Volunteers are the Backbone of the Somerset Medical Center Foundation
WINNER: Challenge Winner
Robert (Bob) Craig is the “Ultimate Volunteer.”
Since retiring from Western Electric / AT&T, Bob Craig has found the time and energy to participate and lead others in a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Since 2001, Bob has volunteered two days a week at Somerset Medical Center (SMC) in Somerville, NJ. He also served on the SMC In-patient Satisfaction Committee and the Volunteer Advisory Committee. He often assists with a SMC’s SAIL (Senior Advantage In Life) program. He is also active in the hospital foundation’s fund raising events, since 2007 at the “Music at Moorland” and “Far Hills Races” events, and since 2009, at the “SMC Foundation Golf Classic”.
Bob’s unselfish leadership has helped SMC’s Volunteer program and Foundation to become the envy of other hospitals in New Jersey. In recognition of his contributions, he was given the hospital’s Alex Nilo Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009.
Bob Craig’s generosity doesn’t end at the medical center. At St. Bernard of Clairvaux parish, he drives a truck and serves food to the needy for their SHIP (Samaritan Homeless Interim Program); serves with the Bereavement Group; coordinates scheduling of the overnight hosts for the IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network), which provides shelter for the homeless; and is a member of a fund-raising committee that manages the “St. Bernard Golf Classic.”
Since 2004, Bob has been a member of the group “Men Mentoring Men” (MMM) and served as a member of the Somerville Chapter’s Board of Directors for three years. As Community Events Chairman for MMM, he coordinated and participated in the building of three homes for the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity and coordinated the cleanup of a one mile section of road as part of the Somerset County Adopt-A-Road program.
Since 2005, as part of a program sponsored by the Branchburg Rotary, Bob has been mentoring four children at the Stony Brook Elementary School.
Bob seems to look for opportunities to share his time to help others in their time of need. Without ever being asked, Bob frequently offers and provides rides to and from Newark Airport or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Bob inspires others to look for the opportunity to give with no strings attached. He is the “Ultimate Volunteer.”
24 comments
Tom Davis • about 13 years ago
Bob' gives his time unselfishly to many worthy causes in Central new jersey. Year in and year out, Bob inspires others including myself to try to make a difference in people's lives.
Tom Davis
Tammy Pfeifle • about 13 years ago
Bob is a model volunteer. He consistently commits two days of volunteering each week to Somerset Medical Center while also volunteering for other organizations in the local community. His impact spreads across many service areas within each organization. He insires others to follow his example, actively recruiting new volunteers to each organization he supports.
Lois Czajkowski • about 13 years ago
Caring for others and doing whatever one can to help them are two of Bob's many positive traits. He works very hard to make an impact on the lives of the people with whom he comes in contact. Bob is creative and hardworking too. He does not hesitate to take that "extra step."
Robin Anderson • about 13 years ago
Bob is committed to giving back in all that he does; whether it be with friends and family or through volunteering, which he has embraced as an important vocation in his life. He is tireless in his support of Somerset Medical Center, whether it be in his weekly work there, or through volunteering to work at the various fund raising event for SMC. He inspires me to find time to give of myself, and to give back in my community. He is a shining example of how to live a life of purpose and caring.
Ida & Tom • about 13 years ago
Bob is a wonderful friend, volunteer and mentor to all! His compassion for giving to others is nothing short of amazing. He truly exemplifies the role model of a spectacular volunteer~ Bravo Bob!
Ida and Tom
Leigh Ann Berger • about 13 years ago
I am extremely blessed to have him as an incredible stepdad and Pop Pop to my children. Bob is one person who never says no and gives of himself constantly. No matter what, he is always there lending an ear or working tirelessly for the community and church he so dearly loves.
Cathy McMullen • about 13 years ago
I have had the pleasure to see Bob in action for 10 years at Somerset Medical Center, at its Foundation, and in the surrounding community. He is the finest example of all that's good in volunteerism in our country, and he epitomizes the impact and the inspiration that this award acknowledges.
Harriet & John Lohse • about 13 years ago
Bob is a dear friend. He is always there for us to help with pushing the wheelchair and occasionally providing the transportation when we are going somewhere. We value his friendship and know how often he volunteers to help others. Thank you Bob for being such a kind and thoughtful person.
Marcia Piotrowski • about 13 years ago
Bob is special to everyone he meets. His smile keeps you going all day. Somerset Medical Center is lucky to have him.
Ron LaDucer • almost 13 years ago
Bob is an absolute Rock Star when it comes to volunteering his time and his love. He is a giver for sure and has had a tremendous impact both in the community and at large. We see it at M3 all of the time. Bob has set the standards with his leadership on community, giving back, mentoring values and helping improve the lives of others. He is a gift for sure.
Robert Williams • almost 13 years ago
Bob encouraged me to volunteer at Somerset Medical Center and it was a valuable experience. His enthusiasm for volunteering is contagious. Bob consistently takes time to offer his assistance to others.
Ron I • almost 13 years ago
Bob's a very caring person who gives his time freely to help anyone in need, and he encourages others to do the same. What a great guy!
Debbie Hercky • almost 13 years ago
One day many years ago, Bob Craig stepped into our lives at Stony Brook School and we knew we were blessed. Bob committed then, and each year since, to spending lunchtime with four students every week of the school year. He is a steady presence in the lives of children who, for whatever reason, can really use a little extra TLC. Bob enriches the lives of everyone who has the good fortune to meet him.
Barbara Weintraub • almost 13 years ago
Bob is mentoring one of my students at Stony Brook School. The boy he meets with looks forward to their time together and has positively impacted his life. Thanks Bob!
Thomas Hale • almost 13 years ago
Bob is an awesome human being. He gave me a room and bed. when super storm Sandy hit. I had been without power or heat for a week. He let me, and my small dog stay with him the second week, until my power came on. That was a real blessing. He has helped me in many other ways also.
Marie Harwanko • almost 13 years ago
Bob organizes the overnight hosts in our parish. He is very dedicated to the service of others.
Carol Doyle • almost 13 years ago
Bob is a very special individual. He is always willing to help anyone and is always there for everyone. I admire him for many reasons but for his guidance and leadership he goes above and beyond any expectations that are expected from him. Bob is a personal friend of mine and he can change a bad day for me into a happy day. He deserves anything that is being awarded to him !!
Carol
Ella Blue • almost 13 years ago
Bob has been a caring and supportive mentor to my son who is now 17, since he was in middle school. Bob was there to cheer him on at little league baseball games, basketball games, musical performances and his middle school graduation. But not only for my son but for many other kids who needed him. He’s a very special man that has touched so many lives and we all love him with all our hearts.
Ella
Janice Higgins • almost 13 years ago
For several years now, Bob Craig has been a very special part of our Stony Brook School community as a mentor for many of our students. He leaves a lasting, positive impression on the children with whom he shares his time. He is a warm, kind, compassionate, and giving man, and we are all blessed to know him!
Janice
Lorraine Mastalski • almost 13 years ago
Bob has been mentoring students at Stony Brook school for many years and the students look forward to his visits every week. His kind and gentle presence has made a mark on the lives of the students that he has mentored and their families. He is always attentive to what's going on in the school and readily offers his support however it is needed. We are all very lucky to have him with us.
Chris Palmer • almost 13 years ago
Bob Craig is the man everyone would want to have as their favorite uncle. I've known Bob for 8 years and he has been a friend, mentor, an example, and an inspiration for how to live and live well by helping others. Love you Bob! Chris P.
m salussolia • almost 13 years ago
Bob always enters Stony Brook School with a warm smile and a friendly welcome. The students look forward to chatting with him and playing games with him where he is an attentive listener and encourager. What a super role model! The children have been fortunate to have had such a kind, experienced, giving, and warm "grandpa" to share their lives with during their time at our school. Thank you, Bob!
Gerry Sims • almost 13 years ago
Bob is a great guy and really fun to be around. I've been privileged to know Bob for a number of years and have served on committees with him. He is a great inspiration to everyone he meets. He gives so freely of his time and really cares about the people he is serving. If only everyone were as selfless as Bob, the world would be a much better place. Gerry S.
John R • almost 13 years ago
I have known Bob for several years through M3. He has always been a person who sought to help people in need, including myself.
I am proud to know Bob. He is a pleasure to be around.