Make-A-Wish Exec From Marlboro Receives 2022 Ovation Award

MARLBORO, NJ — A "capstone" moment is how a Marlboro resident and CFO for Make-A-Wish New Jersey described her recent Ovation Award from the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Della Hammer Cherchia of Marlboro, Make-A-Wish New Jersey chief financial officer for over 10 years, has been honored as a recipient of the 2022 Impact Ovation Award.

This award represents outstanding achievement in the “impact” category, one of seven categories represented in the annual recognition, according to a news release from New Jersey Make-A-Wish.

Cherchia has served as CFO for Make-A-Wish New Jersey since June 2012. During that time, she has played a vital part in the organization’s success and provided significant impact on their mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, according to Samuel and Josephine Plumeri, Make-A-Wish New Jersey, based in Monroe.

"This is a capstone moment for my career,” Cherchia said upon receipt of her prestigious award.

“It is highly gratifying to be recognized by the esteemed professional society in which I have held membership for decades. I am proud to be awarded alongside other 2022 recipients who helped shape my career early on.

"I am delighted that my skills and financial management experience as a Certified Public Accountant impacted positively the achievement of the Make-A-Wish mission for the New Jersey community, bringing hope, strength and joy to thousands of children with critical illnesses and their families,” she said.

Cherchia was among 41 award recipients recognized for significant contributions in advancing the accounting profession. The selected winners presented exemplary ideas on their jobs or in their volunteering, utilized new uses of technology or in assisting clients and customers; made an impact in their communities; improved and enhanced the well-being of their employees or staff; exhibited leadership with the next generation of CPAs; made their mark in classrooms; promoted an open and diverse accounting profession; or were honored for a lifetime of dedication, according to the news release.

"The entire team at Make-A-Wish New Jersey shares its deepest gratitude and congratulations with Della Hammer Cherchia on her 2022 Ovation Award, and for her dedicated service, restoring hope in the lives of wish children and families when hope is needed most," the organization said in the news release.

Make-A-Wish New Jersey creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey, the organization said.

Make-A-Wish New Jersey, Monroe, was founded in 1983. Serving children in every municipality in the Garden State, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted over 11,500 wishes since its inception. For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, call 800-252-WISH or visit its website.