We’ve always considered it a privilege to live in a state where volunteerism and good works are the norm rather than the exception. Six years ago, we created the Garden State Seeds of Hope Awards to honor the achievements of some of our state’s most dedicated volunteers.
We do so with the help of a distinguished panel of judges, which this year consisted of Elizabeth G. Christopherson of the Rita Allen Foundation, Princeton; Becky Dembo of the Partnership in Philanthropy, Chatham; Marion C. O’Neill of PSEG, Newark; and Liz Thomas of Thomas/Boyd Communications, Moorestown. The judges selected six winners—profiled on these pages—from a pool of 66 exceptional nominees. We will honor the winners at a luncheon September 22 in Livingston at Crystal Plaza, a co-sponsor of the awards along with PNC Wealth Management and Reno’s Appliance.
Click on the names below to learn more about these remarkable people and their accomplishments. Get ready to be inspired.
Leonard Lieberman
Hoboken
Founding trustee, treasurer, and current chair, operations and finance committee, NJPAC.
AND
Arlene Lieberman
Hoboken
Board chair and former president, the Newark Museum
************
Bob Benjamin
Highland Park
Founder and president, the Light of Day Foundation
************
Ernie Cottrill
Warren
Director, the Giving Garden, Wagner Farm Arboretum
************
Laura McKirdy
Mendham
Co-Founder, the Lake Drive Program
***********
Kathryn Tanaka
Bridgewater
Women Build Coordinator, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity