When Community, Healthcare, and the Arts Unite: Unity Table’s Symphony at Sunset Showcases the Power of Collaboration

Unity Table’s Symphony at Sunset united community leaders, healthcare professionals, artists, and residents for an inspiring evening of music, civic engagement, and meaningful collaboration.

On July 23, community leaders, healthcare professionals, nonprofit organizations, business executives, artists, and residents gathered at The Highlawn for Unity Table’s Symphony at Sunset, presented in collaboration with Newark Symphony Hall. The evening highlighted the arts as a catalyst for civic engagement and community connection.

The event brought together leaders from multiple sectors, including elected officials and mayors from municipalities across Essex County, reflecting a shared commitment to building stronger communities through dialogue and collaboration.

Talia L. Young poses with three guests at Unity Table’s The Symphony at Sunset event
Talia L. Young, President and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall, joins community leaders and guests during Unity Table’s The Symphony at Sunset.

One notable aspect of the evening was the growing partnership between Unity Table and Newark Symphony Hall, which demonstrated how arts and community initiatives can intersect to create platforms for engagement and connection.

J. Wayman Henry III and Margarita Duran pose with the CareWell Health Medical Center leadership team at Unity Table’s outdoor event.
J. Wayman Henry III and Margarita Duran of Unity Table join the leadership team of CareWell Health Medical Center, a valued community partner and sponsor, during The Symphony at Sunset.

Support from organizations such as CareWell Health Medical Center underscored the value of cross-sector investment in community-focused initiatives, reflecting a shared commitment to public health and community engagement.

Unity Table was founded on the belief that meaningful change begins with meaningful conversations,” said Jay Wayman, founder of Unity Table. “When people from different backgrounds come together with mutual respect and a shared purpose, we create opportunities that strengthen our communities and inspire lasting solutions.

Margarita Duran, President of the Board of Little Box of Love, d/b/a Unity Table, added, “The strength of Unity Table comes from the partnerships we have built with healthcare organizations, nonprofit leaders, businesses, volunteers, and residents. Every relationship represents an opportunity to create meaningful impact together.

J. Wayman Henry III, Margarita Duran, and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka pose together at Unity Table’s outdoor event.
J. Wayman Henry III, Founder of Unity Table, alongside Margarita Duran, President of the Board of Little Box of Love, doing business as Unity Table, and the Honorable Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark.

As communities across New Jersey explore innovative approaches to persistent challenges, gatherings like Symphony at Sunset illustrate how dialogue and collaboration can lay the groundwork for long-term progress. This gathering represents another step in ongoing efforts to foster partnerships that support public health, education, the arts, and civic engagement throughout New Jersey.

HotnessTV’s coverage of the event underscores the value of bringing diverse voices together. When people and organizations unite around common goals, communities grow stronger.