4 Basking Ridge Residents Honored By YMCA

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Four Basking Ridge residents were honored by the Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA at its Volunteer Spirit Awards and Annual Campaign Celebration at the Bridgewater Marriott on April 17.

Held during National Volunteer Month, the event honored 12 volunteers with Spirit Awards. Each was nominated for their commitment, service, creativity, cooperation and/or leadership toward helping the Y fulfill its mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Basking Ridge recipients are:

• Adult Award Winner David Islinger - Islinger is a 17-year member of Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA. For several years he served on the Human Resource Committee, providing his expertise as an employment law attorney. Islinger has given generously of his time to the Y to provide pro bono legal advice related to employment law.
• Board Leadership Award Winner Mark Irwin - An established leader in the community, Irwin has been involved with Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA since 2002, contributing his time and expertise to advance the mission and movement of the Y. Irwin was Board Chair 2017 and 2018. For 10 years Irwin served as Chair of the Annual Campaign. Irwin has been instrumental in driving the Annual Campaign and contributing to its success. Irwin led the joint task force of Somerset County YMCA and Plainfield Area YMCA. Irwin continues to ensure effective operations of the Board of Directors and serves as a member of the Property Development Committee.
• Living Our Cause Award Winner Greg Toombs - Toombs has served on Somerset Hills YMCA’s Branch Board for many years and throughout he has exemplified the spirit of philanthropy.
• Youth Award Winner James J. Pruskowski - Volunteering with the Y’s Saturdays in Motion program since middle school, Pruskowski leads a substantial gym set-up effort, which requires assembling and directing a team of volunteers, all while keeping everyone’s safety in mind.

Other recipients included:

• Family Award Winners Gary and Kelly Ward of Hillsborough - Gary and Kelly Ward are both integral in their volunteer commitments to Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA. Gary currently serves as Chair of SVY Swim Team Parent Organization, and Kelly, a past Hillsborough YMCA Branch Board member, currently serves on the Hillsborough Branch Financial Assistance Committee.
• Group Award Winners Financial Assistance Committee - The Financial Assistance Committee of Somerville and Bridgewater YMCAs has played an important role over the past year in providing $230,000 of direct aid to members and the community of Somerville and Bridgewater. In 2018, they reviewed more than 200 applications, reviewing each one individually to determine aid in the areas of Membership, Programs, Camp, School Age Child Care and Early Education Care.
• Leadership Award Winner Stephen Soisson of Hillsborough - Soisson has served on the Hillsborough YMCA Branch Board since 2015, serving in various capacities including Board Development and Annual Campaign Chair.
• Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Peter Olsen of Tewksbury - Olsen has been a member and volunteer at the Y for more than 20 years. As Board Chair from 2001-2003, Olsen helped lead and execute several capital campaigns and facility expansions. In 2015 Olsen agreed to re-join the Board by serving on the Property Development Committee and Finance Committee merger task forces. Currently a member of the Property Development Committee, his continued leadership helped steward the execution of renovation at the Y branches. Olsen also serves as the Audit Chair and is a member of the Finance Committee.
• Philanthropy Award Winner Sue Ellen Holleman, formerly of Bridgewater - Holleman has been a member of Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA for more than 18 years. She has generously supported the Y’s philanthropic efforts, including the Annual Campaign at the Founders level for over 10 years, and the revitalization of Somerville YMCA through its capital campaign. Holleman recently moved out of state but continues to support Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA and hopes to connect with a Y and all has it to offer in her new home.
• Ray of Light Award Winner Anjali Gadre of Bridgewater - Gadre has been volunteering within the Somerville Y’s Early Education Center for just over one year. Gadre is a natural with the children and they look forward to seeing her each week.
• Youth Award Winner Olivia Perkins of Somerville - Perkins volunteered in Somerville YMCA’s Early Education Center’s Infant/Toddler Classroom. The infants and toddlers are not always an easy group to win over, but Perkins' warm and caring personality made it possible.
• Youth Award Winner Tapasya (Tya) Nangpal of Hillsborough - Nangpal’s perseverance and dedication helped successfully launch the Model UN Program and increase participation in the Youth and Government Program. She spends individual time with students to ensure they are ready to attend the Model UN or Youth and Government conferences.

For opportunities to make a difference in the community through volunteering at the Y, visit somersetcountyymca.org.

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