2018 YMCA State Alliance Dinner

The 18th annual NJ YMCA State Alliance Recognition Event was held on Monday, October 15, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick.

The awards ceremony recognized those individuals and youth that embodied the mission of the YMCA and whose work strengthened local communities and supported the YMCAs in promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.  

John McManus—Social Responsibility Champion Award

The YMCA’s Social Responsibility Champion Award was presented to John McManus, in recognition of his dedication for the past 13 years as a devoted volunteer and passionate advocate for the Y and the community. He has helped to advance the Y’s mission by contributing his knowledge, time and talents to many committees and task forces. From 2013 through 2018, John personally raised nearly $280,000 for the Somerset County YMCA. In 2012, gifts to the annual campaign equaled $185,668--in 2018 the amount raised was $1,003,526--a 540% increase.

Gloria Ron-Fornes—Martin Bartner Award

Gloria Ron-Fornes was the recipient of this year’s Martin Bartner Award. This award is given annually to a New Jersey YMCA staff member or a volunteer leader "whose efforts epitomize the Y's core values and dedication to diversity and inclusion." Gloria was noted as a passionate change agent in her community as well as that of the Summit Area YMCA through her commitment to values that reflect the true spirit of the YMCA’s Diversity and Inclusion movement. She personified the Y values of caring, honesty, responsibility and respect.

Youth Awards

In addition, 25 youth were recognized for their outstanding volunteer commitment to their local communities. Youth Development is one of the Y’s core focus areas and these dedicated youth represented YMCAs from all over the state of New Jersey.  

Company sponsors and YMCA sponsors of the event included:  

Community Y, Somerset County Y, Madison Area Y, Metro Y of Oranges, Y of MEWSA, Daxko, Duplitron/Kyocera, Deans Graphic (in-kind), Flaghouse, Hooper Williams Communications, NJPHK, Novo Nordisk, Nestle, and Redwoods.