Brandi Harding, from the Department of Children and Families, highlighted the importance of fostering connections, 'All it takes is one individual or one family to make a life-changing difference for a child.'
Sarah Glover concluded, 'Our focus, our mission, is to be of public service, and we get story ideas from interacting with citizens, audience members, and members of the community. It separates us from other news sources, and we’re grateful to be able to serve the community.' This event was a perfect example of WHYY's commitment to community-building and public service, leaving a lasting impact on the residents of Willingboro and beyond.
