Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/16/2025
(EDISON, NJ) -- The New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-NJ) announced its 2025 Excellence in Philanthropy Award honorees, an inspiring group of individuals and organizations whose work has changed lives, shaped communities, and strengthened the culture of giving across the Garden State.
The honorees will be celebrated on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the annual Excellence in Philanthropy Awards Breakfast at Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.
“This year’s honorees represent the very best of what philanthropy can achieve when compassion, strategy, and commitment come together,” said Jon Paparsenos, co-chair of the Excellence in Philanthropy Awards Committee. “Their stories remind us that whether through a career of professional service, the healing presence of a pet, a voice for justice, or critical access to health care, philanthropy drives progress.”
“This event is one of our most meaningful traditions,” said Victoria Perez, co-chair of the committee. “Each of these honorees embodies the spirit of philanthropy in action. Their work brings hope, healing, and opportunity to New Jersey communities every day, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions this fall.”
Tickets and sponsorship information for the September breakfast are available here.
The 2025 honorees include:
* Award for Consulting Excellence: George Ruotolo, Founder, Ruotolo Associates.
For more than 50 years, George Ruotolo has brought integrity, innovation and hands-on expertise to the nonprofit sector. As founder of Englewood Cliffs-based Ruotolo Associates, he has helped countless organizations elevate their missions through strategic development, public relations, and fundraising leadership.
* Outstanding Community Organization: Creature Comfort Pet Therapy. With more than 7,000 therapy visits made to over 150,000 New Jersey residents in 2024 alone, Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, based in Madison, has transformed lives through the calming, joyful, and healing presence of trained volunteers and their certified therapy animals.
* Outstanding Nonprofit Advocate: Amol Sinha, Executive Director, ACLU of New Jersey. A nationally recognized civil rights leader, Sinha has led transformative advocacy campaigns, championed racial justice, and expanded clemency pathways under Governor Phil Murphy, ensuring equity and accountability in New Jersey’s legal and justice systems. ACLU of New Jersey is based in Newark.
* Outstanding Foundation: The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF)
. For over two decades, CDBCF, based in Short Hills, has provided life-saving breast health services to uninsured and underserved women. In 2024, the foundation funded a statewide network of community partners and launched a mobile mammography unit, directly serving thousands of patients with compassion and dignity.
Founded in 1974, the New Jersey Chapter of AFP (AFP-NJ) is one of the largest AFP chapters and is an individual member association that advances philanthropy through education, training, and advocacy. AFP-NJ is committed to helping individuals and organizations practice ethical and effective fundraising throughout New Jersey and the NY Metro area.
EVENT PREVIEWS
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival to Take Place June 27-28, 2026
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes
(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
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