Bergen County (New Jersey): — With deep sadness, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County announces the passing of Barbara Strauss, president of the Board of Managers. Strauss, a resident of Englewood Cliffs, was an active member of the Board of Managers for nine years and served as President for 14 months.
She was involved with the organization in a variety of capacities, including Chair of the Events and Development Committees and Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary on the Board of Managers. In 2020, Strauss and her husband, Tom Manolio, received The Chest’s Outstanding Volunteers Award for their numerous activities and contributions in the community.
For over 20 years, she worked in the insurance industry and was Executive Vice President at York International. Strauss, who was known as a consummate professional, shared her passion for The Community Chest’s work with her clients and friends. Frequently, they attended the organization’s events and became contributors and supporters.
“The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s Board of Managers will miss Barbara Strauss very much. Barbara was very passionate about The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s work. She loved that we helped so many different populations and shared our resources with a range of agencies. In recent years, she was very engaged with our work helping the food insecure, Hurricane Ida’s victims and young people in the community, who volunteered their time and benefited from the scholarships we awarded.
“The Community Chest plans to memorialize the valuable work Barbara did with us by establishing a fund in her name. We know she would want others to continue supporting the work we undertake that was so important to her personally,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County.
People may make a contribution in memory of Barbara Strauss by sending a check made out to The Community Chest. Donations of any size may be sent to 122 South Van Brunt Street, 2nd Floor, Englewood, New Jersey 07631. Donations are tax-deductible, as permitted by law. For information, call 201-568-7474 or contact shelly@
About The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County
Founded in 1933, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, has supported local not-for-profit agencies for nearly 90 years. The Chest leads initiatives and supports nonprofits that make our communities stronger and benefit people in need in eastern Bergen County. Each year, The Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to local citizens. The organization also provides coordinating and planning services in its communities, serving as a bridge between agencies and organizations and investing in the stability and quality of the service network.
The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County’s Board of Managers is comprised of community leaders dedicated to improving the lives of neighbors in need. People interested in being considered for board membership may contact Executive Director Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer at (201) 568-7474.
For further information about The Chest, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org/ or contact (201) 568-7474. Stay updated about the organization’s activities on Facebook and Instagram.
Photo: Richard Kennedy, Past President of The Community Chest, (left) and Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer (far right) presented Barbara Strauss and her husband, Tom Manolio (center), the Outstanding Volunteers Award. Photo Credit. Sandy Pinto