Monmouth County Resident Named To NJ Hall Of Fame's Class Of 2026

BRIELLE, NJ — A Monmouth County resident has been selected as the Unsung Hero Award recipient for this year's class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJ HOF).

Tom Weatherall, a Brielle resident and the President & CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, is among 13 individuals recognized in the 2026 class, which celebrates New Jersey leaders whose achievements and contributions have made a "lasting impact across industries and communities."

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The NJ Hall of Fame’s “Unsung Hero” distinction recognizes individuals whose extraordinary contributions often take place behind the scenes, yet profoundly impact the lives of others.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, I am thrilled to congratulate Tom Weatherall on his induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame as an Unsung Hero,” Ernie Feist, Owner of Center State Engineering & Make-A-Wish New Jersey Board Chair, said.

“This recognition is a fitting tribute to a leader whose compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment have transformed the lives of thousands of children facing critical illnesses and their families. Tom has never sought recognition for himself,” Feist continued. “Instead, he has devoted his career to ensuring that every eligible child has the opportunity to experience the hope, strength, and joy that a wish can bring.”

“Under his leadership, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has grown in its reach, deepened its impact, and remained steadfast in its mission of creating life- changing wishes,” he said. “I have had the privilege of working alongside Tom and seeing firsthand the character, humility, and unwavering dedication that define his leadership.”

“He leads with heart, inspires everyone around him, and never loses sight of the children and families we serve,” Feist continued.

He went on to say that the Board of Directors is “incredibly proud of Tom,” and “can think of no one more deserving of this extraordinary honor.”

“This honor celebrates not only Tom’s remarkable leadership, but also the profound difference one dedicated individual can make in the lives of others,” he said. “We congratulate Tom on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for the lasting legacy he continues to build for the children and families of New Jersey.”

Weatherall has been with Make-A-Wish New Jersey since 2002.

Under his leadership, the chapter has expanded its reach and impact, bringing hope, strength and joy to thousands of children and their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Weatherall and other inductees will be honored at the 18th Annual NJ HOF Induction Ceremony on Sept. 24 at American Dream in East Rutherford.

“I am deeply touched and truly humbled to be selected as a member of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 with the Unsung Hero Award,” Weatherall said. “This honor belongs not to me alone, but to the many people who have made Make-A-Wish New Jersey one of the leading chapters in the country.”

“I share this recognition with our generous and loyal donors, our dedicated volunteers, our trusted medical partners, our wise and talented board, and our exceptionally talented and dedicated staff, who inspire me every day,” he continued. “And surely to our wish-granting partners, who consistently answer when called upon, like our Giants, Jets, Devils, Red Bulls and a great number of assorted performing artists and celebrities who call NJ home!”

“Most importantly, I share it with the courageous children of New Jersey battling life- threatening illnesses and their families, whose strength, perseverance and resilience are at the heart of everything we do,” Weatherall said. “I see this recognition as a testament to the simple, yet profoundly powerful mission of Make-A-Wish.”

“I gratefully accept this honor from the New Jersey Hall of Fame on behalf of everyone who has helped make our mission possible. I remain tremendously humbled.”

To learn more about Make-A-Wish NJ, you can click here.