Etta Denk’s long history with CFBNJ dates to the start of her career in financial services more than three decades ago.
“I have been in the industry for over thirty years, helping to support the revitalization of our communities and address the challenges that prevent individuals and families from achieving economic success,” she explained. In every role she’s held, this work has enabled her to partner with the FoodBank.
Today, Etta is responsible for community relations and corporate philanthropy at Bank of America in New Jersey. The company has long supported CFBNJ through generous grants and hands-on volunteerism. She’s proud of the good work her company does to help feed neighbors in need.
“Annually, we have hundreds of teammates here in New Jersey from Bank of America volunteering at the FoodBank,” Etta said. “They get to develop a greater appreciation for the impact that the FoodBank has serving those in need.”
Etta is one such team member who’s spent countless hours in CFBNJ’s warehouse, volunteering and attending events like Workforce Development graduation and the Blue Jean Ball.
“I’ve been to the Blue Jean Ball over ten times, and it’s always a great event,” she recalled. “Back when it was held in the warehouse, it was amazing to see the FoodBank transform into a beautiful party atmosphere. While the Blue Jean Ball has outgrown the CFBNJ location, it still has that same fun feel today – and we still get to wear jeans!”
Attending the Blue Jean Ball has given Etta some of her favorite memories of the FoodBank, and she also treasures the time she spent with CFBNJ’s founder, Kathleen DiChiara.
“Kathleen was a wonderful person who was very, very passionate about serving the people,” she said. “I could always see the passion emanating from her and everything she did and every person she touched.”
This dedication inspired innovative new ways to serve the community, which Kathleen would pitch to partners like Etta for support as she worked to bring them to life.
“Kathleen was truly devoted,” Etta reflected. “You could see her eyes light up and the twinkle there when she had an idea. It was wonderful to see because you knew she was brainstorming a creative way to work together.”
Thanks to Bank of America’s commitment to addressing food insecurity, the company has supported CFBNJ’s emergency response and so many other initiatives, helping the FoodBank to persevere through the decades.
“I’ve watched CFBNJ grow over the years and become one of the most important organizations in the state addressing food insecurity,” she said.