The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge, South Amboy, and the YMCA at the Piscataway Community Center is proud to recognize its esteemed community partners at the non-profit's annual dinner. Each award recipient embodies leadership, integrity, and the core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Among the honorees are local entities such as Costello-Runyon Funeral Home and the Costello Family, BCB Bank Edison Regional Manager Rekha Parthasarathy and YMCA of MEWSA Board Member and Metuchen community member John Dowd.
Each year the Community Partner Award is given to an organization that epitomizes the YMCA’s mission. Costello-Runyon Funeral Homes and the Costello Family have served the Metuchen and Iselin communities with care and compassion for generations. The family’s connection to the YMCA and its community spans decades, including board leadership by Jay Costello and volunteer support from the whole family. Joe Costello currently leads Costello-Runyon Funeral Homes and serves on the YMCA of MEWSA Metuchen Branch Board and Golf Committee.
Rekha Parthasarathy is being presented with the Barnes Community Champion Award, named in honor of Peter Barnes Sr. and Peter Barnes Jr. Parthasarathy has been an integral part of her community for years, serving on the board of the Edison Branch YMCA, part of the Community Campus. She also holds the position of Vice President of Operations with the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce and is a chartered member of the Lions Club. Deeply committed to supporting underserved children and the elderly, Rekha finds purpose in using her time and resources to make lasting, positive impacts on the lives of others.
John Dowd, a strong presence in the Metuchen community, is being honored with the Charles Edgar Memorial Award for his significant contributions to the local community. In addition to volunteering as a youth sports coach and a member of various committees within St. Francis of Metuchen, he also has held various roles on the YMCA of MEWSA Board, including Board Chair, Finance Chair and Investment Chair. His involvement and outreach have provided an opportunity for his contributions, influence and leadership to reach countless community members throughout Middlesex County.
“The YMCA of MEWSA is thrilled to acknowledge our partners and celebrate their remarkable contributions in building a stronger, healthier community,” says YMCA of MEWSA President and CEO Rose Cushing. “Each honoree reflects the values of the YMCA and collaborates closely with us to extend our outreach and impact.”
In addition to these commendable partners, five exceptional YMCA youth employees will receive the Malinowski Award. They include Ryan Casey (Metuchen Branch), Jiya Garg (Edison Branch), Alex Rodriguez (South Amboy Branch), Cisco Rios (Piscataway Branch) and Crystal Diaz (Child Care Branch).