The Junior League of Summit is proud to announce that Liz Bernich of FLAG of Chatham/Madison and Katie Darcy of FLAG of Summit have been chosen as the recipients of the annual Jean Hudson Gano Community Service Award for 2020. This award is given in memory of and in tribute to Jean Hudson Gano, a JLS member who died of breast cancer in 1997. Jean's exemplary and extraordinary commitment to volunteerism, community service and particularly to issues regarding women and children, was an inspiration to all those that were touched by her efforts.
FLAG, which stands for Front Line Appreciation Group is a group that's dedicated to helping feed our front line health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic while also keeping our local restaurants in business. The group was started by Liz Bernich of Chatham, NJ -- who teamed up with another mom, Gina McGuire of Madison, to create the group that raised an amazing $100,000+ for the cause in its first two weeks of existence. As FLAG has become a nationwide movement, 100+ other independent, community-based organizations using the FLAG name have been created all over the country emulating their mission.
From inception, FLAG of Chatham/Madison had 32,642 meals delivered $238,644 spent locally, and $254,007 raised for local use and partnered with 52 different businesses/ restaurants across Chatham, Madison and Florham Park.
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Katie Darcy of FLAG Summit soon followed suit, adding "After seeing something on FB from Chatham, that had started maybe 3 days prior, I knew we had to do something in Summit. I was prepared to carry all the weight and do every single delivery, but having grown up in Summit, I knew this community would step up- both financially and with their time. This town did not disappoint. During a very chaotic, uncertain time, it felt so good to be a part of something good."
Summit FLAG delivered 18,000 meals, raised over $150,000, and patronized over 80 local businesses.
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Liz and Katie were presented with the award at the Junior League's General Membership Meeting on October 20, 2020 by Erika Melchiorrie, Junior League of Summit's Past President and current Community Liaison. Tara Charvat, JLS President added "We are honored to be able to support such worthy organizations and the women who founded them. Their important work aligns with Junior League's core mission of developing women through community impact."
The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable, and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit or to inquire about becoming a member, please visit the website at www.jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349. Those interested in donating to the League, please visit https://www.jlsummit.org/?nd=donate_summary
