Delaware’s Outstanding Volunteers announced; recipients to be honored Oct. 14

Twenty-one individuals and groups will be honored with the 2014 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Dover Downs.

“Every day, we see the difference that volunteers make across our state,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “This year’s Volunteer Award recipients are just a few of the outstanding Delawareans who give their time and talents to make Delaware a better place to live and inspire others to do the same.”

“As a state of neighbors, we can improve the lives of many by working together. By doing that, we create a positive and healthy future for all,” said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the state’s efforts to foster volunteerism and service. “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism in our state.”

The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the ceremony starting at 7. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $35 per person and are available at www.volunteerdelaware.eventbrite.com. Information on the event and the winners is available at www.volunteerdelaware.org.

Marilee Bradley of Seaford has been awarded the Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award. Since 1969, Bradley has been a vital part of the Stockley Center Auxiliary in Georgetown. During this time, she has held the positions of president, vice president, and assistant treasurer. Bradley is a strong advocate for the center and for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She never misses a chance to talk about the needs of the Stockley Center or to participate in an event. At age 92, she is still actively raising funds for projects and awareness.

Other Sussex County individual winners and their awards include James Angus, Frankford, Social Justice and Advocacy; Denise Emery, Lewes, Arts and Culture; and Helen Pickford Daley, Rehoboth Beach, Community Service.

Since 2008, Angus has served as the resident tax expert and volunteer for the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council. Angus volunteers as tax clinic director, assisting with client files, IRS regulations, and policy changes that affect clients. To date, he has volunteered more than 5,000 hours to DCRAC and more than tripled the number of clients helped each year.

As president of Coastal Concerts, Emery works tirelessly to advocate for the organization and its mission of promoting classical music appreciation. Concert attendance, contributions, and scholarships have all increased substantially during her tenure. She has also introduced new programming, such as Musical Perspectives, as a way to further enhance the audience experience.

Daley gives thousands of hours to various organizations throughout the area, including interacting with Gull House residents, giving caregivers a respite though Delaware Hospice or helping the homeless find the resources they need. A retired nurse, Daley stays true to her nurturing nature and belief that people are in the world to help others.

Group winners from Sussex County and their awards include Trap Pond Partners, Environment, and Village Improvement Association, Community Service.

The Trap Pond Partners is a group of volunteers dedicated to raising funds and meeting the needs of the local community through programs offered at Trap Pond State Park. For the Children in Nature Initiative, the volunteers promote various resources, such as a bike rally, Borrow-A-Bike program, Healthy Kids Day, and other initiatives to encourage young people to be active outdoors. Through their fundraising efforts, this group was able to provide full or partial scholarships for outdoor recreation and education for over 1,500 underserved youth in 2014 alone.

In 1909, a group of approximately 16 women in Rehoboth Beach united to help their community through the Village Improvement Association. More than 100 years later, this organization is still tending to the needs of Rehoboth Beach and neighboring communities. One program is Help the Homeless, where the VIA and partners give those in need a hand up to secure homes, jobs, and household items. The VIA recently expanded its original 1926 clubhouse and looks forward to 100 more years of improving the community.