South Jersey Business Teams Up With New Jersey Mayor for Anniversary Fundraiser

Even though Juneteenth was first recognized as a Federal Holiday in 2021, the history of July 19th celebrations dates back to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, reviving attention to the historic date, with many local and state government officials leading the charge for recognition in recent decades.

On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger was directed to order the final enforcement of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, the final frontier of the Civil War. The first state to give official recognition to the Juneteenth Holiday and Ceremonies is also Texas.

New Jersey became the 12th state to officially observe Juneteenth in 2004, and ironically, the 7th state that was a member of the Union in the Civil War to recognize the holiday. The Garden State was one of the Underground Railroad states and a popular destination for southerners looking to escape Jim Crow Law enforcement in segregated states.

For June 19th in 2025, one South Jersey Mayor is pairing a business anniversary with the opportunity to raise money for a Juneteenth cause.

New Jersey Business Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary and Juneteenth

Located near the corner of 50th Street and Landis Avenue in Sea Isle City, The Fractured Prune is celebrating its 5-year anniversary with an event on Thursday, June 19th. The event will feature special "birthday donuts" and face painting for kids plus prize giveaways.

Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio will serve as Celebrity Dipper from 10 am – 11 am, with all donut proceeds that hour will be used to support the following local organizations:

-Shiloh Baptist Church in Ocean City
-VFW Post 1963 and Post 1963’s Auxiliary in Sea Isle City

Since 1912, Shiloh Baptist Church has been serving the community with Church Services and Religious Outreaches. The original church building was destroyed by a fire, and the current 7th Street church building was purchased in 1927.

Chartered in 1953, the Sea Isle City Memorial Post 1963 is located at the corner of Cini Avenue and 41st Street. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post and 1963 Auxiliary have been raising money to serve veterans from all military branches for over 70 years.

The Fractured Prune in Sea Isle City is a local favorite of Philadelphia Eagles Legend and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Kelce. Along with Mike's Seafood and The OD Bar, Kelce visits The Fractured Prune when he stays at his Beach House in town.

"The Fat Kelce" donut at The Fractured Prune is a special treat with proceeds benefiting Kelce's Team62 Fundraiser event in Sea Isle City each summer. Here are the highlights from last year's fundraising event that set fundraising records for the Eagles Autism Foundation: