NJ Sharing Network Presents Awards to Local Residents and Organizations for Outstanding Volunteer Efforts
(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – By Gary Mignone
NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in New Jersey, recently honored several local residents and organizations for their exceptional volunteer service during its 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Reception, held at its headquarters in New Providence.
“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission,” said Kelly Bonventre, Director of Hospital and Community Services, NJ Sharing Network. “Their compassion and commitment help share the gift of life by raising awareness, educating communities, and honoring the legacy of organ and tissue donor heroes. Their efforts make a real and lasting impact in saving and enhancing lives.”
The following Volunteer Recognition Awards were presented during the event:
- Community Hero Awards – This year’s awards were presented to JoAnn DiGilio of Washington, NJ, and Maryann Rosenberg of Lakewood for going above and beyond in advancing NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission through community outreach and education. JoAnn brings unmatched passion to every high school presentation, encouraging students to take action – including starting Donate Life Clubs. She has successfully helped launch several student-led clubs and proudly shares her family’s connection to donation. Her husband, Rudy, made a generous gift as a living kidney donor to his brother. Maryann, a retired registered nurse, was first inspired to volunteer with NJ Sharing Network after her husband Glenn received a lifesaving liver transplant. After Glenn’s passing, he became a cornea donor, continuing the cycle of giving. Maryann now carries their shared story forward with compassion and grace. She is always willing to help, even on short notice, representing NJ Sharing Network at community events across the state.
- Jim Rhatican Legacy Award – This year’s award was presented to Victor DiSanto of Hillsborough for continuing the legacy of longtime volunteer Jim Rhatican, a liver transplant recipient who inspired thousands of students through NJSN’s High School Heroes Program. Victor, the father of a heart transplant recipient, makes time to speak at high schools across New Jersey. His strong relationships with teachers have ensured that NJ Sharing Network has a consistent presence in local schools year after year.
- Community Partner Award – This year’s award was presented to Biocodex, a family-owned pharmaceutical company located in Bedminster, for their impactful collaboration and continued support of NJ Sharing Network’s public education efforts. What began as a staff service project at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters became a lasting connection. Biocodex was so moved by the experience that they later invited NJ Sharing Network to speak during a national staff gathering.
- Youth Volunteers of the Year – This year’s awards were presented to Saksham Gupta of Piscataway and Melia Schettino of Berkeley Heights for their outstanding efforts in raising awareness about organ and tissue donation in their schools and communities. Saksham not only attends NJ Sharing Network events – he also actively seeks opportunities to connect NJ Sharing Network with other events in which he is involved. Melia has made a big impact behind the scenes, helping package helping package information kits and giveaway items for events and infusing every task with contagious positivity and energy.
- Wrapped In Love Volunteer of the Year – This year’s award was presented to Lora Rayner of Edison for giving over 100 hours of her time to crochet and knit beautiful shawls and lap blankets for organ and tissue donor families. Through NJ Sharing Network’s Wrapped in Love program, volunteers create handmade pieces that provide warmth, comfort, and a lasting expression of love to serve as a powerful reminder that donors are forever honored, and their families are forever supported. Lora keeps NJ Sharing Network well-stocked with handmade items, and she also recruited members of her church to join the effort – creating a “fun with a purpose” community of crafters spreading comfort and compassion.
- Media Champion Award – This year’s award was presented to News 12 New Jersey for their consistent and compassionate storytelling highlighting organ and tissue donation. Their coverage has amplified the voices of donor families and transplant recipients, helping to educate the public and inspire support for donation. Della Crews, Lead Anchor, and Craig Cere, Director and donor family member, accepted the award on behalf of the news outlet.
- NJSN Spotlight Award – This year’s award was presented to more than a dozen volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to participate in the filming of NJ Sharing Network’s first-ever television commercial campaign — helping to raise awareness to a wider audience.
About NJ Sharing Network
NJ Sharing Network is a federally designated nonprofit organization committed to saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue. Headquartered in New Providence, NJ Sharing Network partners with 54 local hospitals to bring hope to nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, while also contributing to the national effort to support more than 100,000 individuals on the U.S. transplant waiting list. With over three million New Jerseyans registered as organ and tissue donors, NJ Sharing Network has achieved record-breaking organ donation milestones for six consecutive years. Recognized as one of the nation’s top-performing organ procurement organizations (OPOs), the organization was honored as NJBIZ’s 2024 Nonprofit Business of the Year. Additionally, NJ Sharing Network has been named one of New Jersey’s ‘Best Places to Work’ for eight consecutive years, reflecting its dedication to fostering an innovative, mission-driven workplace. To learn more, get involved, or register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.