2009 New Jersey State Jefferson Awards (8/26/2009)
Honoree Matthew Erickson

Matthew Erickson of Red Bank was nominated by his father, Bernie Erickson, for his commitment to saving energy through Matthew’s HelpLightNJ program. Matthew established HelpLightNJ at age 15, with a three-pronged goal to raise money to purchase and distribute energy-saving light bulbs to needy families and seniors, reduce greenhouse gases, and motivate others to get involved and make a difference. Matt’s efforts earned a grant from the NJ Clean Energy Program to distribute 60,000 bulbs; and he has grown HelpLightNJ to involve more than 20 other students and the support of 11 schools. The 10,000 families who received the bulbs will save more then $4 million in energy costs. Simple actions can make a difference.