The 7th Annual Caren Franzini Capital City Award Celebration will take place at Cooper’s Riverview in Trenton on December 3rd, 2024, at 5 p.m. Leaders from business, education, government, clergy, and the community will converge in Trenton to reflect on Caren Franzini’s legacy, partake in forward-thinking conversations, and witness the presentation of the Caren Franzini Capital City Award to The Smith Family Foundation, an organization devoted to education, cultivation, and transformation within the Trenton community. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the presentation of this year’s Business Impact Award to Freddie & Rosa Rosado, two Trenton-based entrepreneurs with a passion for giving back to their city. We are also pleased that Sam Frisby, YMCA USA’s Director of Strategic Intervention and Mercer County Commissioner, will serve as the event’s emcee.
In May of 2016, the Smith Family – Pearlie Smith and her 7 children – were bestowed a significant financial blessing. Empowered by this remarkable opportunity, the Smith Family made a commitment to giving back in their hometown of Trenton. While the organization was founded within the last 10 years, the seeds for the foundation were planted years before in the heart of South Trenton. Ms. Smith made sure her children attended church and understood the importance of education in creating a better life – all while working as a paraprofessional for Trenton Public Schools. The influence of her example and the values she instilled is seen in the educational path and career choices of all of the Smith children. Now, The Smith Family Foundation is equipping the next generation of Trentonians for education, success, and greatness. For more information regarding The Smith Family Foundation and how you can support their work, please visit their website, linked here: SFFNJ – Home.
The Business Impact Award recipients, Freddie and Rosa Rosado, were both born and raised in Trenton. They have been McDonald’s Owner/Operators for over 26 years. During their 26 years as McDonald’s franchisees, they have owned and operated up to 6 restaurants and employed over 400 in Philadelphia for almost 20 years before selling them all to open their current restaurant in Trenton. As Owner/Operators, they have received much recognition for their outstanding business operations from the McDonald’s Corporation. Currently, Freddie and Rosa continue their involvement in supporting the youth of Trenton. Annually, they give a scholarship to a selected high school student to use towards furthering their education. Additionally, they offer college tuition assistance to their employees to help them continue their education. They are always committed to give back to the community that they call home. But what will always bring them the most joy is being parents, spending time with their family, and serving their church and community.
Each year, Greater Trenton hosts this celebration to honor the legacy of Caren Franzini, former New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO and a founding member of Greater Trenton. The award is presented to exceptional leaders in the Trenton area whose work has contributed to the development and revitalization of the Capital City. Past honorees include John Hatch and David Henderson, John Harmon, Drs. George and Pamela Pruitt, Anthony “Skip” Cimino, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Anthony R. Coscia, Esq. The Business Impact Award had previously been presented to Reggie Hallett of 1911 Smokehouse, the award’s inaugural recipient.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will support scholarships, internships and opportunities for Trenton’s youth. For ticket registration and sponsorship information, please visit https://www.greatertrenton.org/capitalcityaward/.
