Morristown's Mark Durham to be Honored at this Year's Good Grief Gala

Good Grief will honor longtime supporter, volunteer, and leader Mark Durham for more than a decade of service at its annual Gala on October 20 at The Park Savoy.

Over the past decade, Durham has served Good Grief in numerous leadership roles, including as a board member, board chair, and Executive Director. His longstanding commitment reflects the community of volunteers and supporters who help Good Grief provide free peer support to grieving children and families while expanding grief education and support in schools and communities.

“Mark’s tireless efforts for Good Grief over the last decade have been nothing short of inspiring,” said Guy Langford, Good Grief trustee and former board chair. “Whenever leadership was needed to advance Good Grief’s mission, whether as a board member, board chair, or Executive Director, Mark always stepped up to the plate to put our kids and families first. He’s been a selfless champion for Good Grief and inspires so many others to join the amazing work that Good Grief does.”

The evening will also recognize longtime volunteers who have demonstrated that same commitment to Good Grief’s community. Jason Friedman, Steve Gilbert, and Robin Van Hessen will each be celebrated for 10 years of service as volunteer facilitators. High school senior Izzy Berger will also be recognized for supporting Good Grief through three benefit concerts and volunteering with its Grief Expressions Summer Camp.

Champion sponsor Sharp Financial and presenting sponsor PwC join Good Grief in celebrating their long-standing volunteers, including 10-year facilitators Jason Friedman, Steve Gilbert, and Robin Van Hessen.  Good Grief also celebrates high school senior Izzy Berger, who has supported Good Grief through three benefit concerts and also served as a camp volunteer. 

“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Good Grief,” said Christian Heiss, Executive Director of Good Grief. “They give so much to the families we serve, and it is a privilege to honor them on this special evening.”

Funds raised through the Gala help make Good Grief’s work possible and allows the organization to provide free support. The organization provides free, ongoing peer support to grieving children and families through its Family Centers in Morristown and Princeton, while its education initiatives bring grief-informed training, curriculum, and resources to schools and communities throughout New Jersey.

Good Grief expects over 200 guests, including representatives from our sponsors at Sharp Financial, PwC, Deloitte, THM Luminary, Riveron, Hackensack Meridian Health, Penn Medicine Princeton Health, and KPMG.  

Buy tickets here: secure.qgiv.com/event/gggala2026/

ABOUT GOOD GRIEF

Good Grief is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build resilience in children, strengthen families, and empower communities to grow from loss and adversity. Through free, open-ended peer support programs, Good Grief serves children, teens, young adults, and families after the death of a parent, sibling, or other significant person. In partnership with schools, healthcare organizations, businesses, and community agencies, Good Grief also provides professional development, curriculum, consultation, and training that equip adults to better support children experiencing grief and adversity. Together, these direct services and educational initiatives expand access to compassionate, grief-informed communities throughout New Jersey and beyond.

MEDIA CONTACT
Evelynn Moon
Director of Learning & Content Strategy
908.594.2013
evelynn@good-grief.org