LITTLE FALLS, N.J. — If you are looking for a reason to drink bourbon and eat brisket while supporting Rutgers Hillel (the official Jewish campus life center at Rutgers University–New Brunswick), Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, and the legacy of organized labor, Bourbon & Brisket may be it.
For Rutgers alumni, the new event also offers an opportunity to reconnect with the Rutgers community while helping strengthen Jewish life on campus.
New Jersey Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie and her husband Ricky Bagolie, both Rutgers alumni, will host the inaugural Bourbon & Brisket reception and fundraiser on Tuesday, August 25, at Worlds End Farm Estate in Little Falls, N.J.
Presented by the newly formed Rosy Bagolie Civic Association, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, the evening will benefit Rutgers Hillel, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and the Frank Bagolie ILGWU Labor Legacy Fund.
“We wanted to create a fun and welcoming evening that brings people together while supporting organizations and communities that mean a great deal to our family,” Ricky Bagolie said in a press release. “For our fellow Rutgers alumni, it is also a chance to reconnect, support Hillel and help strengthen Jewish life for the next generation.”
The Frank Bagolie ILGWU Labor Legacy Fund honors Ricky Bagolie’s late grandfather, Frank Bagolie, who devoted more than 30 years to organized labor. He served as Business Manager of International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union Local 134 in Paterson and later as Western Manager for the ILGWU in Canada. He continued working on behalf of union members until his death during contract negotiations.
Designed to be flexible and guided by input from union leaders, the Fund will help workers, apprentices and future labor leaders meet practical costs often overlooked by traditional scholarships. These may include tools, uniforms, work clothing and footwear, skilled-trades education, professional certifications, workforce training, leadership development and studies at the Labor School.
“My grandfather was Sicilian and Jewish by choice, so this event brings together two important parts of his legacy, his Jewish faith and his life in organized labor,” Bagolie said. “Rosy and I named our oldest son, Frank, in his memory. Through this Fund, we hope to carry his values forward by creating opportunities for the next generation.”
The evening will feature Texas-style brisket, a premium bourbon tasting, an open bar, top notch cigars, live music and guests from New Jersey’s Jewish, Rutgers, labor, business and civic communities.
Organizers hope Bourbon & Brisket will become an annual community tradition.
Looking to the future, organizers hope the Bourbon & Brisket Fundraiser will become an annual community tradition.
Bourbon & Brisket
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Worlds End Farm Estate | 92 Ridge Road, Little Falls, NJ
Individual tickets are $200. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available.
For tickets, sponsorships or additional information, contact Mike Sica of Worldwide Consultants at 973-380-3730 or Info@Worldwide-Consultants.com. To purchase tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rosy-bagolie-civic-association-bourbon-brisket-fundraiser-on-8-25-2026-tickets-1993632098273?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Contributions to the Rosy Bagolie Civic Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income-tax purposes.
— Jerry Del Priore and Press Release.