The 12th Annual Gala
Change doesn’t happen overnight, it’s powered by people.
At New Jersey LCV, we believe in the power of change to protect our environment, strengthen our communities, and build a more sustainable future for everyone.
Our annual gala brings together leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate the progress we’ve made and the momentum still to come. Together, we’re proving that when we act, change follows.
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Joe Basralian
—Winifred M. and George P. Pitkin Foundation
Sponsoring the NJLCV Gala gives us something even more powerful than wonderful results every year. It connects us with New Jersey's ENERGY OF HOPE that our movement will continue to expand and our communities will prosper."
Phil Brilliant
—Brilliant Environmental Services, LLC
I know how hard it is to raise money for non-profits, so my donation to the Gala from my business allows me the opportunity to expose my staff members to the benefits of NJLCV and the need in today’s society to give back…NJLCV is making itself the name for the advocacy of what is right in NJ when it comes to environmental protection….[and] most importantly providing a voice to those without a voice. Whether in EJ communities or promoting for alternative energy, NJLCV provides educated direction to voters and the legislative community, while voicing what is right and wrong in basic language for the citizens to understand. Not to mention opening up the doors of volunteering and employment to the next generation!
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Congressman Herb Conaway, Governor Mikie Sherrill and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman
Emerald Award Honorees
This award is given to current or former government administrators, lawmakers, or other elected officials who work to conserve the environment in New Jersey, in appreciation of outstanding devotion to the protection of New Jersey's precious air, water and open space.
William Spearman
Assemblyman William (Bill) Spearman
Assemblyman William (Bill) Spearman, a troubleshooter and problem-solver known throughout New Jersey for his dedication to public service, hails from Camden. A Rutgers University–Camden graduate in management, he later obtained an MBA in real estate and urban land studies from Temple University. With a background at Cooper's Ferry Development Association overseeing significant projects, including the construction of Wiggins Waterfront Park and the Riversharks stadium, Spearman then held various roles in the City of Camden and served on the city council. Currently representing New Jersey's Fifth Legislative District in the General Assembly since 2018, he serves as Chair of the Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee, Vice-Chair of the Children, Families and Food Security Committee, and sits on the Budget Committee.
Assemblyman Rob Karabinchak
Assemblyman Rob Karabinchak
Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak is currently serving his sixth term as representative of New Jersey’s 18th Legislative District. The 18th Legislative district consists of the Middlesex municipalities of East Brunswick, Edison, Highland Park, Metuchen, Milltown, South Plainfield, and South River. He was appointed to the New Jersey General Assembly in May 2016 and was re-elected in 2017.
Prior to representing the 18th Legislative District, he served the residents of Edison for 16 years. This included eight years on the Zoning Board of Adjustments, and eight years on the Township Council as Councilmember, before becoming Council President. Additionally, Assemblyman Karabinchak served as a member of the council’s Finance, Open Space and Master Plan committees. He is a former Middlesex County Utilities Authority commissioner.
Assemblyman Karabinchak currently serves as Chair of the Assembly State and Local Government Committee, Vice Chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee and a member of Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. He previously served as Chair of the Special Committee on Infrastructure and Natural Resources from 2019 to 2021 and Deputy Majority Whip from 2018 to 2019. The Assemblymen’s top priorities include investing in clean water, clean energy and renewable resources, improving our infrastructure, and advocating for small businesses.
A lifelong resident of Edison, he is a local business owner, working as President of Tri-form Construction in Metuchen. Assemblyman Karabinchak is married to his wife of 45 years, Linda. They are the proud parents of three adult children, Steven, Brian and Lori.
Quote from Awardee
“I’m honored to be recognized by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters with the Emerald Award. New Jersey’s clean energy transition demands innovation, smart policy, and urgency. This recognition reinforces the importance of advancing solar, modernizing permitting, and exploring new technologies to meet our climate goals while keeping energy costs down. I look forward to continuing our work together to protect our environment and make energy more affordable for New Jersey families.”
Derel Stroud
Derel’s impact resonates through his current service as a Township Committeeman and his four-year tenure on the Neptune Zoning Board of Adjustments, where his decisions help shape the developmental landscape of his community with precision and foresight. As a former educator, Derel worked to ensure his students were equipped with the knowledge of the latest innovative technologies, Financial Accounting practices, and other professional programs and systems; preparing them for a growing competitive workforce.
After graduating from Brookdale Community College, Derel went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Seton Hall University. In 2018, Derel received the ‘Outstanding Humanitarian Award’ by Project Re-Direct, a youth services organization. In 2019, he was named ‘Citizen of the Year’ by the Ocean Township Police Department. Later in 2022, he received the ‘Community Rising Star Award’ from the Vin Gopal Civic Association. His academic foundation undoubtedly sharpened his analytical prowess and strategic thinking. As a brother of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Member of the NAACP, National Organization for Women, among others, he
embodies principles of honesty and transparency, inclusion and community engagement.
His role as a special advisor to U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman underscores his expertise and influence in navigating complex political landscapes, further solidifying his commitment to serving the public with good intentions and integrity. He currently serves as Deputy Mayor in the Township of Neptune where he recently led an initiative to bring reintegration services for returning citizens through a state grant funded initiative.
Quote from Awardee
“I’m deeply honored to be selected to receive the Emerald Award from LCV! This award reminds me why I’m in this fight for environmental justice, clean energy, safe shores, and protected open spaces. Every community deserves a healthy future. I’m honored to stand with the League of Conservation Voters in making that vision real for residents of Neptune Township and our neighbors.”
Changemaker Award Honorees
This award is given to an individual, group, or organization that works to conserve the environment in New Jersey through volunteerism and advocacy, in recognition of making an incomparable difference for New Jersey's environment in your community and the lives of others.
Eastern Environmental Law Center (EELC)
Eastern Environmental Law Center is a nonprofit, public-interest environmental law firm based in Newark. EELC works on behalf of nonprofit organizations and community groups to advance environmental justice, implement clean energy solutions, and preserve our region’s open space, wildlife and natural resources for generations to come. EELC began as the Rutgers University Environmental Law Clinic, and was founded as an independent nonprofit by renowned environmental lawyer Ed Lloyd in 1995.
Quote from the Awardee
"Eastern Environmental Law Center is honored to receive the Changemaker Award from the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. This award reflects the importance of community-driven legal work in protecting New Jersey’s natural resources and public health, and we are grateful for the League’s continued partnership and leadership toward a fair and sustainable future"
Tomia MacQueen
Tomia MacQueen is an educator, organic farmer, and conservation leader whose work exemplifies sustainable land stewardship in action. With over 22 years in education and 19 years as an Edible Gardens Consultant, she is the owner of Wildflower Farm in Pennington, New Jersey.
At Wildflower Farm, Tomia centers education and regenerative practice including organic growing methods, increasing biodiversity, improving soil health, and humane, conservation-based animal husbandry. The farm produces both common and culturally meaningful crops while ethically raising pastured and truly free-range poultry and grass-fed lamb — all with a clear focus on strengthening local and global food security and seed
sovereignty.
Through her work with the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance, Tomia is deeply engaged in seed preservation, sustainably protecting culturally meaningful seeds for local communities and for those in crisis worldwide. In 2022, at the start of the unrest in Ukraine, Ujamaa entrusted Wildflower Farm with just ten seeds of the Ukrainian Zaria sunflower. Through careful stewardship and regeneration, those seeds were preserved, helping to safeguard an irreplaceable cultural legacy.
Tomia is also the founder of the Healing Waters Land Access Project, which advances food security and conservation by providing land access, training, and mentorship to historically underrepresented new and beginning farmers. This model is increasingly recognized by private landowners as a powerful statement of solidarity and a pathway toward a more sustainable future rooted in equity and healthy land stewardship.
A New Jersey–certified teacher, Tomia served as the pilot Coordinator for the Food Systems Literacy Program at Princeton Public Schools, helping to integrate environmental stewardship, food systems literacy, and conservation into the classroom. An ongoing community mentor and partner of the Princeton University Seed Farm and other local schools and youth organizations, Tomia continues to serve as a sustainability and heritage seeds educator in her community.
She serves as a Board Member and Education Committee Chair of the Northeast Organic Farming Association–New Jersey, a founding member of the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance, an educator with the Ira Wallace Seed School, and a member of the North Jersey RC&D Regenerative Farming Network. Through her leadership, Tomia MacQueen reminds us that conservation and food security are inseparable — rooted in care for the land, the seed, and the communities they sustain.
Sustainability Award Honoree
This award is given to a business or institution that is on the forefront of change for a more sustainable future in New Jersey, in recognition of committing to a sustainable future for this state, integrating sustainability in everyday life, and making sustainability more accessible to the public.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University has distinguished itself through its exceptional commitment to climate leadership, environmental research, clean energy innovation, and environmental stewardship. The university has set ambitious carbon neutrality goals, expanded large-scale solar installations, advanced energy-efficiency improvements, and implemented forward-thinking stormwater and flood-resilience strategies. With sustainable transportation options and climate-focused operational planning across its campuses, Rutgers continues to model what institutional sustainability can look like at scale.
“Rutgers’ commitment to a resilient, sustainable New Jersey and the world is evident in the impact of our environmental research across the university—on the sea, agricultural fields, and the air we breathe—and in the progress we are making on our action plan for operations on all our campuses. We are honored to receive New Jersey LCV’s top award.”
—Rutgers President William F. Tate IV
Support Us
When you sponsor the 12th Annual New Jersey LCV Gala, you’re not just supporting an event. You’re investing in a healthier, more resilient future for every New Jerseyan. Your partnership powers our non-partisan work to advance clean air, safe drinking water, climate justice, and strong environmental leadership across the state.
Gala sponsorships offer a unique opportunity to elevate your brand in front of more than 300 decision-makers, environmental advocates, business leaders, and elected officials. Sponsors are featured in event promotions seen by our engaged members and supporters, extending your reach well beyond event night.
By becoming a sponsor, you:
- Demonstrate your commitment to protecting New Jersey’s environment
- Strengthen your visibility among influential audiences
- Support strong environmental policy and advocacy
- Provide your employees or clients with meaningful opportunities to engage in climate and conservation issues
- Help us inspire bold action to protect the places we all live, work, and play
Explore our full Sponsorship Packet and secure your sponsorship! Your support helps ensure that New Jersey LCV can continue championing environmental progress year-round — and we couldn’t do this work without you.
This year we are also excited to be introducing our first ever ad journal! This will be an exclusive literature item produced and distributed at our event, boasting prime real estate to advertise your business or organization, or contribute a congratulatory message to an awardee. See the last page of the sponsorship packet for more information, and secure your spot in the journal.
Please direct all questions related to sponsorship to Jason Krane, Chief Development Officer, at jason.krane@njlcv.org. For ad journal specific information/questions, please contact Senior Development Manager, Baylie McMahon, at baylie.mcmahon@njlcv.org.
Join Us!
Ticket Purchase Instructions
Be part of The Power of Change.
Join us for New Jersey LCV’s Annual Gala, an inspiring evening celebrating the people and partnerships shaping our state’s clean energy and environmental future.
How to Purchase Tickets
- Click here or the button below.
- Select your desired ticket or table option.
- Complete your guest details and payment information. Check in will be based off of the guest name listed on the ticket, so be sure to update if you are purchasing a ticket for someone else!
- You’ll receive an automatic confirmation email with event details.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your purchase, please contact Baylie McMahon at baylie.mcmahon@njlcv.org.
Reserve your spot today and help power lasting change for New Jersey’s environment.
Location and Directions
The Palace at Somerset Park
333 Davidson Avenue
Somerset, NJ 08873
The 2026 New Jersey LCV Gala will be held at The Palace at Somerset Park, a premier venue conveniently located just off major highways in Central New Jersey.
Parking & Arrival:
Complimentary parking is available on the left side of the building. Please follow posted signage and enter the venue through the doors located on that side of the building, where guests will be greeted upon arrival.
The venue is easily accessible from I-287, Route 1, and Route 27, and is approximately one hour from New York City and Philadelphia.
We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening.
Silent Auction
More Details Coming Soon!
Live Auction
More Details Coming Soon!