Deck the Halls with us!

This year’s Deck the Halls celebration will be honoring Toni’s Kitchen Food Ministry & Deborah Jeanne Hirsch at Montclair Art Museum.

Saturday, November 22, 2025, 6:30 – 10 PM

Join us for an elaborate cocktail reception, live music, and a silent auction. Festive cocktail attire please!

Interested in placing a tribute journal ad or sponsorship for the honorees or reserving tickets to the festive soirée? Businesses and nonprofits are welcome to place journal ads. Rates and details at the link below. The printed journal is now closed so tributes and names of sponsorships purchased after the deadline will not be included in the printed journal. 

Tickets will not be sold at the door. If you are paying by check, please print this form Deck the Halls 2025 and mail to Van Vleck House, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042. Questions? Please contact Info@vanvleck.org.

Stay tuned for updates and news about this year’s very special event at Montclair Art Museum!

Deck the Halls is a benefit in support of The Montclair Foundation/Van Vleck House & Gardens.

About the honorees

Video of Anne Mernin and Montclair Foundation Grants Chair Peggy Deehan discussing our 2024 Grant to Toni’s Kitchen

Toni’s Kitchen: A Lifeline for Essex County’s Underserved
At the heart of Essex County, Toni’s Kitchen continues to be a beacon of hope for individuals
and families facing food insecurity. Rooted in compassion and driven by a mission to serve with
dignity, Toni’s Kitchen provides not only nourishing meals and groceries, but also a welcoming
space for support and connection.
Founded 43 years ago, what began as a small, grassroots effort has grown into a vital
community resource that now engages over 2,600 dedicated volunteers, all united by a single
mission: to ensure that no one in their community goes to bed hungry.
Through a wide range of programs —from their food pantry to outreach services —Toni’s
Kitchen serves thousands each year. But their work goes beyond food: it’s about building a
community where people feel seen, supported, and valued.
The organization’s continued impact is a testament to the tireless efforts of its staff, volunteers,
and donors. In a world where need is great, Toni’s Kitchen stands as a powerful reminder that
empathy, community, and shared purpose can make all the difference.

Honoring Deborah Jeanne Hirsch
Deborah Hirsch’s selfless dedication to her community is a testament to the power of
volunteerism and the lasting impact one individual can have on a town. Over the course of
several decades, Deborah has devoted countless hours to organizations that have shaped and
enriched the Montclair area. As a passionate volunteer with the Montclair Foundation, the
Garden Club of Montclair, and the Montclair Art Museum, she has worked tirelessly to bring
beauty, culture, and support to the people around her. Her commitment to these causes has
not only fostered a deeper sense of community but also served as an inspiring example of what
it means to give back.
Deborah’s tireless spirit and genuine love for her community have helped create vibrant spaces
for residents to engage with the arts, the environment, and one another. Her efforts have
ensured that the legacy of these organizations continues to thrive for generations to come. It is
with great admiration and gratitude that we honor Deborah Hirsch for her remarkable
contributions and unwavering dedication to her community.