The article originally ran May 11, 2009 on nj.com.
North Ward Center Founder Stephen N. Adubato was honored at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center's annual Partners in Progress awards dinner.
Adubato was given the Community Award for his numerous contributions to the city of Newark during the last four decades.
Del Mauro said while Adubato is known for his "political prowess," it's only a "small part of what makes this man special."
"He never abandoned this city," Del Mauro said. "He believed in Newark's renaissance before it was fashionable. He is fanatically committed to improving the lives of the less fortunate. That's what the North Ward Center is all about."
Adubato, who founded the North Ward Center nearly 40 years ago, served as its executive director until last year. Adrianne Davis assumed the role of executive director last year while Adubato remains the guiding force of the organization.
The North Ward Center founded the Robert Treat Academy charter school, which was named a 2008 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon school; Casa Israel, a medical day care center serving up to 120 adults daily; the largest Abbott preschool in the state as well as recreation programs for thousands of youth in the city. The center is opening a new charter school in the Central Ward in August and is planning to open a Center for Autism by the fall of 2011.
This year's Partners in Progress dinner, held on the stage of the Performing Arts Center in Newark on April 30, honored those who have contributed their time and effort toward the growth and advancement of Newark.
Also recognized at the event were Dr. Frederick B. Cohen and his daughter, Dr. Alice J. Cohen, who received the medical award for their work in fighting cancer in the state. Frederick founded the first outpatient cancer clinic in New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center - what later became the Frederick B. Cohen M.D. Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Alice is the director of the division of Hematology and Oncology, which oversees the cancer center.
Receiving the corporate award was the Newark Alliance, which works in partnership with government, civic organizations, labor, the non-profit sector and the community to improve Newark's economy and public educational system. Al Koeppe, the president and chief executive officer of the alliance, accepted the award on its behalf.
Adubato said he was humbled by the award.
"The biggest honor for me is to be honored with Al Koeppe and Fred and Alice Cohen," he said.
