YMCA Stronger Together Gala Honors Community Volunteers

The new YMCA of Greater Monmouth County raised $272,000 at its recent Stronger Together Gala, honoring five community volunteers and celebrating the union of The Community YMCA and YMCA of Western Monmouth County.

More than 285 community and business leaders, and supporters of the Y gathered at The Addison Park in Aberdeen on Sept. 27 to celebrate the new countywide YMCA, established on Sept. 1, and raise support for Y scholarships and programs that will help strengthen local children and families in need.

“The ‘Stronger Together’ Gala was the highlight of an exciting and historic year for the YMCAs of Monmouth County as we join forces to become one Y to deepen our community impact,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and chief executive officer of the newly formed Y. “We are so thankful to our honorees for their inspiring leadership and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

The evening featured five volunteer leaders who have been instrumental in helping the Y deliver its mission to ensure that everyone can access its life-changing programs:

• Marti and Bruce Huber, of Red Bank, were presented the Legacy Award for their significant impact on the community through their involvement with the Y, which began in the 1960s. The Hubers have secured over $1.5 million in support for Y scholarships. Bruce helped organize The Community YMCA Foundation and served as a trustee from 2009-2017. He also served as a board member of The Community YMCA.
• Jennifer Lakefield, Colts Neck, received the Visionary Award for her ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and planning for the future of the Y. As chief volunteer officer for The Community YMCA, Lakefield helped guide the successful merger of the two Ys. She has served as a Y board member since 2012 and now serves as chief volunteer officer of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County.
• David Hernandez, Old Bridge, was presented the Distinguished Citizen Service Award for his outstanding community service and support of the Y. Hernandez is the owner of Old Bridge Funeral Home, incoming president of the Old Bridge, Sayreville & South Amboy Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge.
• Stacey DeAlmeida, Marlboro, received the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding service to the Y. DeAlmeida served on the board of the YMCA of Western Monmouth County for six years, and as board chairperson since 2017. She has also served on the YMCA executive, finance, governance, fundraising and gala committees. She currently serves as vice chairperson of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County.

A highlight of the evening was when Onestie Jackson, 23, shared an inspiring story of how the Y supported her through a difficult time in high school. She attributes positive YMCA role models with guiding her on a path to higher education. In 2018, she became the first in her family to graduate from college. This past May, Jackson, of Ocean Township, earned a master’s degree and is now working as a behavioral therapist for children with autism.

The gala was led by co-chairs Irene Hall and Lauren Berke with support from a committee of volunteers and Y staff.

The event included a live auction, dinner, dancing, and music by The Infernos Band. Lead sponsors of the Stronger Together Gala were:

• Platinum Sponsors - Lomurro Law and Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla
• Gold Sponsor – Old Bridge and Waitt Funeral Homes
• Silver Sponsors - The Jay & Linda Grunin Foundation and Encon Mechanical.

About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is here for all – to empower youth and teens, improve health and strengthen community. A leading nonprofit charity, the Y unites 36,000 people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. In 2018, we provided $925,000 in financial assistance to strengthen approximately 3,000 families in need. The Community YMCA and YMCA of Western Monmouth County formed the countywide Y on Sept. 1, 2019. Our life-changing programs and services are anchored in 10 communities: health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; outdoor day camps in Millstone and Wall; a community center in Freehold Borough; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; child care centers in Freehold Township, Matawan and Red Bank; and integrated in nearly 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. We’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org/strongertogether.