Congratulations on receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and thank you for helping to address the most pressing needs in your community and our country.

In my Inaugural Address, I stated that we need a new era of responsibility – a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our Nation, and the world. These are duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit than giving our all to a difficult task. Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise.

Our Nation faces the most challenging economic crisis in a lifetime. We will only renew America of we all work together. Individuals, the private sector, and government must combine efforts to make real and lasting change so that each person has the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential.

While government can open more opportunities for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great Nation.

Barack Obama

NJ Governor Jon S. Corzine awarded HelpLightNJ the 2009 Governors Award for Environmental Excellence at his official residence in Princeton NJ.

Dear Award Winners:

Congratulations on being selected as a winner of the 2009 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards.

These awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognize programs, projects and individuals that embody the talent, dedication and creativity essential to improving environmental quality in our state.

I am pleased to be hosting this event and celebrating your accomplishments with you tonight.

Sincerely, Jon S. Corzine

Click here to watch a video of the award ceremony.

Commissioner Asselta presents Matt Erickson, John Caddock, and Paula Pillipovic of Help Light NJ with the 2009 New Jersey Clean Energy Leadership Award in the category of Outreach Partner of the Year!

Outreach Partner of the Year – HelpLight NJ

The Outreach Award recognizes efforts to build awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures by extending the message of clean energy to a wide audience in the hope of influencing others to make wise energy decisions that reduce our impact on climate change.

“HelpLight NJ was organized by a group of high school students to raise money for the purchase and distribution of over 60,000 energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs to needy families and seniors. In addition to the work they’ve done in their own community, the group headed out across the state to inspire and engage other high school students, recruiting 19 schools to participate. This organization embodies the goals of the Energy Master Plan, spreads the important message of energy efficiency, provides New Jersey’s neediest families with the tools to save energy and money, and connects them with the state’s assistance programs, as well,” said Commissioner Asselta. He then presented Matt Erikson of HelpLight NJ with the Outreach Partner of the Year Award.

HelpLight NJ Has a Bright Idea for Helping People Save Energy. Let their Shining Example Inspire you, too!

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program(TM) recognize HelpLight NJ – winner of the 2009 Clean Energy Outreach Partner of the Year.

HelpLight NJ is a charitable organization created by three high school students with a primary goal of raising funds to help the area’s low income families save money through the use of energy efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. After partnering with New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, HelpLight NJ was able to deliver over 140,000 CFL bulbs, which will save over $9 million in energy costs as well as avoiding the release of 166 million pounds of CO2. Through its successful outreach program, HelpLight NJ has also recruited 19 partner schools to help in their worthwhile cause.

Find out how your municipality or business can benefit from clean energy financing and incentive programs available through New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program at: NJCleanEnergy.com.