By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer
The American Red Cross (ARC) has chosen one dedicated, local business leader to receive the Clara Barton Community Humanitarian Award.
Adaptation CEO Allyson Gilbert will be presented this award at the annual ARC Red, White and Bling fundraising gala.
This event will be held on March 18 at the Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club in Farmingdale. The evening serves to recognize the impact that Gilbert and other honorees have made on the community.
Gilbert joined the ARC Jersey Coast Board of Directors six years ago. She has served as an ambassador to the ARC. Gilbert has generated eight committees that focus on helping to achieve the organization’s short- and long-term goals.
Gilbert has served on many other special events committees, such as the Jersey Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament.
She is very delighted to be receiving this prestigious award.
“I feel extremely honored and privileged to receive this award,” she said. “At Adaptation, we feel strongly that giving back helps individuals, communities and the world. The ARC does this like no other organization in the world.”
She went on to say, “I have admired what they have done and feel truly fortunate that Adaptation is in a position to provide help to such a longstanding, iconic organization.”
Adaptation is a change management consulting firm that helps companies maximize investment in their technology, employees and processes through business transformation.
The company, which is located in Shrewsbury, has donated to the ARC for the past three years in the names of clients it serves. Client donations can include items like comfort kits, which go to injured service members when they arrive at a military hospital.
These kits include supplies, such as a phone card, robe, toiletries, shower shoes and an MP3 music gift card. A client’s donation can also provide vaccinations for 100 children across the globe.
Local businesses will also be honorees at the gala. The Bonfiglio family of Tommy’s Tavern will also be receiving a Clara Barton Community Humanitarian Award. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals of Tinton Falls and Toms River will receive the Clara Barton Corporate Humanitarian Award.
CEO of the ARC New Jersey Region Ana Montero thinks it is important to recognize these groups.
“It is with great pleasure that we recognize outstanding members of our community whose extraordinary service has been instrumental in helping to fulfill the Red Cross mission in New Jersey. Our honorees have each demonstrated a commitment to ensuring help is there for people when they need it most.”
Tickets, sponsorships and advertising opportunities to support the gala are available at www.redcross.org/NJ or by contacting Aimee Alven at [email protected] or 609-951-2118.