Celebrate Volunteers 2009!

Nearly 300 volunteers from across Bergen County were honored at Celebrate Volunteers on Wednesday, April 1. Despite the rain, representatives from 40 nonprofit organizations, schools and civic groups turned out to be honored by the Volunteer Center and their peers for outstanding accomplishments on behalf of those in need.

Brenda Blackmon, co-anchor of My9News, emceed the event and read off the names and accomplishments of 285 volunteers! Students in the Oradell School Advanced Bell Choir (photos below) wowed the audience with a melodic procession into the Grieco Auditorium at the Bergen Academies in Hackensack. Freeholders Julie O’Brien and Reverend Vernon Walton spoke briefly about the value of volunteers, and Bergen County Sheriff Leo McGuire echoed their sentiments.

Rt4West brought down the house with not one - but two - incredible performances of classic rock and bluegrass hits. Elaine Walsh, Volunteer Center board member and Celebrate Volunteers Chair, closed the program with some inspiring words and many thanks.

We are most grateful to Inserra Supermarkets, 201-Best of Bergen Magazine, Bergen County's United Way, Dassault Falcon Jet, and Lakeland Bank for generously supporting the work of the Volunteer Center and the efforts of Bergen County’s finest volunteers.

A splendid night was had by all!