Partners in Prevention hosted the annual Persons of the Year gala on May 12, this year honoring Mayor Michael Gonnelli and four others. Partners in Prevention is Hudson County’s non-profit organization that serves as a substance abuse prevention resource center. Besides Mayor Gonnelli, they honored four lawyers who work with Pro Bono Partnership, a group that provides business and legal services to non-profit organizations in the TriState Area.
The honorees and other invited guests enjoyed a five-course meal at La Reggia Ristorante in Secaucus.
The event raised money for PIP.
“I think the mayor deserves this award.” — Iara Ahmed
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Mayor Gonnelli was also honored for helping make Secaucus a substance free environment.
Secaucus resident Marylyn Beraowitz, who came out for the event, said, “Gonnelli is a great man. He’s been very nice for the community.”
PIP talks to local clubs and groups involving middle and high school students, such as Junior State of America students, a national non-profit school club for leadership and debate skills. Members of the group attended the event.
Iara Ahmed,18, is the president of JSA in Secaucus. “I think the mayor deserves this award,” she said. She joined JSA three years ago and has held different leadership positions until finally becoming president. Her school’s chapter won Chapter of the Year last year while she was vice president.
Another JSA student, Hadiqa Shahid, 15, joined two years ago. “This is a great event, and the mayor really deserves this,” she said.
The attorneys honored were Kent Hansen, Christine Michelle Duffy, Meir A. Lewittes, and Michael Hughes.
Samantha Meyers can be reached at samantham@hudsonreporter.com .