June 7, 2013
More than two dozen of New Jersey’s most outstanding volunteers were honored at the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards Reception and Ceremony on Tuesday, June 4, at the Newark Museum. Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno addressed the honorees, including those individuals, organizations, and companies who have volunteered their time, talents, and resources to improve the lives of fellow citizens in New Jersey and beyond.
These honorees represent a small fraction of the approximately 1.5 million New Jersey volunteers who provide millions of hours of service each year.
Each year the Governor’s Jefferson Awards are an opportunity to honor the achievements and contributions of our most engaged citizens who dedicate themselves to helping others without expectation of recognition or reward. In addition to the traditional categories of volunteer service, this year’s awards featured a one-time-only category for those who volunteered during the response to Hurricane Sandy.
Edward J. O’Malley, Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Volunteerism, praised the honorees for their extraordinary efforts.
“The scope of work being done by volunteers is humbling, and caliber of the individuals we honor sets the bar for us all,” said O’Malley. “The Governor’s Jefferson Awards are truly a highlight and inspiration for everyone involved each year.”
The New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards is a partnership of the New Jersey Office of Volunteerism, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, and The Star-Ledger|NJ.com, with underwriting support from PNC Bank, BD, PSEG, Verizon, and State Farm Insurance. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards began under Governor Kean in the 1980’s and the National Jefferson Awards were initiated in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U. S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard to establish a Nobel Prize for public and community service. New Jersey consolidated the two awards programs in 2007.
Information on the awards, the online nomination form, and profiles of this year’s honorees can be found at www.njgovernorsawards.com.