Union County Honors Summit Heroes at 2025 Unity Achievement Awards
Thirteen individuals and organizations were honored at the Union County Human Relations Commission’s 22nd annual Unity Achievement Awards for their exceptional efforts in promoting human rights, dignity, and understanding across the county.
The ceremony was held May 12 at the Kean University STEM Center in Union Township.
This year’s honorees included students, educators, nonprofit leaders, business owners, veterans’ advocates, and law enforcement officials — all recognized for work that uplifts communities and bridges divides.
Among the recipients were Geoff and Ginger Worden of Summit, founders of Bridges Outreach. The couple began their outreach efforts in 1988 by distributing food to people experiencing homelessness under the Brooklyn Bridge. Their volunteer work has since grown into a countywide organization that provided more than 9,700 outreach engagements and nearly 50,000 meals in 2024 alone.
Other Summit-area honorees included Sebastian Mercado, a junior at New Providence High School, recognized for his interfaith leadership and commitment to inclusion, and Amanda Girardi, owner of Sweet & Fancy Emporium in Cranford, who responded to hate mail with a public act of solidarity that inspired community support and a charity bake sale benefiting The Trevor Project.
“These regular people do extraordinary things to make others’ lives better and make our communities kinder,” said Commission Co-Chair Linda Weissbrod. “The evening’s presentation highlights all the good that is being accomplished in Union County.”
Award categories spanned achievements in education, public service, community organization, student leadership, law enforcement, business, and special recognition.
Established in 1991 by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Commission is composed of community volunteers who aim to strengthen respect for human rights and cultural diversity while working to eliminate prejudice, bias, and hate in Union County.
Nominations for the 2026 Unity Achievement Awards are now open at www.ucnj.org/uchrc.