Celebrating South Jersey’s Leading Citizens

Two longtime South Jersey families and a New Jersey Senator were among those honored during the 18th Annual Walter & Leah Rand Scholarship and Awards Dinner, held Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Cinnaminson.

Photos of the event can be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/photos/168233418@N03/albums/72157691345558823.

The “South Jerseyan” of the Year awards are given annually to recognize the contributions of outstanding individuals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors working to improve lives and strengthen local communities. This year’s honorees included: the Ravitz family, owners of Ravitz Family Markets; Mario and Gisele DiNatale, co-founders of the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation; and Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, representing the fifth district in the New Jersey Senate.  Former Sen. Diane Allen led the presentation as master of ceremonies.

“Through these awards each year, we shine a spotlight on the exceptional people that are making a difference in our local communities,” said Darren Spielman, executive director of Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs. “At WRI, we are focused on building knowledge for good policy and practice in South Jersey, and it’s important to recognize those that are not defined by the challenges we face but inspired by the opportunities and collaborative partnerships that exist in our region. We work to instill this same spirit of service and leadership in the talented students that work alongside us on projects throughout South Jersey.”

Additionally, the event recognized current Rutgers-Camden students who work with WRI staff on research and evaluation projects focused on population health, criminal justice and public safety, and organizational development throughout the region. Since inception, WRI has connected scores of Rutgers students with opportunities to enhance their education with real-world experience in public affairs.

The event raised a record $71,500 to support the mission of WRI and provide students with opportunities to serve the residents of South Jersey throughout the year. The presenting sponsor was Ravitz Family Foundation. Additional sponsors included: TD Bank, the Rand family, IBEW Local 351, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, Lynmar Builders, Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden, Archer Attorneys at Law, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inspira Health Network, Licata & Tyrrell, P.C. Pepsi-Pennsauken, Republic Bank, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, South Jersey Port Corporation, and Volunteers of America.

Pictured in photo slideshow:

Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Pérez was honored as the 2019 South Jerseyan of the Year in the public sector. Pictured from left, Sarah Allred, faculty director of Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, former New Jersey Sen. Diane Allen, Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Pérez, Phoebe Haddon, chancellor of Rutgers University-Camden, Assemblywoman Pat Egan Jones, and Darren Spielman, executive director of Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs.

Mario and Gisele DiNatale, co-founders of the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation, were honored as the 2019 South Jerseyans of the Year in the nonprofit sector.  Pictured from left, Sarah Allred, faculty director of Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Phoebe Haddon, chancellor of Rutgers University-Camden, Mario and Gisele DiNatale, Darren Spielman, executive director of Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, and Robert Curley, South Jersey market president for TD Bank.

The Ravitz family was honored as the 2019 South Jerseyans of the Year in the private sector. Pictured from left, Sarah Allred, faculty director of Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Phoebe Haddon, chancellor of Rutgers University-Camden, Shawn Ravitz, Steve Ravitz, Debbie Ravitz, Brett Ravitz, Jason Ravitz, Ron Ravitz and Darren Spielman, executive director of Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs.