Honoring New Jersey’s Outstanding Volunteers & Partners

_{Carrie Williams ~ American Water}

_{Outstanding Community Partner - Southern NJ}

_{Newark Fire Division}

_{Outstanding Community Partner - Northern NJ}

_{Cecilia Caliguiri}

_{Outstanding Youth Volunteer - NJ Region}

_{Asbury Park Fire Department}

_{Outstanding Community Partner - Central NJ}

December 15, 2025

The American Red Cross New Jersey Region truly appreciates our volunteers and community partners, for it is thanks to their generous donation of time and talent that makes helping others in need possible. During December we held volunteer events in each of our three chapters to recognize the amazing work of our volunteers while honoring the following outstanding volunteers and partners.

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Gary Olivero

Michelle Esposito Heart of Service Award

Gary’s journey with the American Red Cross began more than 20 years ago in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. That experience ignited his commitment to our humanitarian mission. Since then, Gary has become a Red Cross cornerstone contributing across numerous areas with enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering dedication. His service spans disaster deployments, blood services, board leadership, and community engagement—each infused with his signature warmth and optimism. One of Gary’s most impactful contributions is as a Community Volunteer Leader.

What truly sets Gary apart is an ability to connect with people. He sees the best in others and helps them see it in themselves. Gary is a natural encourager, lifting up staff and volunteers alike with his contagious energy and heartfelt support. His spirit of inclusion and joy inspires everyone around him.

“All of us here have a big compassionate heart in wanting to assist another person in need of help,” commented Olivero. “I am humbled to be recognized as a peer to do what all of us at the Red Cross do willingly.

Monica Dottino

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Monica is our Regional Recovery Program Lead with Disaster Cycle Services and the engine behind one of the most complex and impactful programs in our region: Disaster Client Casework.

Between Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, Monica and her Deputy Lead oversaw more than 3,400 cases, assisting nearly 9,000 disaster clients across the New Jersey Region. But those numbers don’t tell the full story – the real story is how she does it. Monica knows every disaster client’s journey and every caseworker’s strength and challenges. She somehow manages all with calm, compassion, and laser focus. Monica’s leadership is hands-on and steady under pressure. She leads by example, advocates for her volunteers, and supports disaster clients as if they were her own family.

Cecilia Caliguiri

Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year

Cecilia has been an active Red Cross volunteer since 2022, beginning with the former New Jersey Youth Council. As we created a new structure for youth engagement, Cecilia immediately stepped up to help shape what is the New Jersey Youth Corps. Her enthusiasm and leadership have been evident from the start.

During the inaugural year, Cecilia served as President of the Northern New Jersey Youth Corps, setting a strong example for her peers. She demonstrated exceptional initiative and vision, helping establish a thriving chapter and laying the foundation for a sustainable, impactful program. Her ability to organize and coordinate youth volunteers and communicate effectively, with both peers and mentors, elevated the entire team and fostered a culture of service. Her contributions have strengthened the Youth Corps and set a high standard for future youth leaders.

Asbury Park Fire Department

Outstanding Partner of the Year – Central New Jersey

In every sense, the Asbury Park Fire Department has embodied the Red Cross’s core values of compassion, collaboration, and commitment. Their partnership has expanded our capacity to deliver life-saving services, increased our visibility in high-risk neighborhoods, and deepened our connection to the communities we serve. Their actions demonstrate how strong partnerships can transform preparedness into prevention—and how local champions can turn a campaign into a movement.

Carrie Williams - American Water

Outstanding Partner of the Year – Southern New Jersey

For more than two decades, American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation have been steadfast supporters of the American Red Cross, exemplifying what it means to be a true community partner. Foundation President Carrie Williams has played a pivotal role in strengthening this partnership. Since joining our Southern New Jersey Board of Directors in fall 2023 and then the Regional Council, her leadership has deepened strategic collaboration and community impact. The Foundation has elevated its commitment as a Disaster Responder member, demonstrating exceptional leadership, compassion, and alignment with the Red Cross mission—particularly in the areas of disaster relief, community preparedness, and support for military families.

Newark Fire Division

Outstanding Partner of the Year – Northern New Jersey

The Newark Fire Division exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner—working hand in hand with the Red Cross to protect lives and build a safer future for residents. Their unwavering commitment to collaboration and community safety has made a tremendous impact. In the past year alone, the Red Cross has worked with the Newark Fire Division during 150 home fire responses, partnering to provide vital support to families affected by these disasters. The Newark Fire Division maintains consistent communication with the Red Cross, ensuring alignment on community needs and invitation to participate in key events that strengthen local resilience.