As sure as the sunrise, acts of kindness large and small happen on a daily basis across the Garden State. To highlight these sometimes hidden and always selfless efforts and the people behind them, New Jersey Monthly created the annual Seeds of Hope Awards to celebrate and honor the state’s most dedicated volunteers.
Although there is a 70-year age difference between the youngest and oldest honorees this year, they all share a passion for giving back to their communities. Their commitment affects people of all ages.
The 2016 honorees were chosen from 67 nominees by our panel of four judges: Kathleen DiChiara, founder, former president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey; John Harmon, founder, president and CEO of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey; Sue Henderson, president of New Jersey City University; and Judy Spires, chairwoman and CEO of Kings Food Markets.
The honorees will be saluted at a luncheon on September 21 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. The event is sponsored by PNC Wealth Management and the Crystal Plaza.
Suzanne Barron
Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, Glen Rock
Anthony Iannarone
Nutley Public Library, Nutley
Alexandra Jackman
Teen Night Out; Children’s Specialized Hospital, Fanwood
Tyler Treible
Rockaway Township Fire Department, Rockaway
Susan Brillhart
Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates, Jersey City