The Westfield Foundation believes in the power of community and the importance of creating opportunities that enrich lives. That belief comes to life through partnerships with organizations like new grantee Wharton Arts, New Jersey’s largest nonprofit performing arts education organization. Serving nearly 2,000 students across 12 counties, Wharton Arts opens the doors of music education to every child—regardless of financial circumstance.
Through our recent grant, seven students from Westfield and Garwood are receiving full or partial scholarships, giving them the chance to study violin, perform with the New Jersey Youth Symphony, or sing with Coriste, the premier ensemble of the New Jersey Youth Chorus. These opportunities not only nurture artistic talent but also instill discipline, teamwork, and confidence—qualities that prepare young people for success far beyond the stage.
As Debra Joyal, Director of the Performing Arts School, notes: “We are deeply grateful to the Westfield Foundation for their generous support. The creation of these scholarships enables us to carry out our mission by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to private lessons and group classes. Wharton Arts believes that performing arts education should be accessible to all, and this partnership allows us to make that belief a reality.”
Gina Caruso, Executive Director of Wharton Arts, adds: “I am truly delighted that we’ve received this support. As a scholarship student myself from a family of seven children, my scholarship for piano gave me a sense of discipline, focus, and the pleasure of mastering and memorizing music for recitals. My love for music and understanding of the impact of scholarship is particularly meaningful for me, and I am grateful that today’s students have similar opportunities thanks to the Westfield Foundation.”
Katie Darcy, Executive Director of The Westfield Foundation, reflects: “Guided by our vision of a stronger, more inclusive community, we are proud to act as a catalyst—partnering with organizations that create lasting impact and inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.” The mission of The Westfield Foundation is to support nonprofit organizations that foster positive change and elevate Westfield, New Jersey, and surrounding communities.
Through purposeful investments in Education, the Arts, Community Development, and Health and Social Services, the Foundation is committed to addressing critical community challenges, fostering opportunities for growth and equity, and cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships to create lasting impact.
The Westfield Foundation is an organization driven by a deep sense of purpose. Our mission is rooted in promoting the betterment of local citizens and enriching their quality of life. We achieve this by providing charitable funds to meet community needs, using resources efficiently to address key concerns and adapt to changing needs, all while sustaining agencies and institutions. We act as stewards for donors who entrust assets to us and offer community leadership as a catalyst, identifying and responding to problems and opportunities effectively.
Our vision extends beyond the present, and we are constantly seeking opportunities to anticipate and address the evolving needs of our community. By fostering collaboration, we empower local leaders and residents to collectively shape the future of Westfield. We invite you to join us on this journey of progress, where together, we can create a community that thrives and shines as a model for generations to come.