On Wednesday, March 20 Bloustein alumnus Justin Auciello MCRP ’05 was honored by the United Way of Ocean County as one of 26 recipients of the Young Altruistic Professional (YAP) award. The United Way of Ocean County has presented YAP awards to individuals age 18-39 since 2010 in recognition of outstanding volunteerism and philanthropy in Ocean County. This year’s YAP Awards nomination process was adjusted to focus on those who have done extraordinary things in response to Superstorm Sandy.
Auciello is the founder of Jersey Shore Hurricane News, a bottom-up, two-way news outlet, with many the reports coming from contributors to the organization’s Facebook page. Founded in the days preceding Hurricane Irene in August 2011 to be a source for news, updates, photos, and more regarding current conditions in New Jersey’s barrier island communities (Auciello is a barrier island resident himself), the Facebook page grew to much more, evolving into covering breaking news, traffic, weather, and community oriented news throughout New Jersey, and became one of the go-to online sources for news and status updates during and following Hurricane Irene, numerous winter storms, the remnants of Hurricane Isaac (which passed by the Jersey coast in September 2012), and Superstorm Sandy.
According to Auciello, “JSHN’s overarching objective is to report real-time news — as it’s happening. JSHN prides itself in original, accurate reporting and investigative work as well as gathering and curating tips from our contributors.”
With over 200,000 contributors between its Facebook and Twitter platforms, Auciello considers all of his contributors “part of the team” and notes “This award is for everyone who chipped in here before, during, and after Sandy.” Nearly 6 months since Sandy hit, JSHN still records daily posts of ongoing recovery efforts and volunteer opportunities.
Congratulations Justin and Jersey Shore Hurricane News!
For a full list of the United Way of Ocean County YAP Award recipients, visit http://on.fb.me/ZC8OLu
