Kessler Foundation To Hold ‘Celebration Of Inclusion’ In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Kessler Foundation. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Kessler Foundation is set to host its annual free Fall Fest, “A Celebration of Inclusion,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 from noon to 3 p.m. This annual event, held at the Kessler Campus at 1199 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, brings together people with disabilities, their caregivers, and supporters for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship. There will be food trucks, carnival games, face painting, and research demonstrations.

Through the festival, which typically attracts 500 attendees annually, Kessler Foundation raises vital funds to advance research and employment initiatives that help individuals with neurological disabilities regain their independence and return to their communities and the workplace. Those who make a gift of $25 or more will receive a Fall Fest t-shirt.

“Fall Fest is a powerful reminder of our mission to change lives through science and inclusion,” said Michele Pignatello, the Foundation’s Chief Development Officer and Vice President, Development and Communications, said, adding, “We are so grateful for the unwavering support of our community, which makes our work possible.”

The event is made possible through the generous support of partners and sponsors. Gibbons, a law firm with offices in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, DC, and Florida, has been a key sponsor for two decades.

“At Gibbons, our commitment to corporate citizenship is at the heart of everything we do,” said Robert Rudnick, a Director in the Intellectual Property Group at the firm. “We are honored to continue our longstanding partnership with Kessler Foundation. Their dedication to empowering people with disabilities through research and employment aligns with our firm’s values of service and community impact.”

All proceeds from Fall Fest 2025 advances Kessler Foundation’s rehabilitation research and employment initiatives that help people with disabilities return to their homes, communities, and workplaces. The event is an impactful way for sponsors and attendees to connect with the disability community in a celebration of accessibility and inclusion. To get involved, contact Shelby Nielsen at snielsen@kesslerfoundation.org or call 973-324-8430.

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