HelpLightNJ delivered the bulbs for the second phase of lamps at Clearbrook in Monroe Township, an all electric retirement community. HelpLightNJ has participated in several Clearbrook Energy Fairs, and has been working to sign up all residents to receive a box of lamps.
HelpLightNJ kicked off the distribution of energy saving bulbs at the Ponds in Monroe Township on April 6th. 3,456 bulbs were distributed to 576 families, saving them over $230,000 in energy costs over the life of the bulbs.
Mr. Matthew Erickson,
I would like to thank you for your exceptional service to our community and congratulate you on being named a distinguished finalist in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. This honor recognizes you as one of a select group of top youth volunteers in the state of New Jersey.
As a cofounder of “HelpLight NJ” you raised money to replace 82,000 incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs for 13,000 families. This innovative volunteer effort is helping New Jersey families save money and advancing our state’s goal of becoming
more energy efficient. Your extraordinary leadership has inspired 19 other high schools to participate in the “HelpLight NJ” program. Your service is an extraordinary example for all young people.
On behalf of the sixth district and all of New Jersey, I again extend my sincere appreciation for your service to our community. I wish you the best in all your future efforts.
Sincerely,
Frank Pallone, JR.
Member of Congress
On Dec 19th, HelpLightNJ distributed 3,000 energy saving light bulbs at the Somerset United Way’s Gifts of the Seasons event. HelplightNJ, participated along with approximately 30 other non-profit organizations. The Gifts of the Season Program helps disadvantaged families, children, disabled adults and seniors in Somerset County by providing gifts, warm coats, winter apparel and food, making the holiday season better for everyone. Pictured left to right: Matthew Erickson, Paula Pilipovic, and John Caddock.
On Friday December 11th, HelpLightNJ distributed 14,400 bulbs to the 2,400 Senior Families living at the Rossmoor Community in Monroe Township. Residents live in all electric homes, and will save almost $1 million in energy costs of the life of the bulbs. Middlesex County Freeholder James Polos, NJ Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein and Monroe Councilman Miller were on hand for the event. Pictured from left to right: Freeholder James Polos, Assemblywoman Greenstein, Matt Erickson and Ken Myers of the Rossmoor Energy Committee
HelpLightNJ delivered 3,900 fluorescent lamps to The Community Foodbank of New Jersey. Lamps will be distributed to families in Irvington and Plainfield, as well as to volunteers at the Foodbank as well. The Food Bank distributes over 23 million pounds of food annually, and serves 1,656 non-profit programs throughout New Jersey. Pictured: John Caddock Matt Erickson and Sam from the Community FoodBank.
On November 25th, 2009 HelpLightNJ kicked off their partnership with the city of Newark and the Newark Housing Authority. 13,008 energy saving light bulbs will be distributed to NHA residents, providing energy savings of over $866,000.00 over the life of the bulbs. Newark Councilman Donald Payne Jr. (known as the Green Councilman), Angela Mason from the Newark Office of Sustainability, and Central Ward District Leader Carol Chin were all on hand. Pictured: Councilman Donald Payne, Matt, Paula, John, and Angela Mason from the Newark Sustainability Office
Many schools have already taken action and joined HelpLight NJ’s cause. You can, too! Your participation can make a huge difference to communities all over the state. We have seen the results first hand. HelpLight NJ was founded by Matt Erickson, John Caddock, and Paula Pilipovic in 2007 at Mater Dei High School. Since then, 17 other schools have joined our cause. Together we have distributed over 82,000 Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. We plan on moving forward in our mission, fighting global warming, helping people in need, and promoting the benefits of energy conservation. It is truly amazing what the actions of just a few people can accomplish. As we continue to grow, the opportunities to point people towards making positive changes are endless!
Your school can be a part of this. If you are interested in joining us, read Paula Pilipovic’s invitation letter and then send an e-mail to Paula at: ppilipovic@helplightnj.com.
In the meantime, there are several sections of this website that can help you learn about who we are and what we’re trying to accomplish. Here are some good places to start:
Who Is HelpLight NJ?
What We Do
How Can You Help?
Schools Who’ve Already Joined Us!
Partners (The company’s and organizations that believe in our cause!)
In addition to that, you can see what we’ve already accomplished by taking a look at some of these:
Where We’ve Been (Map showing all our CFL distributions.)
Where We’ll Be (Calender showing upcoming and past events and distributions.)
Community Relationships (Photos and letters from our past events and distributions.)
Media (Newspaper articles, TV interviews, promotional videos, and more!)
Awards
Now we’d like to take this opportunity to share some letters we’ve received from some of our new member schools!
Dear All:
I would like to personally thank all of the schools that have already joined our cause. It is incredible to witness the extent of our success and the passion and dedication with which our new partners have entered into our enterprise.
In lieu of this, I would like to extend our invitation and call to excellence further. For those schools that have yet to join, I encourage you to take the first step. It is amazing what individuals can accomplish with a common goal. Matt, John, and I were able to make a huge difference just by ourselves, saving residents almost 10 million dollars off their bills and cutting carbon gas emissions by 822 million pounds so far this year. We have seen the effects of our work first hand. We have heard the profuse gratitude and the thank you’s. We have heard the exclamations “Now I don’t have to use candles anymore!” If the three of us can make such a momentous contribution to reducing energy use in New Jersey, how much of a difference can every New Jersey student make?
The task is simple: contribute to your community. Don’t just take, give back as well. Whether you decide to join us, or start you own project, I implore you to take action. Make a contribution. Raise money. Donate items. Promote education. The world can become a better place, but it is up to us to make the change. The world has taken its turn, now it is your move. What can you accomplish?
Sincerely,
Paula Pilipovic
HelpLightNJ
HelpLightNJ participated in the 10 millionth CFL event at the Liberty Science Center on Friday, October 30th. Since 2008, the award-winning Green New Jersey Resource Team, sponsored by New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, has distributed 1.5 million discounted and/or complimentary ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs as part of an effort to raise awareness about the benefits of ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. In addition, statewide retailers sold the remaining 8.5 million bulbs through mark down incentives sponsored by New Jersey's Clean Energy Program to encourage customers to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified lighting at discounted prices.
How Many? |
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190,000 CFLs |
Relationships