A photo of Scott Flamm hangs in the All Stars Project of New Jersey offices in Newark, and it always makes people smile.

"You have to look at it with a smile because he was always smiling," said Gloria Strickland, All Stars Project of New Jersey director.

Flamm, whose family has lived in Millburn-Short Hills for 24 years, was a devoted volunteer to the program and the Development School for Youth program until he died unexpectedly three years ago. Since then, his friends and family have continued to support his dedication to the program, and they are raising money to open the Flamm Center for Youth Development in Newark.

Ellen Flamm, Scott's wife, said she cannot describe how grateful she is for the support, and believes it feeds off his energy for the program.

The Flamm Center for Youth Development will hold a fund-raiser at 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The event will support the planned youth development center for Newark.

The evening features gourmet food by Enchante Artisan Cuisine and a wine tasting sponsored by the Wine Library. Additionally, over 45 items will be bid on including a private concert with jazz violinist Regina Carter.

Ellen Flamm said her husband got involved with the program when it expanded from New York into New Jersey as a businessman who provided opportunities to under-privileged teenagers. They would oversee workshops with the teenagers about the business world, exposing them to something they don't normally see, she said.

"Scott was very quiet and unassuming with his volunteer work, but it was a program he really believed in," she said. "He thought it was a powerful program. You can see the difference (it makes) when you talk to the kids."

Strickland said Scott Flamm would invite the teens to his company and be open with them.

"He opened his life to (the teens) and that means a lot to young people," she said.

Scott Flamm, his family and friends were sincere in their care about the teens, she said, and many of them don't have that in their lives.

When Scott died, his friends and family decided to honor him through the program and created an endowment to broaden the program.

Included is a new home for the program, which will be modeled after the New York Center, and provide teens a place with after-school activities, including those in cultural nature such as theater. So far, $1.2 million has been raised towards the $1.5 million goal.

Flamm said her husband would be "touched, honored and humbled" by the support the program has received in his memory.

Tickets for the event, which cost $125, can be purchased at the door Saturday night. They can also be purchased online or by calling Melanie Lowe at 973-622-5506 ext. 308.