More Than 200 Gather To Honor Senior Advocates

(Photo (click to enlarge): From left to right: Kevin Cummings, president CEO of Investors Savings Bank, winner of the Philip Rubinstein award, with Lakewood Deputy Mayor Steven Langert and Domenick Cama, Chief Operating officer for Investors Savings Bank.) More than 200 guests gathered recently at The View Restaurant, Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Lakewood, for the 17th Annual Harvest of Hope Gala to benefit Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (CVCJ).  The event celebrates individuals and businesses that have made outstanding contributions in support of senior citizens of Ocean County.  
Both Dawn and Ray Marzarella, owners of All County Exteriors, Lakewood; and Kevin Cummings, president and CEO of Investors Savings Bank, received special recognition.  Dr. Derrick DeSilva of News 12 NJ and 12 To Your Health, served as the master of ceremonies throughout the evening.
Dawn and Ray Marzarella, owners of All County Exteriors, Lakewood, received the  Hope Award in recognition of their years of financial support of the Caregivers’ annual golf outing, the first (2009) Caregivers’ fashion show, and their commitment to “opening doors” for Caregivers to reach members of the business community.  The Hope Award is named for “The House of Hope,” the home office of CVCJ, Toms River.
Kevin Cummings, president and CEO of Investors Savings Bank, received the Philip Rubenstein Award for his commitment of personnel resources that assisted Caregivers in meeting its financial and outreach goals in the Ocean County community.  Through the vision of Philip Rubinstein, the first Director of Senior Services in Ocean County, along with Freeholder James J. Mancini, a network of services for seniors was established.  This network grew to be a model of services for the aging population and is emulated not only statewide but nationally as well. 
Lynette Whiteman, executive director of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, notes, “Both the Hope Award and the Philip Rubenstein Award are given annually to individuals, and to community or business leaders in recognition of their significant contribution in support of services to senior citizens of Ocean County.  We specifically honor those who have expressed a commitment and directly support the mission of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey to assist the frail and elderly with supportive services so they may live with dignity in their own homes. 
                “Support comes in many ways, such as volunteering in our organization, and providing in-kind support or financial resources to Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey.”
Judi Dawson, Director of Development for CVCJ, says, “It is the generous donations of our honorees along with all those who support Caregivers with their time, money, and generosity that allow us to continue in our mission of helping the homebound frail and elderly of Ocean County.”
                Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey is a nonprofit interfaith agency whose mission is to assist the frail and homebound elderly with everyday tasks that enable them to remain independent in their own homes. All services provided are free.  More than 1000 volunteers assist more than 2000 senior citizens each month with transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, relief for Alzheimer’s disease caregivers, along with reassuring telephone calls and friendly visits. For more information and to learn about volunteer opportunities, call Mary O. Malagiere, 732-505-2273 ext. 211 or visit www.caregivervolunteers.org.