Greater Somerset County YMCA Honors Volunteers at Annual Spirit Awards Celebration

Greater Somerset County YMCA Honors Volunteers at Annual Spirit Awards Celebration

Basking Ridge, NJ – April 10, 2025 – Greater Somerset County YMCA recognized outstanding volunteers and celebrated the success of its Annual Campaign at the Spirit Awards on April 9 at Bridgewater Manor.

Held during National Volunteer Month, the event honored individuals and groups whose generosity and dedication have made a lasting impact on the community through their involvement with the Y.

David M. Carcieri, President and CEO of Greater Somerset County YMCA, expressed gratitude to donors, volunteers, government officials, and staff, emphasizing their essential role in the Y’s mission. “The success of our Y reflects the dedication of our donors, partners, and volunteers,” said Carcieri. “Their unwavering support uplifts our communities and creates opportunities that transform lives.”

2025 Spirit Award Recipients:

  • Youth Award Dean Capizzi, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
  • Adult Award: Angela DellaVentura, Plainfield, New Jersey
  • Family Award: The Walpow Family, Warren, New Jersey
  • Active Older Adult Award: Asha Gurunathan, Princeton, New Jersey
  • Group Award: Strategic Planning Task Force – Jesenia Brown, John Cassimatis, Danielle Lumby, Catherine Millet, Kim O’Loughlin, Kathy Timko, Hillsborough, Morristown, Far Hills, Manville, Princeton, and Beach Haven, New Jersey
  • Leadership Award: Naz Catellona, Hillsborough, New Jersey
  • Ray of Light Award: Kathleen Pool Adamik, Mendham, New Jersey
  • Ray of Light Award: Mario Perrotti, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
  • Community Partner Award: The Westfield Foundation, Westfield, New Jersey
  • Board Leadership Award: Greg Romano, Bernardsville, New Jersey
  • Philanthropy Award: Jacke & Hank Schram, Mendham, New Jersey
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Hugh Fitzpatrick, formerly a Princeton, New Jersey resident, now residing in Baltimore, Maryland

Susan Lattman and Jeff Steinhorn, members of Greater Somerset County YMCA’s Board of Directors, presented the awards, sharing, “The Spirit Awards honor volunteers whose generosity enables the Y to provide essential support and resources so everyone can thrive.”

During a lively celebration with noisemakers in hand, Lisa LaVecchia, Chair of Greater Somerset County YMCA’s Board of Directors and Annual Campaign Chair, announced fundraising progress toward the $1.5 million Annual Campaign goal. These funds support vital community services, including financial assistance for childcare and summer camp, rehabilitation programs for cancer patients, water safety initiatives, enrichment programs for individuals with special needs, and workforce development for the unemployed.

While this year’s campaign nearly met our goal, Greater Somerset County YMCA remains committed to ongoing fundraising efforts to ensure access to resources that promote a healthy, connected life for all.

To support the Y’s mission through donations or volunteering, https://www.gscymca.org/our-community/support-the-y/.

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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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