Autism Delaware honors volunteers of the year

The COVID-19 pandemic caused Autism Delaware to cancel its annual Blue Jean Ball, one of the highlights of the Sussex County social scene.

But it did not stop Lisa Eline and Fran McKenna from carrying on their work as event co-chairs. They continued their efforts to raise funds to support the agency in its work to help families affected by autism – a need that has become more pressing in the face of the pandemic.

This persistent enthusiasm has earned Eline, of Rehoboth Beach and McKenna, of Milton, Autism Delaware’s highest honor: the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2019-20.

After staging the agency’s most successful Blue Jean Ball ever in 2019, the two dove in right away to make the 2020 event even better and simply shifted gears when it had to be canceled. Through an online auction and personal solicitations to residents and businesses throughout Sussex County, Eline and McKenna were able to keep alive the generous spirit of the Blue Jean Ball.

McKenna, who has a grandson on the autism spectrum, has been involved with Autism Delaware for a number of years. She has helped organize social and recreational events for families, as well as support groups for grandparents of children with autism. When she joined the Blue Jean Ball planning committee in 2017, she jumped right in with her fresh perspective, creativity and knowledge. Anyone who has attended Blue Jean Ball in the last several years has experienced the fruits of her hard work.

Eline is a retired teacher but continues to find ways to help young people. She is an active member of the Sussex County community and as co-chair of the Blue Jean Ball planning committee has been able to leverage her knowledge and contacts to encourage engagement of individuals and companies who may not have otherwise heard of or supported Autism Delaware.

Brian Hall, Autism Delaware executive director, said, “Since taking the co-chair reins of the committee three years ago, Fran and Lisa have truly stepped up to make the BJB the place to be and be seen on the Sussex County social scene. And this has translated into needed funds for Autism Delaware to continue our work supporting families.”

For more information about being a volunteer for Autism Delaware, email volunteers@delautism.org.