Teens from the Essex-Hudson Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. raised $15,000 for youth development and educational initiatives through a community walk-a-thon celebrating service, philanthropy and the legacy of a young girl whose life was lost during the Civil Rights Movement.
Held Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Monte Irvin Community Center in Orange, New Jersey, the event marked both Carole Robertson Day and Jack and Jill Day. The celebration brought together families, community members and local supporters for a day of fundraising, entertainment and community engagement.
The teens selected the Kool Kids Foundation as the primary beneficiary, raising $10,000 for the West Orange-based nonprofit. Founded by Robert “Kool” Bell, co-founder and leader of Grammy Award-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group Kool & the Gang, and his late wife, Sakinah Bell, the organization works to preserve music education opportunities for young people.
The foundation supports students by providing musical instruments, instruction and performance opportunities, particularly as school budgets continue to limit access to arts education.
Bell attended the celebration with his son, Hakim Bell, president of the Kool Kids Foundation, to accept the donation from Caleb Greenfield, the chapter’s Teen Foundation Chair. Students supported by the organization also performed for attendees, demonstrating the impact of its music education programs.
An additional $5,000 was raised for the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic arm, which supports initiatives benefiting African American children and families nationwide.
Rhia Randolph, Teen President of the Essex-Hudson Chapter, emphasized the importance of connecting the organization’s history with meaningful community service.
Beyond fundraising, the free event featured an HBCU homecoming-inspired atmosphere, complimentary health screenings and hands-on CPR instruction. Teen volunteers also assembled backpacks for children attending the Boys & Girls Club of Hudson County, helping local students prepare for the school year.
Carole Robertson Day honors the memory of Robertson, who was among four young girls killed in the September 15, 1963, bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley and Denise McNair also lost their lives in the attack. Robertson was a member of Jack and Jill of America, and chapters across the country commemorate her life each September through community service.
Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers dedicated to developing future African American leaders through leadership development, volunteerism, philanthropy and civic engagement.
The Essex-Hudson Chapter, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary during the 2026–2027 program year, serves families throughout Essex and Hudson counties.