The 18th annual Gloucester County Community Service Awards ceremony on March 25 in Deptford was an opportunity to recognize residents and organizations for their dedication to service in the county.
“[The awardees] are being recognized for giving back, providing promise and leadership in our community,” said Chuck Garrity, first vice chairman of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce. “Our community has benefited from what they do and the time that they give.
“Each understands the importance of the word ‘service.’”
After leading the ceremony attendees in prayer, Pastor Derek Gatling received the Citizen of the Year award for his commitment to the First Baptist Church of Jericho in Deptford.
“It is a privilege and honor just to be considered with all of these honorees,” he said. “There is no way that all the work that we do is done by Pastor Gatling. It is done by the people that are inclined and driven to do the work.”
KD Law firm’s Kevin Diduch was named the Small Business Person of the Year, and he used his time to relay a greater message to attendees: Disrupt the silence.
“We’re listening to progress because the people in this room have chosen to make some noise,” he noted. “Don’t be silent; when you see something, when you see someone that needs help, it’s your responsibility as a citizen, as an American, to make some noise.”
Jason Gabrieli was honored as the Young Executive of the Year for his efforts to promote charitable fundraising and collections at HFM Investment Advisors, including an annual coat drive.
“What we’re doing, and what we’re building as a team and how we’re trying to give back is getting noticed,” Gabrieli said. “It’s incredibly humbling.”
The Business Person of the Year award went to Krista Collings of Republic Bank, who is also a board member for the United Way of Gloucester County, Gloucester County’s Habitat for Humanity and for the Glassboro Child Development Center.
“My mission is solely to uplift others, and I am just beyond honored that tonight, everyone is uplifting me,” she said.
Other honorees included Gloucester County’s Habitat for Humanity, Nonprofit of the Year, and Emidio Mariani of NEMR Total HR, Member of the Year. TD Bank acted as the presenting sponsor for the awards.
