Chabad Celebrates Good Deeds

“Three weeks ago, 26 kids went to sleep not knowing that in just a few short weeks, they would be receiving one the most prestigious awards in the state, in probably the most important building in the state – The NJ Statehouse, Assembly Chambers”, said Camille Ferraro of The East Brunswick Township Council, and one of the honored award presenters at the 2012 Good Deed Awards Ceremony, held in the Assembly Chambers of the NJ Statehouse in Trenton.

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When it comes to New Jersey teens and their commitment to helping those in need, it’s anything but a recession.  While it may seem that everyone around them is busy worrying about the economy and their own nest eggs, these brave and caring young people have made the decision to dedicate themselves to others in need.

The Good Deed Awards, a statewide nomination process, which included 640 public high schools throughout the state, received submissions of the fantastic and ambitious community service work from the youth from across the state.

“The process was extremely difficult” said Honorable Todd Mayo, Middlesex County Municipal Court Judge. “Being tasked with judging all the nominations is more difficult than you think.  So many of these kids did so many amazing things.  But I was very proud to be here tonight at the ceremony  to see it all their efforts come to fruition."

On Thursday, May 23, The Good Deed Awards held a star-studded ceremony in the State Assembly Chambers in Trenton, which honored the enthusiasm, commitment and courage that each one of these awards winners played, and continue to play, as role models in their respective communities.

The top award winner of the evening, Vikas Javed, from Elizabeth, said “You can’t imagine how proud I am to be here with you tonight. This will make a lasting impression on me for the rest of my life”.

The event was attended by celebrities, elected officials, and corporate executives, including Roy Tanzman, senior partner at Wilentz, Goldman, & Spitzer, one of the most prestigious law firms in the state, who so eloquently and succinctly said, “The Titanic was built by paid personnel, but Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers.”

"What keeps us motivated running this great program, is the opportunity to put on display to for all to see in such a public forum, the amazing accomplishments of our youth" said Rabbi Aryeh Goodman, director of the Good Deed Awards. "There was just so much to be proud of tonight." Congratulations to all the award recipients.

For more information visit www.GoodDeedAwards.com or call 732-333-3220.

—Çhabad of East Brunswick