COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor

Timothy M. Kaine                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
     Governor                                                          April 12, 2007

Contact: Delacey Skinner                                     Carla Harris/VDSS
Phone:                   (804) 225-4806                                                    (804) 726-7107
Cell Phone:           (804) 380-3487
Internet:                www.governor.virginia.gov                        www.dss.virginia.gov

GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES 2007 COMMUNITY SERVICE & VOLUNTEERISM AWARD RECIPIENTS

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced recipients of the 2007 Governor’s Community Service and Volunteerism Awards. These awards highlight the efforts of outstanding citizens of the Commonwealth who seek to enhance the lives of others in their communities and were presented to groups, individuals and families whose volunteer and community service efforts exemplify extraordinary volunteer service

 “I congratulate the winning volunteers who, through simple acts of selflessness, do good in their communities,” said Governor Kaine. “Their commitment to community service and the Commonwealth plays a key role in greatly enhancing the quality of life for all Virginians.”

Governor Kaine has proclaimed April 15 – 21 Volunteer Week in Virginia. As prelude to recognition week, twelve individuals and organizations were presented with awards during a three-day conference on volunteerism. The Governor’s Commission on Community and National Service, Virginia Corps and the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Office on Volunteerism and Community Service hosted the awards.

The 2007 Governor's Community Service and Volunteerism Award winners are:

•  Shannon Scott, Alexandria: Youth Volunteer Award. Scott has served with more than 14 organizations in the past six years and often sets the example for her peers by encouraging involvement and participation in community causes.

•  Elaine Anderson, Orange: Volunteer Administrator Award. Anderson passionately serves the senior population in her community.

•   Dr. Neil S. Kaye, Tangier: Volunteer Award. Dr. Kaye has volunteered as a physician, pilot for Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic, a mentor to children and beautifier of Tangier. 

•   Ann Burruss, Hayes: Senior Volunteer Award. Burruss has been an instrumental force behind organizing, sustaining, and maintaining an educational program at Gloucester County Jail in association with the Literacy Volunteers of Gloucester, Inc.

•   Tim Moore, Rockville: Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recovery Award.  Moore has recognized a need for persons with disabilities to be prepared for emergencies and has volunteered countless hours of his time and energy.

•   Rhonda, Jessica and Shannon Walker, Purcellville: Family Award. The Walker family is being recognized for their work on Loudoun County’s Advisory Commission on Youth (ACOY).

•   Dr. Nicole Hurd, Charlottesville: National Service Individual Award. Dr. Hurd founded the College Guides Program at the University of Virginia (also an AmeriCorps program), which aids high school students in underserved areas by assisting them with applications for college admission, financial aid, and scholarships.

•   OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation, Chantilly: Business Award. Under the leadership of Julien Patterson, president and CEO, OMNIPLEX employees are encouraged to give back to the community through the philosophy of “Right people, Right values.”

•  Valley Interfaith Child Care Center (VICCC), Blacksburg: Faith-Based Organization Award. VICCC is the New River Valley’s response to the large number of very low-income working families unable to find high-quality, affordable child care for their infants and children. 

•  St. Mary’s Health Wagon (SMHW), Clinchco: Nonprofit Award. A mobile health clinic, SMHW has been providing health care to the medically underserved and indigent for 25 years.

• Boaz and Ruth, Richmond: National Service Program. Boaz and Ruth developed a training program that tackles the systemic issues of prisoner reentry, recidivism and community revitalization.

•  Fairfax County Park Authority Adapted Aquatics Program, Fairfax: Government Award. The volunteers of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Adapted Aquatics Program teach preschoolers, children, teens, adults and retirees to cope with a variety of physical and developmental disabilities through the sport of swimming.

At least 1.7 million Virginians volunteered their time and talents last year.  Virginians average nearly 239 million volunteer hours equaling more than $4 billion dollars of service to the state. For more information, visit www.vaservice.org.