VOLUNTEERS TRANSFORM LIVES
GSCYMCA Volunteer Spirit Awards
ABOUT
Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Their contributions enrich lives and make it possible to offer programs and services that otherwise would not exist.
Each year, Greater Somerset County YMCA hosts the Volunteer Spirit Awards to honor Y volunteers who have inspired us by giving of themselves to benefit the Y and its members. You are encouraged to nominate volunteers – either yourself or another Y volunteer – for one of the award categories listed below. Nominations open in January and are due in March.
NOMINATING CRITERIA
Nominees must meet most or all of the following criteria:
- Spirit enhances the Greater Somerset County YMCA
- Impacts and helps foster the Y’s mission, goals and objectives
- Demonstrates exceptional commitment, service, creativity, cooperation or leadership
- Serves as a role model for others
- Exemplifies caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
- Has been committed to volunteer efforts for a significant length of time
2024 Spirit Award Recipients:
| Youth | Chloe Moss | Somerset Hills YMCA |
| Adult | Shakti Harris | Bridgewater & Somerville YMCAs |
| Family | Christopher & Sarah Hayevy | Bridgewater & Somerville YMCAs |
| Active Older Adult | Ethel Wheeler | Plainfield YMCA |
| Leadership | Jennifer Giesber | Hillsborough YMCA |
| Group | 150th Anniversary Gala Committee:
Robin Burke Peter Cirignano Chris Edwards Erika Evleth D’Brickashaw Ferguson Kate Fleschler Marisabel Fernandez Lisa LaVecchia Karen Ostarticki Linda Osterman |
Greater Somerset County YMCA |
| Community Partner | Somerset County Commissioners:
Commissioner Director, Shanel Robinson Commissioner Deputy Director, Sara Sooy Commissioner, Melonie Marano Commissioner, Paul Drake Commissioner, Douglas Singleterry County Administrator, Colleen Mahr Chief Communications Officer, Brad Fay |
Franklin Township YMCA |
| Living Our Cause | Steve Oliver | Greater Somerset County YMCA |
| Ray of Light | Lee Udelsman | Somerset Hills YMCA |
| Board Leadership | Chuck Craig | Princeton YMCA |
| Board Leadership | Doug Grierson | Greater Somerset County YMCA |
| Philanthropy | The Bocina Family:
Bruce Bocina Barbara Curtin Brenda Curnin |
Greater Somerset County YMCA |
| Lifetime Achievement | Gail Granowitz | Greater Somerset County YMCA |