Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the 2025 CapeMay County Distinguished Citizens Awards Reception. It was a meaningful evening celebrating the achievements of Patrick Rosenello, Mayor of North Wildwood, and Rita Rothberg, Cape May County Clerk, two exemplary leaders
whose dedication to service, leadership, and community truly reflect the values of Scouting.

The Distinguished Citizens Award honors individuals who exemplify integrity, vision, and service, serving as role models for youth across southern New Jersey. By celebrating their leadership, we aim to inspire the next generation to meet challenges with confidence, give back to their communities, and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

Proceeds from this event support the Garden State Council’s Scouting programs, which serve over 4,500 youth annually, including hundreds across Cape May County. Your support provides vital opportunities for young people to fully participate in Scouting by covering costs for program materials,
leadership development, outdoor adventures, and mentorship that help shape strong values and lifelong skills.

If you were unable to attend but would like to support the council, your contribution is always appreciated and can be made here.

View the Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception Photo Gallery

2025 Awards Reception Program Book

HONOREES

Mayor Patrick Rosenello, a lifelong resident of North Wildwood, has dedicated his career to public service and community leadership. First elected to City Council in 2004 and now serving his third term as Mayor, he is recognized for his proactive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his strong advocacy for coastal preservation. Beyond government, he has contributed to numerous local organizations and played a key role in revitalizing downtown Wildwood through his business ventures, including managing the iconic Sightseer Tram Cars and Byrne Plaza. A proud husband and father of three, Rosenello continues to champion the vitality of Cape May County.

Rita Rothberg has served in the Cape May County Clerk’s Office since 1985 and was first elected County Clerk in 2005. In this role, she oversees real estate and civil records dating back to 1692, administers elections, and has officiated more than 2,100 marriages. She also serves as County Adjuster, ensuring care for vulnerable residents. Recognized with a PARIS Award for excellence in records management, Rita is active on multiple local boards and chairs the Cape Women’s Resource Fund. A lifelong Cape May County resident, she is dedicated to preserving history, strengthening civic engagement, and celebrating community leadership.

EVENT SCHEDULE

5:30 PM – Welcome Reception: Drinks & Hors d’oeuvres
6:30 PM – Dinner & Award Presentations
8:00 PM – Program Concludes

SUPPORT

Support this meaningful celebration of service and help Scouting grow in Cape May County.

Submit your advertisement by Tuesday, October 7 to 690specialevents@scouting.org.

Please RSVP with your guest names by Tuesday, October 21 to 690specialevents@scouting.org. Checks can be made payable to Garden State Council and mailed to 693 Rancocas Rd. in Westampton, NJ 08060.

IMPACT

Your support empowers youth through adventure, service, and learning— preparing them for lives of leadership and civic responsibility. See how in our 2024 Year in Review infographic.

Sponsorship and Tribute Opportunities

Sponsorships, Tribute ads, individual tickets, and contributions to Scouting can all be ordered through our online portal. See all of the details below, then click the button to make your selections.

Sponsorships

Dinner Underwriter: $7,500

Includes 24 guests, listing on event website, social media mention, event recognition and a full-page color ad in the program booklet.

Platinum Eagle Sponsor: $5,000

Includes 16 guests, listing on event website, social media mention, event recognition and a full-page color ad in the program booklet.

Gold Life Sponsor: $3,750

Includes 8 guests, listing on event website, social media mention, event recognition, and a full-page color ad in the program booklet.

Silver Star Sponsor: $2,500

Includes 8 guests, listing on event website, social media mention, event recognition and a half-page color ad in the program booklet.

Bronze First Class Sponsor: $1,500

Includes 4 guests, recognition during event and quarter-page color ad in program booklet.

Tributes and Tickets

Full-Page Tribute: $1,000

Includes a full-page, color ad measuring a standard sheet, 8.5 x 11 inches.

Half-Page Tribute: $600

Includes a half-page, color ad measuring 8.5 w x 5 h inches.

Quarter-Page Tribute: $300

Includes a quarter-page ad measuring 3.5 w x 5 h inches.

Tickets: $125

Accordion Content

Thank you to this year’s generous Sponsors!

Premier Eagle Sponsor

Gold Life Sponsors

Silver Star Sponsors

Past Honorees of the Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award

Year	Name
2006	Jeff Van Drew
2007	Daniel Beyel
2008	Thomas Tower*
2009	Will Morey
2009	Jack Morey
2010	Charlie Pessango
2011	William Kindle
2011	Leonard Desiderio
2012	Douglas Heun
2012	Veronica Town
2013	Jerry Reeves
2013	Scott Halliday
2014	Jay Ford
2014	Brian Broadley
2015	Alan Gould
2015	Joyce Gould
2015	Dave Beyel
2015	John Lynch

Year	Name
2016	Mayor Martin L. Pagliughi
2016	Linda Pagliughi
2016	James Bennett
2017	Jay A. Gillian
2017	John Scrapa
2018	Curtis Bashaw
2018	The McMahon Family
2019	Patrick Healey
2019	Eustace Mita
2021	Larry C. Schmidt
2021	The Burke Family
2022	Maryanne Adams
2022	George C. Robinson
2022	Bishop Charles Farrow
2023	Dave/Monica Coskey
2023	The Mullock Family
2024	William Kelly
2024	Brendon Sciarra
2025	Patrick Rosenello
2025	Rita Rothberg

*Deceased

Development Team Contact

If you would like more information about Garden State Council's Distinguished Citizen Awards and the many ways you can support the mission of Scouting in South Jersey, we invite you to contact us by email.