GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES DELAWARE'S OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS;RECIPIENTS WILL BE HONORED OCT. 25 IN DOVER CEREMONY

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 5, 2012) - Gov. Jack Markell will honor the dedication of 31 individuals and groups as he presents the Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards for 2012 on Oct. 25 at Dover Downs.

The governor and first lady Carla Markell have been champions of the importance of volunteerism and service in building stronger communities across the state.

"Carla and I believe through volunteerism and service by Delawareans of all ages, we strengthen our social fabric and quality of life," Gov. Markell said. "This year's Volunteer Award recipients clearly demonstrate how one individual or one group can make a difference in many lives. We recognize their leadership, passion and commitment in helping their fellow Delawareans."

This year's award recipients participate in such diverse activities as social justice, protecting the environment, working to advance the arts and culture, and improving education.

"For Delawareans who volunteer, it is the ultimate act of giving back," said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the state's efforts to foster volunteerism and service. "You are living the promise to make a selfless difference in someone's life. It is an example that is sure to inspire others to follow your lead."

"The volunteers selected for recognition from the governor stand out in either the length of their service or in the unique quality of their efforts to make Delaware a better place to grow up and live," said Anne Farley, Ph.D., and director of DHSS' Division of State Service Centers, which includes the State Office of Volunteerism. "The recipients represent the many devoted volunteers who make positive contributions to the First State and inspire others to do the same."

More than 400 people are expected to join the governor Oct. 25 at Dover Downs to honor the volunteers for their outstanding service. 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 by calling 857-5006. Or visit www.volunteerdelaware.org to download the invitation.

The Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, Delaware 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.

The 2012 recipients are (short biographies are attached)

PAUL WILKINSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Tonda L. Parks, Dover
INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
New Castle County
Chrissy Montgomery, Wilmington, Arts & Culture
Joan Sharp, Wilmington, Community Service
Donald Schaeffer, Wilmington, Community Service
Jeanne Kasey, Wilmington, Education
Ali McDonough, Wilmington, Health
Nancy Goyda, Wilmington, Human Needs
James A. Hunter, Wilmington, Human Needs
Rosemary Kingery, Hockessin, Human Needs
Karyn Wilson, New Castle, Human Needs

Kent County
Judy Saladino, Dover, Health

Sussex County
David Christy, Lewes, Arts & Culture
Dara Hearn, Lewes, Education
Sallie Forman, Rehoboth Beach, Environment
Dianne Twining, Laurel, Environment
Marie McIntosh, Frankford, Human Needs
Pat Short, Lewes, Human Needs

GROUP WINNERS
New Castle County
DBCC's Great Stuff Savvy Resale Volunteer Team, Community Service
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Community Service Beth and Brian Engler,
Education Department of Health and Social Services-Garden Projects for People with Physical and/or Mental Disabilities,
Environment Secret Garden Volunteers,
Environment The Alternatives to Violence Project, Social Justice/Advocacy

Kent County
Advance through Pardons and Expungements, National Service

Sussex County
Historic Lewes Farmers Market, Community Service
The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute Volunteers (MERR), Environment
Nanticoke Creekwatchers, Environment
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Family Services Committee, Human Needs
St. Phillips Youth Host Group, Human Needs
Delaware SPCA, Sussex Chapter Volunteers, Other - Animal Welfare

Statewide
Reading Assist Institute Volunteer Tutors, Education

For more information about the awards, contact information for the winner or the Oct. 25 event, contact Carrie Hart with the State Office of Volunteerism at 857-5006.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.