SECAUCUS, New Jersey, Nov. 6, 2026 – The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey’s (Partnership) Cooking & Conversation event returns on November 19 at the Montclair Mezzanine. This fundraiser supports the Partnership’s pregnancy and family health programs, highlights community leadership, and features an interactive cooking demonstration.
“We bring together healthcare and business professionals, community leaders, and advocates for an unforgettable evening of delicious food and conversation to continue advancing maternal-child health,” said Partnership President & CEO Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty. “I am also thrilled to take part in a meaningful conversation with Atiya Weiss, Executive Director of The Burke Foundation. Her work has shaped the Foundation into a leading philanthropic partner advancing maternal and child health, early childhood development, and family well-being across New Jersey.”
The “conversation” will feature a dynamic discussion between Vilceus-Talty and Weiss.
Under her leadership at The Burke Foundation, a New Jersey-based private foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families, Weiss has helped launch and scale innovative approaches to supporting families. These approaches include Family Connects NJ, which provides a universal nurse home visit to families with newborns, and the expansion of HealthySteps, an evidence-based model that integrates child development specialists into pediatric care.
The evening will begin with a festive reception. Chef Anthony will lead fun, lively cooking demonstrations, and attendees will receive recipes for each dish, plus a delectable dessert course to take home. Guests will enjoy three gourmet tastings created by Executive Chef Anthony D’Anna of Michelle’s Catering.
“Cooking & Conversation is not only a wonderful evening of connection and great food, but also an evening supporting our vital pregnancy and family health programs,” said Vilceus-Talty. “The generosity of our supporters helps bridge funding gaps that our grants don’t cover, assuring our programs have what they need to ensure safe, respectful births for all and that every family can thrive.”
Cooking & Conversation is generously sponsored by IT Radix, Atlantic Health, Valley Bank, Alliance Community Healthcare, Inc., T-Mobile, Public Strategies Impact, WSI, HM Marketing, HUB, W.B. Mason, St. Joseph’s Health, Wendy Warren, MD & Laszlo Fusezi, MD, and Allied Printing & Graphics.
Montclair Mezzanine, this year’s new venue for Cooking & Conversation, is located at 488 Bloomfield Avenue in downtown Montclair, in the same building as the Clairidge movie theater. Street parking and municipal parking lots are available nearby.
Event Details
- Thursday, November 19, 2026
- 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Montclair Mezzanine, 488 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ
- For tickets and more information, please visit: pmch.org/cooking
- Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To sponsor this event, email [email protected] or visit pmch.org/cooking to view sponsorship options.
About the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey:
The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey believes every mother deserves to be heard, respected, and safe, and every child deserves the healthiest start possible. Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the Partnership serves as the lead planning agency for maternal and child health services in northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, Morris, Warren, Passaic, and Sussex counties. The nonprofit is a partner in progress, working alongside families, clinicians, hospitals, and advocates to advance maternal health care. As New Jersey’s largest provider of maternal home visitation services, they proudly offer expert support directly in the home. The Partnership also provides community education and support programs that empower parents, address reproductive health care needs, foster early childhood & adolescent development, and work to keep families and communities healthy. They are changing the paradigm in maternal health by amplifying, supporting, and empowering communities to ensure safe, respectful births and that every family has the opportunity to thrive. To learn more and get connected, visit www.pmch.org or call 973-268-2280.