Greater Somerset County YMCA Recognizes Founders at 150th Anniversary Gala
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, October 10, 2023 – Greater Somerset County YMCA will recognize longtime Y advocates for their leadership, dedication, influence, generosity, and positive impact at its 150th Anniversary Gala on Friday, November 3rd, 2023.
As a nonprofit community benefit organization, volunteers have been and continue to be integral to Greater Somerset County YMCA’s 150-year history of serving and strengthening communities. At its Sesquicentennial Gala the Y will honor new inductees to the Founders Circle, which is an esteemed group of volunteers who demonstrate a deep and long-standing involvement with the Y, who recognize the immeasurable value the Y brings to the community, and who advocate for the Y beyond its walls.
The Founders Circle was established in 1991 to honor longtime volunteers who, through their talents, passion, and contributions, have enhanced the sustainability of Greater Somerset County YMCA. This year’s honorees will join a distinguished group of volunteer leaders committed to lifting up neighbors and strengthening community.
2023 Honorees include:
The Bateman Family – Since the 1930s, the Bateman family has consistently demonstrated their commitment to Somerville YMCA and its growth over the years. The family tradition began with Charles, then his son Raymond, and grandson Christopher “Kip” Bateman, all longtime members and supporters.
Susan Doherty – For over 12 years, Susan served as the chair of various committees at Somerset Hills YMCA, and for 9 of those years she was a member of the Board of Directors. Beyond notable volunteer leadership, Susan remains a generous philanthropist and Y advocate.
Lois and Neil Gagnon – For more than 23 years, Lois and Neil have been pillars of support for the Y. As Y champions, they have served in important roles for capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, as well as sponsored fundraising events. Their volunteer contributions and philanthropic generosity help to sustain the future of the Y for generations to come.
James Gibson – Spanning over 23 years, Jim’s dedication to the Y has been unwavering. As a past Board member and chair of the Property Development Committee, Jim’s knowledge and expertise have been integral to the Y’s capacity to meet evolving community needs. His commitment to the Y is further underscored by his generosity toward capital campaigns, facility expansions, and special projects.
The Hockenbury Family – Carl and his son Jeff have volunteered as Board members for Somerville YMCA for 10+ years and 20+ years respectively, including serving terms as Board chair. Their expertise and leadership have strengthened the Y’s operations and impact on the community.
Patricia Hurley – From the outset of her volunteer commitment to the Y in 2007, Pat brought an ability to unite diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration to advance the Y’s mission. Pat’s contributions, from human resources to Board chair, were rooted in strategic thinking and a tireless work ethic; a benefit to the Y during the 2015 merger that reunited two YMCAs as Somerset County YMCA.
Mark Irwin – Nearly 20 years of service to the Y, Mark’s service achievements have been numerous and remarkable. As Board chair Mark led a task force to expand the Y’s service area by establishing Plainfield YMCA. Mark’s other contributions include lead roles in the Y’s annual fundraising campaigns, Property Development Committee, and the task force that built an adult group home at Somerset Hills YMCA.
Lauren Luik – Lauren’s tenure in service to the Y is characterized by unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership. Through fundraising and leadership roles, including Board chair of Somerset Hills YMCA, Lauren’s contributions advanced expansion projects, international partnerships, and new initiatives such as mental health programs.
The McLachlan Family – Both John and his son, Morgan, have effected a legacy of multi-generation leadership for Somerset Valley YMCA. As community champions, they have embodied the Y’s mission and made significant contributions by serving as Board members, with John serving as a former chair of Somerset Valley YMCA and Morgan serving on the Boards of both Somerset Valley YMCA and Somerset County YMCA.
John McManus – For nearly 20 years, John’s inspiring volunteer service to the Y has been exemplary, particularly in the realms of transformational philanthropy and board governance. In his leadership roles, including Board chair of Greater Somerset County YMCA, John’s strategic planning and devotion to the Y’s mission have been integral not only to sustaining the Y during the pandemic, but also to facilitating the merger with Princeton YMCA.
Peter Olsen – Peter’s generous contributions through philanthropy and inspired leadership, over 20+ years of service, have had a profound impact on Greater Somerset County YMCA. As a past chair of the Board of Directors, Peter has provided invaluable guidance to a multitude of committees resulting in enhanced operational efficiency, as well as organizational growth and success.
Michael Osterman – Mike’s longtime service to the Y began in 1988; since that time he has made significant contributions to Greater Somerset County YCMA including service as a member of the Board of Directors, Property Development Committee, Community Advisory Board, and chair of Somerset Hills YMCA Branch Board. Beyond the walls of the Y, Mike has contributed pro-bono legal work to represent the Y at community planning board meetings.
The Perantoni Family – With a strong belief in the value of service, the Perantoni family has generationally served the Y. Beginning with Francis and followed by his son, Jay, with over two decades of service on the Board of Somerset Valley YMCA and Greater Somerset County YMCA. As an architect and urban systems planner, Jay’s unique expertise has played a pivotal role in the reinvestments, renovations and expansions of Hillsborough YMCA, Somerville YMCA and Somerset Hills YMCA.
Leslie Quick III – Leslie is a champion of the community and of the Y. He has contributed his professional expertise through numerous volunteer roles, most notably through leadership on the executive committee for capital and endowment campaigns, as well as a member of the Community Advisory Board. Leslie exemplifies the transformative impact that is made through leadership, dedication, and generosity.
Robert Raymar – Bob’s service to the Y, beginning in 1997, has been marked by a strong commitment to the Y’s growth and success. As an attorney, Bob has shared his expertise through indispensable contributions ranging from board leadership, board governance, and diversity initiatives. As chair of Somerset Hills YMCA Branch Board, he was a passionate advocate of the Y’s mission.
The Raynes Family – Pat, Art, and their sons Mike, Will, and Steve have made a lasting impact on the Somerset Hills YMCA community for 30+ years. By founding Saturdays in Motion at the Y, the longest running nonpublic recreational program for children with autism and special needs, they have changed the lives of countless families and Y volunteers. The Raynes family is a shining example of dedication, empathy, and the idea that everyone deserves to thrive.
Harry Smith – As an influential community leader, Harry was instrumental in making the dream of Hillsborough YMCA a reality in 1997. From securing necessary funding to overseeing the construction, Harry’s commitment was boundless. His love for community and deep connections were the driving force that made the ambitious project a success.
The Stires Family – The Stires family’s legacy with Somerset Valley YMCA is one of dedicated leadership and solid commitment. In their board leadership roles, both Don (father) and Peter (son) have played important roles in shaping the Y’s growth and impact with the additions of Bridgewater and Hillsborough YMCAs. The family remains devoted to the Y’s mission.
Sylvester Sullivan (posthumous recognition) – Sully cherished his experiences at the Y, as a child with limited means. Those memories motivated his meaningful generosity toward the Y to ensure other children are afforded the same opportunities. Sully committed to decades of service as a member of various Boards and committees and, as a passionate Y advocate, he made a lasting difference through support of annual and capital campaigns.
Andrea Thorne – As former Board chair of Somerset Valley YMCA, Andrea played a pivotal role during a challenging time of vacancy in executive leadership. Her ability to unite the Somerset Valley YMCA’s Board of Directors and collaborate with her counterpart at Somerset Hills YMCA was a catalyst toward a successful merger in 2015. It remains a defining moment in Greater Somerset County YMCA’s history.
Tad Waldbauer – Dating back to 2002, Tad has made a positive impact on the success of the Y through service and leadership. He was a valuable member of the Board including a term as Board chair. Among his notable achievements, Tad was fundamental to launching the Y’s endowment campaign, a critical initiative for the Y’s long-term sustainability.
“On behalf of the Y and everyone who benefits from our vital services, I am proud to recognize and thank these deserving individuals for the positive, lasting impact they have on the community,” commented David M. Carcieri, president and CEO of Greater Somerset County YMCA. “Their altruistic values, selfless volunteerism, and compassionate leadership are ingrained in Greater Somerset County YMCA’s legacy and integral to our future.”
Greater Somerset County YMCA’s 150th Anniversary Gala will be celebrated on Friday, November 3, 2023, at The Marigold in Somerset. For more information about the gala, sponsorships, and to purchase tickets visit https://www.gscymca.org/our-community/events/150th-anniversary/.
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About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.
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