September 4, 2007
New Jersey Native Named National Hero
Trenton, N.J. (Sept. 4) –– A Trenton woman today received the national "Heroes In Our Midst" award for her extraordinary lifelong commitment to improve the lives of disadvantaged youth and the elderly.
Marjorie Bernhard, 70, was given a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion in Princeton, NJ during a presentation at the Senior Corps/R.S.V.P. Brunch for senior volunteers. As an active volunteer with Campfire USA and other community organizations, Bernard has dedicated a major portion of her life to reaching out and connecting with others. She also adopted a family of eight Indonesian children who were in need of a stable, loving family.
Heroes In Our Midst honors everyday heroes who give of themselves to connect with others to show they care, and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.
Since joining her local Camp Fire USA group at age six, Bernhard has spent most of her time is spent volunteering. In addition to sitting on the board at Camp Fire, she has assumed leadership roles in organizations such as the United Way, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Mercer County, New Jersey State Board of Human Services for the Prevention of Child Abuse, and others.
"Volunteering makes people happier, healthier individuals," she said. "I think that it's a physiological thing. Studies show that it makes people feel good and improves their health to do something that helps."
Family members as well as fellow volunteers joined Bernhard at the ceremony. Bernhard received several greeting cards expressing gratitude for her longstanding commitment to connecting with those in need in her community. Bernhard was touched by this gesture. "I think messages like the ones I received today are important because it makes the person who receives these cards understand that you appreciate what they've done. And then they're more inclined to do it again."
Whether collecting blankets and tents for earthquake victims in Pakistan, escorting some elderly neighbors on a luncheon cruise, or impressing upon her children and their friends the importance of giving, Bernhard exemplifies constant commitment to service. "There has never been a time in Camp Fire USA New Jersey Council's history ‘since Marj' that she has not been with us to serve," said Barbara Van Horn, executive director of the local Camp Fire USA branch.
"Marj has dedicated her life to volunteerism. We honor men and women around the country who, like Marj, give of themselves to connect with others in their community," said Chris Bouchard, national spokesman for Heroes In Our Midst. "Her story is an inspiring tale of selflessness and commitment."
Camp Fire USA and Heroes In Our Midst officials are asking members of the Trenton community to send cards or notes expressing their thanks to Bernhard, as well as cards to the heroes in their own lives. Cards for Bernhard should be addressed to:
Marjory Bernhard
Camp Fire USA New Jersey Council
535 East Franklin Street
Trenton, NJ 08610
At the ceremony, the Heroes In Our Midst program said a $1,000 check would be donated in Bernhard's name to Camp Fire USA New Jersey Council to support the efforts of volunteers like Bernhard who are reaching out to connect with others in their community.
"Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties," said Bouchard. "Greeting cards are a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card."
To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.