STATEN ISLAND, NY – The North Shore Rotary Club proudly celebrated the exceptional contributions of three remarkable Staten Islanders during a special event at the Staten Island Zoo.
The honorees, The Diva for a Day Foundation, the Honorable Michael Brennan, and Jessica Phillips, received the Club’s prestigious Service Above Self Awards, recognizing their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others in our community.
“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements and selfless dedication of The Diva for a Day Foundation, the Honorable Michael Brennan, and Jessica Phillips,” said Diane Arneth, President of the North Shore Rotary Club. “Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in our community are truly inspirational. They exemplify what it means to put ‘Service Above Self,’ and we are honored to recognize their contributions.”
Founded in 2010 by cancer survivors Peggy Matzen and Debbie Sestokas, The Diva for a Day Foundation has become a beacon of hope for countless women battling cancer. Each month, the organization selects special “Divas” to enjoy an entire day of pampering, providing a much-needed respite from the challenges they face.
The Foundation has expanded its reach nationwide, bringing joy and support to over 2,500 women to date. With the participation of more than 200 spas and salons, and its volunteer network, The Diva for a Day Foundation continues to receive 30-50 nominations every month, ensuring its impact continues to grow.
Honorable Michael Brennan, a Staten Island native and proud veteran, has dedicated his life to serving his community, both as a judge and beyond. Judge Brennan’s unwavering commitment to justice and compassion for veterans has earned him the admiration and respect of many.
Notably, he served as the presiding justice of the Brooklyn Veterans Treatment Court, where he played a crucial role in providing support and assistance to veterans involved in the criminal justice system.
Jessica Phillips, the Executive Director & CEO of Historic Richmond Town, has demonstrated tireless dedication to the preservation, maintenance, management, and operation of Staten Island’s largest and oldest cultural institution.
Under her leadership, Historic Richmond Town continues to thrive as a center of historical education and community engagement. Most recently, Phillips has championed the preservation of wildlife through initiatives such as the erection of bat houses and the creation of a beautiful Monarch Butterfly Garden on the grounds, achieved in partnership with Lifestyles for the Disabled and the Bruce G. Geary Foundation.
Previous recipients of the North Shore Rotary’s Service Above Self Unsung Heroes Recognition include John J. Amodio, Greta Andrade, Herbert Applebaum, Vinny Bonomi, Ianthe Bradshaw, Mary Louise Brown, Carol Bullock, Patrick Calvo, Annemarie Dowling-Castronovo, Deanna Di Bartolo, Janet DiBenedetto, Nazareth Laursen, Patricia McGee, Beatrice Victor, Mary Voytus, Aiman Youssef, and Milton Zlotnick.
ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB
The North Shore Rotary Club has been serving the Staten Island Community since 1957 and meets weekly for fellowship & philanthropy. Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change.
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. For more information, visit Rotary.org.
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