Clinton Hill Community Action hosted its first Giving Tuesday Telethon on December 2, 2025, bringing neighbors, community leaders and partners together for a three-hour live event focused on storytelling, gratitude and collective action. The telethon took place at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (231 Seymour Ave., Newark, NJ) and served as both a celebration of community power and a call to support CHCA’s long-term vision for the neighborhood.
Throughout the broadcast, CHCA staff shared updates on ongoing work in housing, environmental justice, food and economic justice, arts and placemaking, and citizen journalism. Residents also spoke about how CHCA programs have supported their families, from securing healthy homes to gaining access to fresh food and learning new skills. Performances from local youth and artists added to the atmosphere and helped showcase the neighborhood’s creativity.
By the end of the event, the telethon raised $10,233.00 for the Clinton Hill Proud Campaign. These funds will support resident-led projects, expand program resources and help CHCA continue building a stronger, more connected community. CHCA leaders emphasized that this first telethon reflects the organization’s commitment to transparency and movement building.
“This telethon showed how much people care about the future of this neighborhood,” said Executive Director Khaatim Sherrer-El. “The energy in the room reminded us that we rise when we rise together. Every dollar supports the work residents are leading.”
The event also introduced viewers to the range of programs CHCA carries throughout the year. Staff and partners spoke about efforts such as Development Watch, Our Community Grocery Store, Healthy Homes workshops, Nourish to Flourish Farmers Market and community arts initiatives. The telethon’s live interviews gave residents a chance to see the people behind the programs and understand how the work connects.
The telethon included a multimedia recap of CHCA’s recent accomplishments and a preview of what is coming in 2026. Viewers were encouraged to donate and to stay involved by attending events, volunteering or joining upcoming campaigns.
Although the telethon has ended, CHCA shared that it is not too late to give. Supporters can still donate to the Clinton Hill Proud Campaign at:
CHCA plans to continue building on this momentum by making the telethon an annual tradition, offering new ways for residents to stay connected, share their stories and support the work shaping the future of Clinton Hill.
By Jaydeen DeCambre
