Gov. Carney to recognize outstanding volunteers Oct. 29
Thirty-two individuals and groups will be honored with the 2019 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards in a ceremony set for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Dover Downs Hotel. The recipients will be recognized for significant contributions, engagement and impact in diverse activities including mentoring children, supporting people with disabilities, protecting the environment, and assisting seniors, homeless people, and veterans.
“Each day across our state, thousands of volunteers come together with the common purpose to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve,” said Gov. John Carney. “Their selfless work on behalf of others is helping us build a stronger and better Delaware for everyone. We appreciate all those who volunteer their time and talents in Delaware, and it is my privilege to honor 32 individuals and groups with the 2019 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award.”
The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards, administered by the State Office of Volunteerism, honor the contributions of individuals and groups in Delaware who have made a positive impact in their communities or across the state through service and volunteering. The office reports that 17,815 Delaware adults volunteered in 2017 throughVolunteer.Delaware.gov, contributing more than 700,000 hours of service to nonprofits and community organizations. The value of their service is estimated at more than $17.4 million.
“We have updated the categories in which the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards are presented from previous awards,” said Kanani H. Munford, SOV senior administrator and executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. “This has allowed us to consider a broader range of volunteer service and gives flexibility for our selection committee in evaluating the volunteer projects performed by the nominees. This update was made to increase the diversity of volunteers considered and allows for a more inclusive experience for all involved.”
The event at Dover Downs Hotel will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the ceremony starting at 6 p.m. Afterward, award recipients and other attendees will celebrate with a dinner in honor of the 2019 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteers. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person and are available online via Eventbrite. Information on the event and the recipients is available at Volunteer.Delaware.gov.
The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of State Service Centers, the State Office of Volunteerism, and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.
The Sussex County recipients of the 2019 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards are:
Individuals - Terry Andrews, John Austin, Dr. Dennis Bartow, William Collick, Charles Gillean, Joan Loewenstein, Col. Michael McFarlin, Debbie Short, John D. Sykes, and Diane Twining.
Groups - Good Ole Boy Foundation, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Volunteer Corps, Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth, Nanticoke Creekwatchers, and The Glade Quilters.
For more information on the awards program and recipients, go to Volunteer.Delaware.gov.
