Mercer Street Friends Honors NJ Senator Shirley K. Turner, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Ken Blackwell

Sixth Annual Leadership Awards Celebration salutes those who serve others

Mercer Street Friends, a nonprofit organization serving families and individuals across Mercer County through food, family and education initiatives, will host its sixth annual Leadership Awards Celebration on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at its food bank warehouse in Ewing.

The event will recognize individuals and organizations whose outstanding leadership, partnership and commitment to the Mercer County community have advanced Mercer Street Friends’ mission of nourishing minds and bodies, and empowering families and communities. The 2026 honorees include:

Bloomberg Philanthropies – Corporate Leadership & Public Service Award

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ commitment to service is reflected in its long-standing partnership with Mercer Street Friends. Since 1998, Bloomberg employees have contributed more than 10,000 volunteer hours to Mercer Street Friends, supporting programs that provide food, resources and opportunities for families across the region.

Senator Shirley K. Turner – 2026 Humanitarian Award

Senator Shirley K. Turner has served New Jersey’s 15th Legislative District in the State Senate since 1997, following earlier service in the General Assembly and as a Mercer County Commissioner. A former educator and lifelong public servant, she has been a leading advocate for education, equity and economic opportunity, with a longstanding focus on strengthening outcomes for children and families. Senator Turner has championed initiatives including afterschool and youth programs and broader supports that help remove barriers to learning, including her support for the Mercer Street Friends Community Schools Initiative.

Ken Blackwell – Robert M. Appelbaum Service Award

Ken Blackwell has served on the Board of Mercer Street Friends since 2017 and as Board Chair since 2020, bringing decades of leadership and nonprofit experience to the role. His guidance and advocacy have helped expand the organization’s reach across Mercer County.

“Each year, the Leadership Awards Celebration gives us the opportunity to recognize the individuals and organizations whose compassion and commitment to our community improve the lives of our neighbors,” said Randall West, Chief Administrative Officer of Mercer Street Friends. “Our honorees exemplify the spirit of service that drives our mission forward, helping ensure families across our region have access to nutritious food, educational opportunities and the social-emotional support they need to thrive. We are proud to celebrate their leadership and partnership in building a stronger, more equitable Mercer County.”

The Leadership Awards Celebration will take place on June 9 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music and refreshments. For more information,  visit https://mercerstreetfriends.org/leadership-awards-celebration/

About Mercer Street Friends

As a Quaker-affiliated, nonsectarian 501(c)(3) organization, Mercer Street Friends is dedicated to nourishing minds and bodies, empowering families and communities by providing comprehensive programs to address poverty and the physical and emotional trauma it creates for children, families and the community. Their work is focused on three critical areas: food, families and education. To learn more about Mercer Street Friends, visit www.mercerstreetfriends.org.