FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2025

Contacts: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org

PSE&G and Ray Lucas to be Honored at Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Angel of Hope Gala

MILLBURN, NJ — PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation, along with former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas, will be honored at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) 31^st Angel of Hope Gala on May 14 at the Liberty House in Jersey City. This event celebrates individuals and organizations making significant contributions to protecting New Jersey’s children, families, and communities from the dangers of substance use.

PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation will receive the Angel of Hope Award in recognition of their leadership in educating and safeguarding New Jersey residents through dedicated community support and public health initiatives. Lucas will be honored with the Joseph (J.P.) Miele Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s mission and for using his voice and platform to inspire recovery and prevention efforts statewide.

“This gala is more than a celebration. It’s a testament to what we can accomplish together,” said Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ. “Our honorees this year embody the core of our mission, advancing the well-being of New Jerseyans by promoting prevention, education, and hope.”

The gala theme is Doo Wop Extravaganza and there will be a special performance by The Doo Wop Project. Elaine and Steve Pozycki, both PDFNJ Board of Trustees members, chair the gala.

The Vice Chairs are:

1-800-FLOWERS.COM
Jim McCann, Chairman

Stephen & Rosalie Balog Foundation

Connell Foley, LLP
Kevin Coakley, Partner

Crisdel Group, Inc.
Margerey and Frank Criscola

Anthony and Pamela Diaco

F & G Mechanical Group
Salvatore Fichera, CEO
Butch Giardina, President

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Saira A. Jan, M.S., Pharm.D., Vice President & Chief Pharmacy Officer; Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University

Laborers International Union of North America
Michael E. Hellstrom, Vice President & Eastern Regional Manager

Orloff, Lowenbach, Stifelman & Siegel P.A.                
Devin A. Cohen, Esq., Shareholder

PNC Bank
Enrico Della Corna, Regional President

Harry and Caroline Pozycki

Pavarini McGovern, LLC
Eric McGovern, President & CEO

Structure Tone, LLC
John T. White, Jr., COO, Executive Vice President

The Sudler Companies
Peter and Eileen Sudler

More information about the event and sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.drugfreenj.org/gala or by calling 973-275-7985.

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Best known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication.  To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 230 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.