Volunteers are backbone of education foundations in New Jersey. NJEFP gave all education foundations a chance to shine a light on a volunteer that has gone above and beyond. The volunteer can be a foundation board member or any other community member volunteering their time to assist your foundation and who has made a significant contribution to your organization.
Recognition of Outstanding Volunteers
New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership recognizes that local education foundations are sustained by their volunteers. They could not succeed without the tireless hours of service and dedication of volunteers. NJEFP invited all education foundations to select one of its own volunteers to be recognized for their hard work, generosity of time and unwavering commitment to their education foundation. Listed below are volunteers, described by their colleagues, deserving an extra recognition. NJEFP proudly recognizes these individuals.
The Morris Educational Foundation (MEF) recognizes Ann Rhines as an Outstanding Volunteer. Ann is a life-long educator, active community participant and experienced Board of Education member with a deep understanding of student needs. She has been an MEF trustee for the past sixteen years, a member of our Board of Education for fifteen years and was an educator in our district prior to these endeavors. She has led the Grants Committee for many years. Ann is being honored for her outstanding commitment and tireless dedication to the 5,200 children in the Morris School District.
The Netcong Education Foundation (NEF) recognizes Bernadette Dalesandro as an Outstanding Volunteer. Bernadette works tirelessly to advance the mission of the Netcong Education Foundation and has been integral to their success in raising $40,000 over the last three years at the annual St. Patrick’s Dinner: Italian Style Technology Fundraiser. Monies raised have been used to purchase technology, specifically Chromebooks, for the students in the Netcong School District.
The East Brunswick Education Foundation recognizes Paul Schoen as an Outstanding Volunteer. Paul has been the Treasurer (and so much more) of the East Brunswick Education Foundation for over fifteen years, a role he took on ‘part time’ after retirement while his wife was working in our schools. ‘Part-time’ in quotes because a new Superintendent saw Paul in our Administration office so frequently (checking mail, dropping off checks, handling logistics for our major fundraisers and so much more) that he thought Paul was a full-time employee of the district!
The Freehold Borough Educational Foundation recognizes Tammy Ciokas an Outstanding Volunteer. Tammy is our “inside advantage!” As a member of the administrative staff for the Board of Education, Tammy is essential to the ongoing operations of our Foundation. She voluntarily monitors the grant proposal process, oversees the end of year and holiday season S.T.A.R.S. recognition program, handles correspondence, checks, and mailings. Tammy is vital to the success of our virtual organization!
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) would like to recognize Bridget Placek. Bridgetjumped into MFEE work before she had a child in our public schools! Her oldest had not entered kindergarten when she served as our Volunteer Coordinator for the Amazing FundRACER. She recruited, managed, and supported over 100 volunteers for this event. She then coordinated the MFEE You Got This! Conferencefor parents of our youngest learners, and recruited workshop leaders, managed a complicated online registration process, and run childcare for 125 little ones. As a former teacher and Vice Principal, she has been an enormous asset as one of our grants liaisons. Bridget cares deeply about excellence and equity, and she has been a vital member of our new initiative to launch community-wide conversations on race and equity using the documentary series America to Me. She has personally recruited several new generous donors who also are committed to leveling the playing field for our economically disadvantaged students. Bridget is a force of nature, and we are blessed to have her on our team.
It is an honor for NJEFP to showcase the good work being done but education foundations thoroughout the state. We know the it is not easy and we applaud the hard work being done by all of our members.