spotlight
gala

A legacy of building community through the arts: Introducing the John Schreiber Social Impact Fund 

At the Women@NJPAC Spotlight Gala, we celebrate all the ways our Arts Center serves its community. This year, we’ll also celebrate one of our own as we present the Founders Award to a leader who’s had an unprecedented impact on our work for 15 years: NJPAC’s President and CEO, John Schreiber.

From the TD James Moody Jazz Festival and the Arts Center’s Community Engagement department to the reimagining of our campus and the establishment of the Lionsgate Newark film studio, John has dreamed up countless new ways for NJPAC to harness the arts to make positive change in Newark and across New Jersey. And then he’s made those dreams realities.

Proceeds from the Gala will support the new John Schreiber Social Impact Fund — dedicated to ensuring the growth of NJPAC’s Arts & Well-Being, Arts Education and Community Engagement initiatives. Gifts of $25,000 and above will be permanently recognized on a commemorative plaque.

The gala is always a night of exhilarating performances and joyful mingling. This year, let’s make it a night that supercharges NJPAC’s ability to transform lives through the arts.

 2026 founders award honoree 

 featured performance 

John Pizzarelli quartet with guests Tony Award winner Lillias White and Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition winner April May Webb. With a special performance by GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz pianist Bill Charlap.

John Pizzarelli — guitarist, singer, Garden State native and veteran FOS (friend of Schreiber) — will entertain with a set representing the best of the Great American Songbook. These two Johns have been pals for four decades and share a love of all things jazz and Jersey. Odds are good “I Like Jersey Best” will be part of the show!

 schedule of events 

Attire: Festive black tie 

5:30 – 11PM Cocktails, Gourmet Dinner, Performance and After-Party

 contact us 

For more information about sponsorships and tickets, please contact Women@NJPAC at women@njpac.org or call Sarah Rosen, Managing Director at 973.297.5806.