Filomena “Minnie” Zaharsky remembers how she became involved with the United Cerebral Palsy of Hudson County more than 35 years ago.
“My daughter [Joann] needed help, so we made an appointment to go to the Hoboken office at the time,” said Zaharsky, a native of West New York. “That’s how my association began. I just got involved right away with many things. We started a Mother’s Guild and ran card parties. We did anything we could to raise money, in order so the needy children like my daughter could receive therapy.”
Zaharsky dedicated her life toward the betterment of the children of UCP. Zaharsky and her husband, John, provided transportation for other UCP families, donating countless hours to the cause.
In 1963, Zaharsky became the first clinic coordinator for UCP of Hudson County and remained in the position for 25 years, eventually assuming the role of executive director, even after her husband and daughter both passed on. Zaharsky saw the transformation of UCP from a second floor office located in the Hoboken Elks building to the permanent center on Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen.
“It was a tough time for me to get through,” Zaharsky said. “Half the time, I don’t even remember how I got to the center. But knowing that the children needed me kept me going.”
Nick Starita also knows what it’s like to dedicate one’s entire life to the worthy cause. He has served as the executive director for the last 10 years.
“It is my job, but UCP is really all about the people who volunteer their time and energy to help the kids,” Starita said. “They’re the ones that make the organization work.”
As the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the group thought it was only fitting to present Zaharsky and Starita with its Lifetime Achievement Award. They will receive their awards at UCP’s Ninth Annual Gala Dinner Dance, which will be held on Saturday, May 5, at the MacKenzie Post on Avenue E in Bayonne, beginning at 7 p.m.
Time for honors
“We looked at the history of our organization,” said Cathy Powell, UCP’s fund development coordinator, “and it made all the sense in the world to honor Minnie and Nick for all that they’ve done. There isn’t two more deserving people to honor, who saw the agency through some tough times and helped us get where we are today. They are both very worthy recipients of the award and they still continue to make UCP a quality organization.”
Both Zaharsky and Starita were shocked and flattered by the honor.
“After so many years, you sort of lose track of the time,” said Zaharsky, who currently resides in Fort Lee, but manages to return to the North Bergen center at least once a week to volunteer in some capacity. “We’ve certainly accomplished a lot over the years. The center is operating well and will be there for many years to come. But an honor like this makes you wonder about where the time went and how we were able to do it. It is very rewarding to receive the honor.”
Starita said that he felt a little awkward receiving a lifetime award while currently serving as executive director. “I was very humbled to be honored, but it’s not about me,” Starita said. “The people who are organizing the gala sort of twisted my arm to convince me that I should be honored, but the true homage should be paid to Minnie, because she did so much for the organization prior to me.
Starita added, “I’m going to be 70 years old in August and this is the highlight of my life, receiving this award. Of all the things I’ve done in my life, this is the one thing that gives me the biggest thrill.”
The gala dinner will also honor other countless volunteers who donate their time to the organization which helps countless handicapped children and adults to learn how to cope with their respective disabilities and perhaps become part of the general mainstream.
“I’m hoping that the community reaches out and joins us in the gala event with us,” Starita said. “It’s a celebration of 50 years of support.”
Zaharsky said that she never once thought about receiving such an award.
“My reward comes with seeing the smiles of the children,” Zaharsky said. “That’s all we look for. When you give that smile and your help to them, they’re glad to give you that bright, happy smile. That’s when you know you’re receiving something special.”
Tickets for the United Cerebral Palsy’s Ninth Annual Gala Dinner Dance and Lifetime Achievement Award celebration are priced at $55. For further information, contact UCP at 662-0080.