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TEXT OF DANIEL L. LOMBARDO’S SPEECH AT ‘SOUTH JERSEYAN OF THE YEAR’ DINNER

THREE HONOREES (L to R): Our president and CEO Daniel L. Lombardo,;NJ State Sen. Stephen Sweeney; and Michael Carbone,  president, Metro Philadelphia Market, TD Bank,  received “South Jerseyan of the Year” awards May 1 from the Sen. Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers University in Camden, NJ. 

First I want to thank the Rand Institute for such an incredible honor.  What makes this event even more special to me is the company with whom I share this event on this day.  Senate Majority Leader Sweeney has been a friend and supporter of our work for many years.  He is one of those rare politicians who fights for what he believes in and tells it like it is.  It is an honor to be recognized along side of you.

TD Bank President Mike Carbone has been a friend and a supporter of our organization for years.  If one could design a model partnership between a Bank and a Social Services organization, the relationship we have with TD Bank is that model.  It was Mike who molded and shaped that model years ago.  It is an honor to be recognized along side of you, also.

For those of you who know me, you know I am not one who likes the limelight.  I am a behind the scenes kind of person who feels honors should be shared with those who make it possible for recognition such as this.  Take for example that table over there.  There are two gentlemen who are the only remaining members of the Executive Committee from our Chapter 11 days, of 20 years ago.  They are the rock upon which this organization is built.  Thank you Dr. James Brown and Mr. G.B. Lilley Jr.  A personal aside, these two men are responsible for being Yentl or the match maker for Zulma and me.  Thank you again and thanks to your wives Lily and Bea for making the two of you look so good!

Sitting there is the new backbone of Volunteers of America today – our chairman Chris Perks and our Chair Emeritus, Ms. Carolyn Ballard.  It is their leadership over the past 5 years that has fueled our growth and development and the expansion of our Board of Directors.  Thanks to both of you for your leadership and support.

Special thanks goes to those who work for us each day – the professional and direct care staff who by their commitment and dedication to those we serve have rebuilt our agency’s reputation as one of the premier providers of services to some of the most needy across the Delaware Valley.   It is our staff that generates the performance outcomes that have made us a valued human services organization.  It is your efforts that make me look good.  Thank you for what you do each day for us and for those we serve.

Finally, but most importantly, I want to thank my family, the women of my life, Zulma, Zulina, Yesenia and now my granddaughter S’Mya Allysa for bringing balance, laughter, estrogen and much love into my life.  I am what I am today because of the four of you.  I love you and thank you.

Thanks for this great honor.  Keep close to your minds and hearts those we serve.  They too need to be honored and respected for what they must endure.  Thank you.