Mercy Center Welcomes New Development Director, Kara Grimes

Empowering Growth

Mercy Center Welcomes New Development Director, Kara Grimes

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Sept. 5, 2024) – Mercy Center, the nonprofit on a mission to end generational poverty in the greater Asbury Park region, is pleased to welcome Kara Grimes as its new development director.

Grimes, a resident of Oceanport, joined the Mercy Center team Sept. 4 and brings extensive experience and a history of notable achievements in nonprofit fundraising and communications. Most recently, she served as development and communcation director at Mary’s Place by the Sea, a nonprofit based in Ocean Grove that offers women battling cancer peaceful retreats steps from the ocean.

During her seven-year tenure there, Grimes successfully raised $1.4 million annually, increased budgeted revenue year over year, and produced an Emmy award-winning video that effectively communicated the organization’s mission and impact. Prior to her role at Mary’s Place by the Sea, she served as vice president of events at the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce and also led events at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

At Mercy Center, Grimes will be responsible for leading all fundraising initiatives, including overseeing major gifts, individual giving, planned giving, special events and an upcoming capital campaign to expand the organization’s facilities. In addition, she will manage the organization’s marketing and communications efforts, helping to amplify Mercy Center’s mission and increase its reach within the community.

Mercy Center’s Executive Director Kim Guadagno expressed enthusiasm for Kara’s arrival, stating, “We are incredibly fortunate to have Kara join our team. Her experience, particularly at Mary’s Place by the Sea, demonstrates her ability to connect with donors and drive significant fundraising success. We are confident that Kara’s leadership will help us achieve new heights in our mission to break the cycle of poverty in our community, one child, one family at a time.”

Grimes said she is thrilled to join the Mercy Center and contribute to such a meaningful mission. “I look forward to collaborating with the board of directors and the team to build strong, lasting relationships that will support the incredible, life changing work being done here in the Asbury Park community and beyond,” she said.

Photo Credit: Mercy Center
Photo Caption: Kara Grimes, of Oceanport, is the new director of development at Mercy Center, based in Asbury Park.

About Mercy Center

Mercy Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, is a nonprofit charitable organization working to break the cycle of generational poverty in the greater Asbury Park area. Our food pantry nourishes families, caring programs and services help stabilize them, and our Sisters Academy provides a quality education to put an end to the cycle of poverty, one child, one family at a time. To donate, volunteer or learn more about how we empower, enrich, and educate the people we serve, visit www.MercyCenterNJ.org.

###