Mayor Albert Kelly, Assemblymen Antwan McClellan, Erik Simonsen, Others Celebrated at Manna From Heaven Event
Photo courtesy of City of Bridgeton.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
PITTSGROVE — Outgoing Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly along with Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen will be hoored at the Manna From Heaven Helping Hands Celebration at The Grove at Centerton, on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Manna From Heaven, a Bridgeton?based nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity across Southern New Jersey, will host the celebration at 11 a.m. The annual event recognizes residents who have made a meaningful impact in their communities while raising funds to support families in need.
Kelly, whose 14 years of leadership have shaped the city’s modern identity. Serves Bridgeton’s first African American mayor. He is widely respected for his work expanding social services, strengthening community partnerships, and championing anti?poverty initiatives.
His long tenure also includes founding and growing Gateway Community Action Partnership, one of the region’s most influential social?service agencies. His recognition by Manna From Heaven underscores his continued commitment to service as he prepares to leave office.
Celebrating Community Impact
Longtime NJ Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen will also be recognized at the event. Organizers said the 2026 honoree list reflects a broad cross?section of civic, nonprofit, and business leaders.
Other honorees include: Dr. Rhonda Hazel, Tonya May?Avent, Michael Testa Sr., Skip Luisi, Roberta Stewart, Herb Godfrey, Crystal Brown, Anthony Ashman, Albert Kelly, Martha Torres, Chris Tavani, Sandy Taylor, and Lisa Williams. Mike Testa, Sr., is the father of NJ Sen. Mike Testa, Jr.
The event is presented by Angie Edwards, founder and executive director of Manna From Heaven.
Founded in Bridgeton and formally recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Manna From Heaven provides meals and groceries year?round to residents facing food insecurity. The organization distributes fresh food, partners with regional food?recovery programs, and offers support services ranging from bill?assistance resources to counseling and prayer.
Its mission is rooted in ensuring that no family in South Jersey goes hungry, and its work has grown significantly in recent years.
According to public nonprofit filings, Manna From Heaven reported $132,400 in revenue in 2025, a substantial increase from the previous year, reflecting expanding community support and grant funding. The organization is led by Angelia (Angie) Edwards, who has become a key figure in Bridgeton’s grassroots hunger?relief efforts.
Manna From Heaven also operates regular food?distribution days, collaborates with partners such as Waste Hunger Not Food and regional food banks, and provides free groceries without requiring identification—an approach designed to remove barriers for families in crisis.
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