Norman Worth of WRNJ is arguably Hackettstown’s No. 1 supporter when it comes to non-profit efforts. On Thursday May 4, Worth, along with Paul and Phyllis Bartkus, will be honored by the House of the Good Shepherd at its 10th Annual Wine & Dine fundraiser.

The event will be held at the House of Good Shepherd Retirement Community in Hackettstown, located at 798 Willow Grove Street, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Open to the public, proceeds from the event benefit their Shepherd’s Fund. The fund provides financial support to residents who have outlived their resources and ensures that no resident shall be asked to leave due to their inability to pay.

The night features a dozen of the area’s finest restaurants offering tastings of their superb culinary delights, wine and beer tastings, and live music with the Grover Kemble Trio. It all starts with a cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30 followed by the food, music and Silent Auction from 6:30 to 8:30.

Worth is the president and co-owner of WRNJ (1510 AM, 104.7 FM, 92.7 FM). He has been deeply involved, both personally and through his radio station, in community organizations and events in the Hackettstown area for more than 30 years. Worth continues to support events and fundraisers for The House and its residents through advertising and live broadcasts and has made a significant effort in raising the awareness for The House.

Worth serves on the Centenary University Board of Trustees, as well as the Boards of Fulton Bank of New Jersey and the Hackettstown Medical Center Foundation. Worth is a long-time member of the Hackettstown Rotary Club, having served as its President and now the Program Chairman.

Worth has been honored over the years by many prestigious organizations including New Jersey Hospital Association “Trustee of the Year”; The ARC of Warren County “Humanitarian Award”; Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Warren County “Leadership Award;” and Centenary University “Gold Dome Award” and “Van Winkle Award”.

More impressive, however, than his list of achievements, is his compassion toward others and unequaled support of the community in which he works and lives.

Paul and Phyllis Bartkus have been volunteers at The House for nearly 10 years. Paul’s mother became a resident of the House in 2002. By 2007, they had begun to bring their young dog, a yellow Labrador named Maggie, in for visits. Maggie earned her certification as a therapy dog in 2008 and they turned occasional visits into scheduled weekly visits to see residents. Over the years, Paul, Phyllis and Maggie made hundreds of lives brighter. Although Maggie passed in 2016, Paul and Phyllis continue to volunteer, helping to bring residents to chapel on Wednesdays.

The Bartkus’ are active members of St. James Episcopal Church in Hackettstown where Paul is a Senior Warden. Both Paul and Phyllis help to raise money through church programs like “The Giving Tree” a program dedicated to helping families in need during the holidays. Additionally, the Bartkus are members of the Friends of Hackettstown Library and were inducted into the Senior Hall of Fame in 2012. Paul is a Trustee for Warren County Family Guidance, a mental health initiative, while Phyllis continues to volunteer at Frelinghuysen Township School where she taught for 35 years.

Tickets for the “Wine & Dine” are just $50 per person in advance, or $60 per person at the door. To reserve your tickets, please call 908-684-5900 or visit www.hotgs.org. Sponsorships and ad journal opportunities are also available. Contact Dave Woods at 908-684-5924 for details.