2011 Congressional Award GOLD Medal

2010 Congressional Award GOLD Medal

2008 Congressional Award GOLD Medal

Parent Advisor

Linda Raisch-Lopez is a Business Analyst in the financial services industry and mother of two teenagers.  She has always been involved with community service, but felt a stronger desire to give back as a way to show her gratitude for surviving the 9/11 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center. Linda and her husband, Alex, inspired their two children to become involved, as well.  As a result, Linda and her family have been active members of the PTPI’s GIFT chapter for 8 years. Linda feels that the key to building a better future is through education by promoting cultural awareness and learning about what others value, we can truly achieve “Peace through Understanding”.  

PTPI’s Secaucus, NJ GIFT Student Chapter Advisor

Cathy Wolf is a parent volunteer who has served as PTPI’s Secaucus, NJ GIFT Student Chapter Advisor for 7 years. She started with her volunteering efforts upon her son’s return from People to People Sports Ambassador program in 2003.  

Cathy has taken PTPI’s Secaucus, NJ GIFT Student Chapter to becoming one of the leading chapters in the world. PTPI recognized Cathy’s dedication to the Student Chapter programs, she was awarded with a 2005 People to People International’s Student Chapter Outstanding Adult Advisor. PTPI’s Secaucus, NJ GIFT Student Chapter has received the following recognitions:
In 2004 – People to People International CEO’s Award. In 2005 and 2006 - James T. Doty for Innovative Programming Award
In 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 - Team Point for Peace Challenge GOLD Award.

Cathy has also served as a trustee and currently as a Vice President of Secaucus Public Education Foundation, Inc. for 13 years, Validator & Advisor of Congressional Awards, Certifier of Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and as Director of Program Development for the Wrap 4 A Smile Foundation, Inc. Cathy’s efforts have been recognized by The Town of Secaucus, Hudson County, NJ and US Congress. She was honored as a 2011 Hudson County Women’s History Month Honoree.

Through her son, Cathy has learned to appreciate youth’s passion and commitment to make a difference. Cathy believes that all youth can make a difference, whether locally, nationally or globally. Cathy also spends time with students to enhance their educational experience and helps students with college applications, along with scholarship awards and grants to some of this nation’s most prestigious universities.

Cathy traveled with Up With People Cast 85D, performed on stage in 21 states and 9 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. A few of performance highlights include the half time shows of Super Bowl XX, the International Peace Festival in Hiroshima, Japan, and the United Nations in New York City.

Up With People International Alumni Association presented Cathy with a 2010 Everyday Hero Award to recognize her accomplishments