The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) honored New Jersey Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese with the Creative Communities Award at the organization's Community Changemaker Night. He was joined by four exemplary community heroes for their remarkable contributions to make life better in North Jersey.

The celebration took place at a cocktail reception held at Forte Ristorante in Hackensack, New Jersey. The NNJCF is a not-for-profit, 501 c (3) organization headquartered in Hackensack that serves North Jersey.

New Jersey Assemblyman (District 36) Clinton Calabrese – Creative Communities Award for helping communities through the arts, supporting artists, or enhancing cultural ecosystems. As a dedicated advocate for the arts, Assemblyman Calabrese played a pivotal role in fostering cultural initiatives in his hometown of Cliffside Park. He co-founded the Cliffside Park Arts Association, which brought together artists and community members to create ‘The Hub’, a space that hosts poetry nights, art exhibits and live music in the borough. As an advocate of the arts as a vital contributor to New Jersey's economy, he co-sponsored legislation allocating $70 million in federal funds to the Economic Development Authority to support arts and culture organizations adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festivities were emceed by Bergen Record columnist and humorist Bill Ervolino performing in conjunction with a fun, interactive game-show awards ceremony presented by Ryan Huban of Howdy Stranger. Guests networked with other leaders and advocates dedicated to making North Jersey a better place to live, work and be.