Thank you to everyone who made the 2021 Medal of Honor a huge success!
We are excited to report that the money raised will allow us to continue to fulfill our important mission of educating and inspiring the public through FREE services and innovative programs about how the law impacts our everyday lives – programs that not only teach, but instill an appreciation of justice and foster good citizenship.
2021 Medal of Honor Awards Dinner Recap
After more than a year of virtual events, and the cancellation of last year’s awards dinner due to circumstances beyond everyone’s control, the 2021 Medal of Honor Awards Dinner, held at the Park Chateau in East Brunswick on September 28, 2021, attracted more than 200 attendees as we recognized the 2020 and 2021 Honorees, Lynn Fontaine Newsome, Esq., Hon. John E. Keefe, Sr. (Ret.), and Susan A. Feeney, Esq. Attendees enjoyed a spectacular evening of camaraderie among the state’s leaders of the legal community and honored three esteemed members of the legal community who exemplify professional excellence, service to the legal community and commitment to the citizens of New Jersey.
Guests mingled outdoors and enjoyed delicious hot and cold hors d’ouevres and entrees, as well as tasty libations during the Cocktail Reception / Dinner portion of the evening. They enjoyed beautiful views of the estate grounds while catching up with colleagues and other Foundation supporters in a relaxed setting. They perused the raffle baskets of wines and took their chance at the Wine Pull.
The program started at 7 pm, when Kathleen Fennelly, Esq., President of the Foundation and the event’s Host, welcomed all attendees and thanked all gathered for their outpouring of support and encouragement. “Awards like the Medal of Honor make the actions of others, which can sometimes seem intangible, into something concrete,” Ms. Fennelly remarked. “They make us pause, reflect and show gratitude, even awe. They let us reward achievement in a symbolic way, and to celebrate. To our recipients tonight, the work itself has always been the reward.”
Domenick Carmagnola, Esq., President of the New Jersey Bar Association, confirmed the importance of the Foundation’s work and the significance of the Bar’s participation in serving the public. “The bar association walks hand in hand with the Foundation. Your successes are our successes, your mission is a corollary to our mission, your attorneys and judges are our attorneys and judges. Your honorees are our honorees. As members of the legal profession, we aim to make a better, more just society.”
It was then time for the audience to watch a short video that highlighted the impact of the Foundation’s publications. Guests heard from one educator about why she relies on the newsletters published by the Foundation to teach her students about civics.
After the video, it was time for some fun – picking the winners of the Wine Raffle! Two lucky oenophiles in the audience took home bottles of wine that had been generously donated by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
After some fundraising fun, the audience was ready for the presentation of the Medal of Honor to the 2020 Honoree, Hon. John E. Keefe, Sr. (Ret.), and the 2021 Honoree, Lynn Fontaine Newsome, Esq.
John E. Keefe, Jr., Esq., a partner at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, former President of the NJ State Bar Association, and former Trustee of the Foundation introduced his father. Ms. Fennelly presented the 2020 Medal of Honor to Judge Keefe, for professional excellence in the law, service to the profession and the community, and dedication to improving the justice system.
Thomas R. Curtin, Esq., a partner at McElroy Deutsch, former President of the NJ State Bar Association and former President of the Foundation, then introduced Ms. Newsome.
Ms. Fennelly presented the 2021 Medal of Honor to Ms. Newsome, for professional excellence in the law, service to the profession and the community, and dedication to improving the justice system.
After the medal ceremony, the program ended and guests enjoyed bakery desserts and coffee-to-go as they exited the venue.
It was a perfect end to a lovely evening!
Our thanks to the Dinner Committee, the Board, our Dinner Sponsors, Journal advertisers, and all who attended this spectacular event. Your generosity will allow us to continue to serve thousands of people every year while we fulfill our mission of educating the public about the law, the justice system and violence prevention.
“Informed Citizens are Better Citizens”
For more information on the Medal of Honor and to view a photo gallery from the event, click here.
If you couldn’t join us this year, but would like to show your support for the great work of the Foundation, please consider a donation.
We hope to see everyone at the 2022 Medal of Honor Awards Dinner!