The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore honored three award recipients and celebrated annual grant-making efforts at it’s 33rd Annual Meeting and Report to the Community November 3rd. The Foundation celebrated a total of $5.2 million in grants made in fiscal year 2017, including more than a half-million in scholarships to local students.
“Our Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon is a wonderful opportunity for donors, volunteers, nonprofits, and local businesses to celebrate philanthropy and emphasize the importance of giving back to our community,” says CFES President, Erica Joseph. “Recognizing the impact made locally each year is a true testament to the hearts and generosity of Lower Shore residents.”
The Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Pat Vorus for her years of constant and selfless behind the scenes efforts for the betterment of the community for not one, but dozens of nonprofits. She considers it her civic duty to lend her expertise in grant-writing, public relations, and fundraising. She is also always willing to roll up her sleeves, not hesitating to step in for a 6 AM set-up, on-site events, and even clean up duty, always followed up by handwritten thank you notes. The award annually honors the sustained and unselfish contributions of volunteers in our community and the diversity of time, talent and expertise they share. In addition to the award, Mrs. Vorus will receive a $1,000 gift to designate to the charity of her choice.
The Nonprofit Award of Excellence Honoring Richard A. Henson was awarded to The Delmarva Discovery Center. The DDCM serves as a source of learning and discovery for the public through the preservation and interpretation of cultural and natural heritage. From its original dirt floors and humble beginnings, it has now become a can’t-miss destination for visitors and locals alike. The staff and volunteers have demonstrated the entrepreneurship, tenacity, and innovation needed to create a premier nonprofit and learning environment. The award is presented annually to a nonprofit organization which has implemented a program or project that has made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of residents of the Lower Eastern Shore. The recipient organization receives $5,000 to support their work.
The Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award was awarded to Bonnie Luna for her compassion and commitment to those in need. Many Lower Shore organizations have benefitted from her extraordinary volunteerism and fundraising, including her leadership in the creation of The Magi Fund, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that has raised more than $1.5 million for the poor and homeless. The award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of leadership, vision, integrity, compassion, cooperation and generosity of time and talents to our community. In honor of the award, a $1,500 gift will be made to the charity of Mrs. Luna’s choice.
In addition to the awards, guests enjoyed music from Symphony21, a nonprofit which educates and engages youth in orchestral music. Staff member BJ Summers was also honored for 20 years of service to the Community Foundation.
Mrs. Bonnie Luna (center) is presented the Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award by John Allen (left) and Marty Neat (right.)
Stacey Weisner (right) accepts the Henson Nonprofit Award of Excellence on behalf of the Delmarva Discover Center and Museum, presented by Charles Goslee (left.)
Susan Purnell (Left) presents Pat Vorus the Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award.