NewBridge Gala Celebrates Strides in Mental Health
Cetrulo, Guarasci, Novrit & Hollick honored for contributions
Pompton Plains, NJ - April 3, 2006 - "You don't get through life without some bumps along the way. It's nice to know that NewBridge is available for those in need," said Emil Zangrilli of Pequannock, NJ, keynote speaker of NewBridge Services' Sixth Annual Gala, The Magic of NewBridge.
Zangrilli, whose family became involved in several NewBridge programs after his son perished in the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks, was one of 150 agency friends, staff and community leaders who came together on Friday, March 31 at the Knoll Country Club in Parsippany to celebrate strides in mental health services. Proceeds from the annual gala provide critical funding for NewBridge's innovative programs that assist Morris and Passaic residents.
"Through his words, Emil Zangrilli showed us how a local family coped with tragedy with the help of community resources like NewBridge," said Robert L. Parker, Executive Director, NewBridge. "Families like his, who always do for others but through the tragedy of September 11 came to require our services, inspire us to help our neighbors move forward in the face of life's sometimes overwhelming issues."
The annual gala shines a spotlight on the great strides being made to help those with mental illness. Each year, NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit community provider of behavioral health and education programs and services, recognizes individuals whose personal contributions have helped improve the community mental health care system in New Jersey. This year, Marie Cetrulo, former mayor of Montville Township and longtime civic volunteer, Robert Guarasci of Hackensack, president and CEO of the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, and Carol Novrit of Long Valley, Director of Morris County Department of Human Services, were named NewBridge's 2006 Helping People Move Forward award winners. In addition, longtime NewBridge volunteer Sharon Hollick of Pompton Plains, NJ, was honored with the NewBridge Lifetime Achievement Award.
"It is an honor to receive an award from an organization as distinguished and accomplished as NewBridge," said Guarasci, whose own accomplishments through the NJCDC have enabled thousands of Passaic County residents to improve their lives through job training, school programs, housing initiatives, and more. "Bob Parker has always been a strong supporter of our work in Paterson, and I'm extremely grateful for his support. The mission of my agency, which is to create opportunities to transform lives, is, in many ways, the same mission of NewBridge."
Janssen Pharmaceutica was the gold sponsor for the event, and Cenveo, North Fork Bank, Pfizer and Porter's Cleaning Service were bronze sponsors.
For more information on NewBridge's programs and services, call (973) 316-9333 in Morris County, (973) 728-3938 in Passaic County or call toll-free (888) 746-9333.
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 973-839-2520 or click here.
Contact: Patty Colvin
973-839-2521 x 259
pcolvin@newbridge.org
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