2022 Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

Hackensack, New Jersey – On April 29, 2022, Bergen Volunteers hosted over 100 guests at its 2022 Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Held at Bergen Volunteers premises in Hackensack, this luncheon honored and recognized those in and around Bergen County who have given so generously of their time and talent for the benefit of the community.

“After the last few challenging years, it was critical that we acknowledge all of those who sacrificed so much of themselves for our community,” said Nina Bachrach, Bergen Volunteers CEO. “Our award winners are warriors and true heroes. We are proud to honor them and uplift our spirits at this beautiful and uplifting event.”

Nominations were submitted by community members and nonprofit agencies, and 12 winners were announced in 9 categories, including Volunteer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Volunteer Hall of Fame. Additionally, 14 Honorable Mentions and 12 Service Recognition Awards were presented. A full list of award winners is included below.

“This year we received so many worthy nominations in each category, that it was a challenge to select just one winner,” added Bachrach. “We had one nomination that stood out so strongly that we created a new category, our Volunteer Hall of Fame.”

The recipient of the Volunteer Hall of Fame award, 90 year-old George Carter of Oradell, passed away the day before the luncheon. His wife Mary-Margaret, family members, nominator Mayor Dianne Didio of Oradell, and Council President Tracy Schoenberg of Oradell attended in his honor.

Diane Saccoccia, who nominated Volunteer of the Year Winner Terry Ciulla, said of the event, “It really was beautiful and inspiring to see so many folks who are making a difference in the lives of others.”

Bergen Volunteers Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards has been honoring volunteers for many years and is pleased to bring back and continue the tradition post-COVID. “We are rejuvenated and our spirits are renewed,” concluded Bachrach. “We cannot wait to get back out in the community to help even more people in need.” For more information about Bergen Volunteers visit bergenvolunteers.org.

2022 Volunteer Recognition Awards Winners

Volunteer Hall of Fame Award

• George Carter

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Malikah Lumumba

Volunteer of the Year Award

• Terry Ciulla
• Rhonda Young-White

All for One, One for All

• New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Ramapo College’s Economic Recovery Taskforce Initiative

Rising Star

• Kyle Zicherman
• Alexandra Rupprecht

Youth Volunteer (Individual)

• Isabella Rupprecht

Youth Volunteer (Group)

• Cub Scout Pack 197

Nonprofit LEADer

• Lisa Gladwell

Community LEADer

• Lisa Bontemps

Corporate LEADer

• Joseph Chinnici

Honorable Mentions

• Traphagen CPAs & Wealth Advisors
• Greater Bergen Board of Realtors
• Peter Miragliotta Jr
• Elizabeth Joy Schnur
• Judy Martin
• Janice Gibbs-Reed
• Hermie Vogul
• Christine Green
• Rosemarie Morisco
• Jessie Chou
• Pat Constance
• Karen DeMarco
• Cooper Ramagli
• Jeanne Johnson

Service Recognition Awards

• 5-9 years of Volunteer Service
  • Joyce Giddens
  • Hermie Vogel
  • Judy Martin
  • Janice Gibbs-Reed
  • Craig Auriemma
  • Jeremey Guenter
• 10-14 years of Volunteer Service
  • Michael Conlon
  • Lee McQuade
  • Sam Mukherjee
  • Tom Veit
• 15+ years of Volunteer Service
  • Jimena Ochoa
  • Jeremy Guenter

About Bergen Volunteers

Bergen Volunteers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Hackensack, New Jersey. For 55 years, Bergen Volunteers has been turning caring into meaningful action by engaging volunteers to improve lives and strengthen communities. This is achieved through volunteerism in community programs, community engagement, and civic leadership. To learn more, visit www.BergenVolunteers.org and follow us on social media, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.