The GFWC Jennie Award is in honor of the founder of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Jane Cunningham Croly, known fondly as "Jennie June." The award spotlights one clubwoman from the Middle Atlantic Region who has been judged on club, state, region and national levels for her outstanding performance as a volunteer within her club, community and family.
If your club would like to nominate someone for the Jennie award, the form may be found on the GFWC website.
2025-2026 GFWC JENNIE AWARD NOMINEE: Marie Sullivan
Marie has been a clubwoman since 2004 when she joined the GFWC Woman's Club of Paramus. She held various positions within the club including President (2010-2012). In addition, Marie joined the Book and Needle Club of Oradell in 2019 where she continues as their Arts and Culture chairperson.
In May of 2018 Marie was elected to the NJSFWC State Board where she held the position of Palisades District Vice President (DVP) overseeing 27 club presidents. In May of 2020 with no one to hold the DVP position for our Ramapo District, Marie was appointed as their DVP, where she guided 17 club presidents. In 2022-2024, Marie was asked to become the Chair of our New Jersey State Special Project, Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. Her biggest and most successful club project was during COVID when she organized a sewing brigade where she successfully solicited 2nd run fabrics, creating mask patterns and taught clubwoman to sew masks. The clubwomen with her guidance made and donated over 20,000 face coverings which were donated to hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, other women’s clubs, veteran’s homes, homeless shelters and special education classrooms.
Marie’s commitment to service goes far beyond that of the GFWC and Woman’s Club. As a passionate advocate for batter Woman and Children Marie continues to support The Center for Hope and Safety. She quickly mobilizes members of the community, family and friends to solicit what the center might need. To her credit, she reached out to other groups to donate gift cards and had a much-needed freezer donated.
Marie’s steadfast commitment to her family is the foundation of everything she does. She is the heart of her home, consistently putting others first with quiet strength and resolve. Whether it meant staying up all night to help with school projects, logging hours on the road for sports, or being the first call when life feels overwhelming, Marie has always shown up without hesitation. Her dedication was most evident in recent years during her father’s serious health crisis. What sets Marie apart is her natural ability to uplift those around her. Her love is visible, active, and unrelenting. She leads by doing, and she gives without asking for recognition.
2022 JENNIE AWARD WINNER MIDDLE ATLANTIC REGION: Jill McDonald
Jill has packed a lot into her 39 years of membership in GFWC. For more than a year, Jill baked and packaged cookies for her church’s outreach program. During GFWC International Past President Mary Ellen Brock’s Administration, Jill made more than 100 dozen cookies for both Holiday Open Houses. At Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, she worked 60-hour weeks to set up one of the most beneficial programs for Army families. In one year, she assisted more than 320 clients in finding the best jobs available. Also, unable to find on-base childcare, she created a functioning childcare option to help families stationed there.
She helped increase membership of one of her clubs from 16 to 56 in a 10-year period, and as the Garden District State Project Chair, she sent coupons worth more than $10,000 to installations worldwide in two years. Jill is also still working on collecting shoes for Soles 4 Souls. Lastly, while working full time, raising three children, and volunteering, Jill received her college diploma 37 years after she started working toward a degree.
Congratulations to Jill on being selected as Jennie Award recipient for 2022!
2020 GFWC JENNIE AWARD NOMINEE: Lucy Sanzalone
Congratulations to Lucy Sanzalone from the Woman’s Club of Brielle for being the NJSFWC Jennie Award nominee. Lucy has been a member of Brielle since 2008 and has served as a Board member since 2009. She has worked with Dottie’s House for abused women and children, delivering clothes, food, toiletries, backpacks and toys. Her daughter started a grieving center for children and Lucy cooks for the volunteers. She assists veterans by working with Purple Heart of Jersey Shore, providing personal items for veterans in nursing homes. The Bayberry Garden Club awarded her the Perennial Bloom Award for her work with their organization.
When Lucy was 16 years old her mother passed away and Lucy became in charge of the household, cooking and keeping up with the housework. Later in life she nursed her husband for 14 years. She enjoys helping those in need whether it be her family or her club members.
The NJSFWC of GFWC congratulates Lucy on her commitment to club, community and family.