Jack Markell
NEW CASTLE –– Thirty individuals and groups will be honored with the 2016 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award on Oct. 19 at Dover Downs Hotel.
The people and organizations engaged in diverse activities including mentoring youth and adults, supporting veterans, caring for vulnerable populations and helping to preserve and protect the environment.
“One of my greatest honors is recognizing the volunteers each year who give back to their communities,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “Their acts of selflessness empower so many other lives and contribute to a stronger and healthier Delaware for all of us. Tapping into their generosity is one of the keys to realizing our state’s potential, recognizing that government alone can’t solve all of the challenges we face.”
“Volunteers demonstrate that by helping others, especially those in vulnerable populations, it brings us all closer together and enhances our collective sense of community,” said Rita Landgraf, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the State Office of Volunteerism. “The honorees bring to their organizations boundless energy, an innovative spirit, and, above all else, a willingness to serve. I thank them for embracing volunteerism in our state, and for their passion to serve their neighbors.”
The Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) reported that more than 192,000 Delawareans volunteered in 2014, contributing 21.4 million hours of service to nonprofit and community organizations. Since 2010, the number of Delawareans who volunteer has increased 30 percent and the state’s rate of volunteerism has surpassed the overall U.S. rate.
“The Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service is pleased to take part in in expressing gratitude to those volunteers who have served in extraordinary ways,” said Georgeanna Windley, Commission Chair. “Collectively, their dedication, service and giving spirit has touched every community in Delaware.”
On Oct. 19, more than 350 people are expected to honor the volunteers for their outstanding service. The event at Dover Downs Hotel will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the ceremony starting at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $35 per person and are available by visiting www.volunteerdelaware.eventbrite.com. Information on the event and the recipients is available on www.volunteerdelaware.org
The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Department of Health and Social Services, the Division of State Service Centers, the State Office of Volunteerism, as well as the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.