STAMFORD, CT - On Friday, January 18th, 27 Stamford residents will be recognized for their volunteer contributions to the Stamford community. The event will take place at the Harry Bennett Branch of the Ferguson Library and will begin at 8:30 a.m. The press is invited to attend.
The purpose of Stamford Volunteer Day, an annual event, is to recognize “grass roots volunteers” who have contributed their time and talent to the Stamford community. Victoria Zerjav, Partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP and Volunteer Center Council Chair, will serve as chair of the awards program.
The Volunteer Center, which matches volunteers with agencies that need help, annually honors residents for their active involvement in the community. Community leaders nominate volunteers on the basis of achievement and commitment to the Stamford community.
“In the aftermath of great sadness that we have all experienced since the Sandy Hook tragedy, it is more important than ever to recognize the helpers among us who diligently work to meet the needs of the community,” said Bridget Fox, Executive Vice President of Volunteerism for United Way of Western Connecticut. “The critical work of non-profits – to shelter and feed the homeless – to care for grieving children – to work with the mentally ill – is not possible without the help of dedicated volunteers.”
This year’s winners are:
Outstanding Youth Volunteer: MeChelle Lorthe, for her work with Domus
Outstanding Adult Volunteer: Kim Dickinson, for her work with Person-to-Person
Outstanding Adult Volunteer Group: Scalzi Riverpark Nature Reserve for their work with The City of Stamford
Outstanding Senior Volunteer: John Lodato, for his work with New Covenant House
Inspiration Award: Frank Cassella, for his work with American Red Cross
Lifetime Achievement Award: George Ducanic, for his work with Toys for Tots, Stamford’s American Legion, The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County
The following Stamford residents received Honorable Mention for their work in the community:
Backyard Humanitarian, Person to Person
Rachel Bellantoni, Stamford Historical Society
Hedvig Blanco, Neighbors Link Stamford
Burke Family, Rockaway Waterfront Alliance
Anna Marie Ceci, Rockaway Waterfront Alliance
Yellka Chapparo, The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education
Dominic Colarossi, Stamford Historical Society
Jeff Greenberg, Neighbors Link Stamford
Clare Harding, Domus
Paul Harinstein, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Anna Harvey, Stamford Museum and Nature Center
Dr. Barbara Hecht, St. Joseph’s Parenting Center
Danette Melchionne, KT Murphy Elementary School, Turn of River Middle School, PT Council
Lois Schaub, Domus
Jennifer Simon, Domus
Kimberly Tapscott, Person to Person
Christopher Tasik, Kiwanis Club of Stamford, Boys and Girls Club
Toyota of Stamford, Family Centers
Carmine Vaccaro, Holy Spirit Church, Food Bank, New Covenant House
Rev. David Van Dyke, Family Centers
Westhill High School Scholarship Committee, Westhill High School
A selection committee of Stamford community leaders reviewed the nominations. This year, those serving on the selection committee were: Martin Anderson, Webster Bank; Roberta Eichler, former Executive Director, The Volunteer Center; Bridget Fox, Executive Vice President, Volunteerism, United Way of Western Connecticut; and Victoria Zerjav, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.
