Trio of New Jersey Advocates To Be Honored At NewBridge Celebration

Bonanni, Nesmith Crichlow and McArdle Receive "Helping People Move Forward" Award

Pompton Plains, NJ - February 8, 2010 - NewBridge Services Inc., a nonprofit community provider of behavioral health and education programs and services, will honor John Bonanni, Morris County Administrator, Rhonda Nesmith Crichlow of Novartis and Tom McArdle of Wayne Counseling and Family Center with the NewBridge 2010 Helping People Move Forward award. The trio will receive their awards during NewBridge's Celebrate The Magic of NewBridge, on March 11, 2010 at The Villa at Mountain Lakes.

"The awards this year recognize persons that show exemplary leadership in the private, public and non-profit sector," said Robert L. Parker, executive director, NewBridge. "They demonstrate that when community leaders work together, they create an environment that cares for people in need and moves them to find balance in their lives. These leaders make our community a better place to live, work and play."

Bonanni, administrator for Morris County, is responsible for the day-to-day operation and supervision of the six major county departments and their divisions and projects. He also chairs the Morris County Improvement Authority.

Nesmith Crichlow serves as Executive Director, Alliance Development & Philanthropy at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. She is responsible for overseeing strategic efforts to build sustainable relationships with patient organizations and professional societies through funding and public policy/advocacy to foster access to quality, patient centered healthcare. Nesmith Crichlow also serves as Secretary of the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation.

Since founding Wayne Counseling and Family Center in 1973, McArdle has served as the organization's executive director. McArdle is also chairman of the Wayne Juvenile Conference Committee and implementer of the Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse.

"This year's honorees demonstrate the kind of leadership that truly makes a difference to our community," Parker added. "They have been pivotal leaders within Morris and Passaic counties and beyond for many years, unselfishly advocating for services to meet the needs of those in the need in our community and epitomize the essence of the NewBridge Helping People Move Forward awards."

Celebrate The Magic of NewBridge, an annual fundraising event, includes a festive celebration with hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, a dessert buffet, musical entertainment, and silent auction. Admission is $125 per person. For support opportunities or reservations, contact Nina McCormack, director of development, NewBridge, at 973-839-2521, ext. 2246, or visit www.newbridge.org.

About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-686-2200 or click here.