Patricia Neill & Katie Dooley Honored For 'Extraordinary Selflessness'

BERNARDSVILLE/BEDMINSTER, NJ — Without community leaders, Bernardsville-Bedminster wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Emma Dewar, a Bernardsville-Bedminster reader who nominated Patricia Neill & Katie Dooley.

How do you know this community leader?

I work with them.

What does this community leader do?

Co-chairs of the Atlantic Visiting Nurse Rummage Sale.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Twice a year, they take on the epic challenge of leading the historic Rummage Sale, in Far Hills.
Initially starting as a modest sale in 1923 with just a handful of tables, the event has evolved into New Jersey's largest rummage sale. It spans 2 acres and boasts 25 specialized departments, operated by a dedicated team of over 400 volunteers. Co-chairs Katie Dooley and Patricia Neill lead the effort. The annual event attracts a diverse crowd of tens of thousands, including bargain hunters, collectors, and vintage aficionados from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and beyond. The sale's broader mission is to generate funds for Atlantic Visiting Nurse, supporting their provision of essential homecare and hospice services.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Their extraordinary selflessness in volunteering months of their lives every year to put on this sale, which is really an institution in the community.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.