Tina Malinak HOWELL – Tina Malinak, a Howell resident, was recently recognized for her volunteer efforts on behalf of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, Atlantic County. The nonprofit received a $1,000 grant from Malinak’s employer, PSEG, in recognition of her work.
According to a press release, Malinak was one of 17 individuals who received PSEG’s Recognizing Excellence in Volunteerism award, which is given to employees to reward outstanding volunteer service to qualified nonprofit org ani z ations.
“Though our people expend a great deal of energy at work, they still manage to find the time to give back to their communities and make New Jersey a better place to live and work,” said John Smith, director of corporate responsibility for PSEG. “We honor their commitment and support their efforts.”
Malinak has been involved with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center since 1994. Her experience and skills as a business analyst at PSE&G, coupled with a lifelong dedication and passion for animals, gives her the ability to wear many hats. She works year-round on a variety of things that enable the center to succeed. Her volunteer efforts have included animal rescues, marketing the gift shop, coordinating fundraising events, assisting the organization with financial records and helping to resolve computer issues.
“I’m so grateful to PSEG,” Malinak said. “The timing of the award was perfect because this is the time of year we see a lot of seals coming into area waters, and as a result the number of seals coming into the center increases. It can cost as much as a few thousand dollars to care for just one seal.”
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center was started in 1978 and is the only facility of its kind in New Jersey. The center is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of stranded or otherwise stressed marine mammals, and has responded to more than 3,170 strandings of whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that have washed ashore over the years.
According to Malinak, most New Jersey residents do not realize that their state happens to be one of the best places to live and/or visit if you are interested in marine mammals. In the summer dolphins come up to have their calves, and during the winter seals swim down with their babies.
“People who visit the center or our Web site soon realize that they can make a difference. Taking in an injured animal or a rescue changes a life, and anyone can change a life by doing something as simple as making a donation. It always feels good when you know you have improved something or someone’s life,” Malinak added.

