2023 Delaware Salute to Service Program Book

Presented by MAY 11

The Honorable & Mrs. John Carney • Tatiana Copeland

Chai Gadde

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY A YOUNG AMERICAN

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OUTSTANDING SERVICE BENEFITING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BENEFITING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

WBOC

WBOC

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OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY EMPLOYEES IN THE WORKPLACE

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OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY A HIGH SCHOOL

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OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY A COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION

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OUTSTANDING SERVICE BENEFITING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BENEFITING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

DELAWARE TODAY/DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES

DELAWARE TIDAY

DELAWARE BOARD

Margarita Rodriguez-Duffy Chair

Jeffrey Benson Vice Chair

Scott Champagne

Henri du Pont

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Jack Russi Chair, Board of Governors

Sam Beard Co-Founder

Hillary Schafer Cheif Executive Officer

Renee Brown

Patsy Doerr

BOARD OF SELECTORS

Ellen Burstyn

Gerald Chertavian

Vivian Scott Chew

Cris Collinsworth

Hon. Chris Coons

Tatiana B. Copeland

Joyce Cowin

Michael Douglas

Herbert L. Drayton III

Hon. Arne Duncan

Mark Ein

Dr. Kit Evans-Ford

Hon. Harold E. Ford, Jr.

Whoopi Goldberg

Major Etta R. Gray

Paula M. Grigsby

Amera Hassan

Christopher D. Heinz

Teresa Heinz

Pamela Jacobs-Vogt

Robert Harra, Jr.

Kai Lassen

Guy Marcozzi

Mary Nottingham

Cindy Pettinaro-Wilkinson

Hon. Nicole Poore

James Rath

Brian Richards

Laura Ristano

Scott Salisbury

Edrees Siddiqi

Dave Tiberi

Jennifer Ezring

Chai Gadde

Darrin Johnson

Vance Kershner

James Meeks

Michael O’Mary

Scott Perry

Ingrid Johnson

Nashauna Johnson-Lenoir

Alexis Jones

Charlie Kimball

Dr. Mary King

Thomas B. King

Peter Klein

Pat LaFontaine

Rita Benson LeBlanc

Ronnie Lott

PaulMaslansky

Peter Max

Matt Meyer

Bill Milliken

Brad Montague

Alex López Negrete

Kathleen Neville

Norah O’Donnell

Coby Owens

Hon. Deval L. Patrick

Tobi Petrocelli

Sam Salman

Joseph N. Sandberg

Mark Shafir

Steve Zide

Richard Perez

Jorge Plasencia

Robert C. Provost

Priscilla Puente

Christan Rainey

Hon. Joseph P. Riley, Jr.

Robert Sakowitz

Dr. Sandy San Miguel

Amy Rodriguez Shilling

Billy Shore

King Singh

Lesley Stahl

Dean Stephens

José Antonio Tijerino

Hon. Kathleen Kennedy

Townsend

John W. Treadwell, Sr.

Chris Wallace

Valerie Weisler

Kyle J. Zimmer

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY A YOUNG AMERICAN

Grace

DiGiacomo | New Castle County

Grace has distinguished herself in many ways through her initiative, creativity, and leadership, but most remarkably through her ongoing association with the senior residents of Marydale Retirement Community in Newark, many of whom are disabled in various ways and in financial need. Projects Grace has spearheaded include food drives for the Marydale Food Pantry, fundraising activities at St. Mark’s High School to raise money for food certificates for the residents who find themselves food insecure at the end of the month, organizing social activities to engage the residents with high school students, and organizing outdoor workdays at the Marydale campus to help residents with maintaining their garden areas. Grace has inspired her Key Club and Z-Club members to get involved including reverse Trick-or-Treat and a Christmas cookie exchange to connect high school students and the Marydale residents.

Adasia

Hawkins | Kent County

Adasia Hawkins is a Dover High School senior who is also an assistant coach for Girls on the Run, 2021 Boys & Girls Club State Youth of the Year, Club volunteer worker, and National Honors Society Member. When Adasia is not at school, she finds herself at the Greater Dover Boys & Girls Club. She enjoys helping in classrooms, especially volunteering with camp during the summer. Adasia’s dedication and hard work earned her a permanent role as an Early Childhood Intern in the Greater Dover Boys & Girls Club. She also dedicates her time to Boys & Girls Club college fairs, basketball games, and other club events. Adasia has accumulated over 1,900 volunteer hours with events such as a clean-up at the Hunn Nature Trail, the Easterseals Volleyball Challenge at Delaware State University, setting up back-to-School and summer activities, and collecting cans and clothes for donation.

Lauren Tyree | New Castle County

Even through Lauren is only a freshman at St. Mark’s High School, she has logged over 500 hours of volunteer service. Lauren is a Spartan Ambassador, member of the Peace of Mind Club promoting mental health and social impact awareness, Z Club service and women’s advocacy club, Leo Club, vacation bible school volunteer, and is an 8-year Girls on the Run volunteer. During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lauren was troubled by seeing so many in her community suffering from food insecurity. She worked with her family and others to start Cul-de-sac Concerts, a weekly livestreamed concert series that presented over 100 performers, attracted over 30,000 online viewers, and raised $25,000 for local food banks. Lauren recently attained her Eagle Scout award as the first and only female and the youngest member in her troop to do so. Her Eagle Scout project was recruiting volunteers to build a Gaga pit for an elementary school. When the national United Methodist Church discontinued their charter relationship with Scouts BSA, Lauren recognized that the future of her female Boy Scout Troop was at risk. So, Lauren created another non-profit, Growth and Leadership Development Network, to charter four Scout Units in her area enabling about 100 youth to continue scouting now and into the future.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BENEFITING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Threasa Brittingham

Threasa Brittingham is a beacon of hope for those in need in the Milton community. Her giving spirit has led her to open a “Giving Cellar” in her home, where she provides free basic necessities to those who are struggling to make ends meet. Since its opening in August, the cellar has served over 200 visitors. Threasa’s dedication to helping others doesn’t stop there. She is the woman behind Milton’s Simply Milton Facebook page and Buy Nothing group, which both focus on community building and supporting those in need. Threasa is known as “Momma Milton” to many, and her annual Field Day event for local children, as well as her organization of Grad Fairies during the COVID-19 pandemic, are just a few examples of her tireless efforts to help others.

Bernard Carr

Bernard Carr is a dedicated community servant known for his volunteer work, photography, and philanthropy. After serving three years in the Army and four years at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he continued his service by mentoring youth in foster care, sponsoring girls’ basketball, and volunteering at the annual Father/Daughter Dance. He is also the founder and CEO of bwadecarrPHOTOGRAPHY, LLC, which awards an annual sports scholarship to a Woodbridge High School female athlete. He serves on various boards, including as President of the Delaware State University Alumni Association, Inc. Sussex County Chapter, and Vice President of the NAACP Lower Sussex Branch. Bernard has received numerous awards for his outstanding community service, including the Hometown Hero award from the Parker Group and the Community Service award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

William W. (Bill) Collick

William W. (Bill) Collick is a well-respected educator and community leader with 45 years of experience. He began as a teacher and coach in the Cape Henlopen School District, working his way up to administrative positions at Delaware State University and Sussex Technical High School. Bill is known for his work with various organizations, including the Seaford Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, and Children and Families First. He was a founding board member of Pathways to Success, which supports several Delaware high schools. Bill is currently serving his second 4-year term with Habitat for Humanity and volunteers at Westside New Beginnings. He has a deep connection to his hometown of Lewes and is passionate about preserving the town’s history through his work with the Lewes Historical Society.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY EMPLOYEES IN THE WORKPLACE

NEW CASTLE COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Taya Dianna

Taya has been with New Castle County since 2004, currently serving in the Community Service Department as the Graphic Arts Designer. Starting with tennis lessons 20 years ago, Taya has done everything in her power to help grow the sport, from captaining recreational leagues for over 15 years, to leading the Impact Team Tennis, hosting a US Open bus trip, to volunteering with Tennis in the Streets, and running the Delaware Tennis Facebook page which has acquired more than 1.6K members all in a volunteer capacity. Her work has enabled inner-city youth to be introduced to the sport and benefit from the impact that sports and teamwork can have on one person. Taya has spent over 20 years volunteering as a team captain for the USTA and captained over 200 volunteer tennis teams impacting over 2,400 people.

Stephanie Moore

Stephanie has been with New Castle County for approximately five years and currently serves the Department of Land Use as a Certified Assessor. Stephanie is a dedicated leader for the Scout Pack & Troop serving as the Treasurer and Secretary as well as the new member coordinator. She welcomes new members and often coordinates fundraisers to ensure all who are interested have an opportunity to participate and benefit from the program. As an adoptive mother of a child who was formerly in the foster care system, she sacrifices her time and finances to ensure the next generation is able to benefit from the combined support and adventure being an honorable Scout allows all regardless of income, social and economic status, and access. Breaking barriers is what she does, not only in her professional life but also in her philanthropic work.

Stephanie Rizzo

Stephanie has been with New Castle County for approximately 24 years, currently serving as an Administrator in Community Services. Stephanie is a volunteering for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) assigned to advocating for youth in the foster care system. She is an advocate and support for the youth that follows up with DFS, foster parents, birth parents and schools to ensure they receive the best care. Additionally, she volunteers for the Newark Skatepark where in 2021, Stephanie stepped in when they lost their 501c3 status to ensure the standards of accountability and insurance requirements were met so it could remain a safe and productive outlet for the youth. She filed proper paperwork with the government agencies, created a new Board of Directors to allow that the organization to remain a safe, uplifting, and fun environment for local youth serving thousands every year.

Katherine Watts

Senior Corporal Watts has served New Castle County for approximately 17 years and currently works with the Paramedic division. She has dedicated a significant amount of her time towards providing CPR education to the public, specifically under served communities. Corporal Watts has spearheaded the implementation of Hands-Only CPR classes developed for New Castle County paramedics to train citizens. She also volunteers her time with Dejavu Safety to provide free CPR training and certification throughout the community. Katherine has been dedicated to spreading knowledge and education surrounding cardiac arrest statistics and was recently awarded the “Preceptor of the Year” award. Additionally, she has been appointed as the Mental Health Resource Officer for the division. Senior Corporal Watts has dedicated a significant amount of time, energy, and volunteer efforts to the community to help save lives on and off the clock.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY A HIGH SCHOOL

Charter School of Wilmington

During the 2023 Students in Action End-of-Year Reflection process, Charter School of Wilmington (CSW) earned a Gold Banner, Best Reflection, Student Choice Award, and Most Outstanding SIA Team to represent Delaware at the national level. In their 10th year of planning and hosting Charterthon, they earned $100,778.83, which exceeded their ambitious goal. Their efforts span an entire year of hosting events within their school and in the community to raise both funds and awareness of the plight of children fighting cancer, and the B+ Foundation, which exists to support the families of kids with cancer through financial assistance, research funding, advocacy and education. This year CSW faced new challenges, added more activities to Charterthon to build excitement and attendance, and increased the education and advocacy in their fundraising, telling their “why” in every activity and interaction.

Students from the Charter School of Wilmington (CSW) proudly reveal the amount of money raised ($100,778.83) to support children fighting cancer, and the B+ Foundation, which exists to support the families of kids with cancer through financial assistance, research funding, advocacy and education.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY A COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION

Carl M. Freeman Foundation | Sussex County

The Carl M. Freeman Foundation, a private family foundation established in 1960, has a long history of supporting nonprofit organizations. They seek to honor their founders’ legacies and passions by endorsing excellence, leveraging resources, and promoting innovative community-based leadership and giving. Founded in 2000, their FACES (Freeman Assists Communities with Extra Support) program is designed to find and fund the smaller, overlooked projects in our neighborhoods. Their belief is that the major nonprofit organizations with visibility and ample support win most donors’ attention. The FACES advisory board provides a unique insight into community needs and priorities, which allows them to support projects that are most important to the community. In 2022, FACES Sussex doubled their award funds from their traditional $50,000 to $100,000 which allowed 15 non-profit grantees to receive $10,000, $5,000 or $2,500 grants. Their impact since 1960 includes cumulative grants and commitments of $55.9M to a total of 1,015 organizations. www.carlmfreemanfoundation.org

Children’s Beach House | Sussex County

From its founding in 1936, Children’s Beach House (CBH) has devoted itself to meeting the most pressing needs of Delaware children. Having found that time at the Delaware beach helped her to overcome the orthopedic challenges she faced as a young girl, Lydia Chichester du Pont founded the Children’s Beach House so that future generations of children could flourish and enjoy the healing qualities of friendship, fresh air, and the Delaware Bay. Their mission is to improve the lives of children, youth, families, and communities by helping them to identify, understand, and utilize their own strengths, talents, and resources. They offer year-round programs to children ages 3 to 18 from across Delaware who have communicative challenges or who live in under-resourced homes. Through annual events, foundation grants, corporate and individual giving, CBH raises funds to support their programming and services for the Margaret H. Rollins Child Development Center, the Youth Development Program, and their social enterprise Greater Goods Events. www.cbhinc.org

Urban Bike Project | New Castle County

The Urban Bike Project (UBP) began in 2005 with David Hallberg and Brian Windle salvaging trashed bicycles in the Trinity Vicinity neighborhood in Wilmington. A large group of children would stop by daily with requests for help fixing flat tires, derailed chains, and more. In 2006, the operation moved to Brian’s house in the 9th Ward and a whole new group of children demonstrated the need for bicycle repairs and education for youth in the city. UBP’s mission is to support Wilmington communities by providing access to bicycling as a healthy, affordable, and practical means of transportation and recreation. Their programs include Open Shop with over 3,200 visits, the Free Bike Program with 72 bikes distributed, Holiday Bike Giveaway with 108 bikes donated, Summer Camps with 20 campers and 6 attended on scholarships, and 12 Monthly Social Rides with over 100 participants. www.urbanbikeproject.com

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BENEFITING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

DELAWARE TODAY • DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES

Mariah Calagione | Sussex County

Mariah Calagione has made waves in Delaware with her service activities, philanthropy, and delicious brews. The co-founder of Dogfish Head Brewery, Calagione has raised over $7M for nonprofits throughout Delaware and the country. She’s been a part of many local organizations, including the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and The Nature Conservancy Delaware Chapter, and has been on a number of school boards. She is the producer of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival and a founder of the Red Wagon Calagione Family Foundation. About Delaware, Calagione says, “I love that it’s a small but dynamic community. Unfortunately there’s always needs, but there’s always people willing to step up for those needs, and I love that in many cases those are your friends and neighbors.”

Stephanie DiMartine | New Castle County

Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Steff DiMartine is a local fundraising legend. The event coordinator for Children and Families First, DiMartine dedicates her free time to coaching bowling, bocce and basketball for the Special Olympics. She got involved in 1993, when she first saw 2-year-old Amber Benson bowling. The little girl had spina bifida, and DiMartine was struck by her resilient, passionate spirit. Soon, DiMartine was coaching bowling for the Special Olympics. “The best part, for me, is seeing how everyone comes together behind one purpose…I couldn’t do everything I do without the support of those around me,” says DiMartine. She is the top individual fundraiser for the Special Olympics Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, raising over $17,000 in 2023, and she’s raised well over $150,000 for Special Olympics in the last five years.

Babita Jagnanan | New Castle

Babita Jagnanan is Delaware’s first and only female minority textile recycler, and the owner/operator of Phoenix Used Clothing Corp. The organization’s mission is to save textiles from landfills by redistributing usable clothing and household items to people in need, such as those who are reacclimating to life after incarceration, those with physical and mental disabilities, single parents, and low-income families. Phoenix provides food for the homeless, support for those recovering from addiction and bulk contributions after natural disasters. “A lot of important work is being done all around you,” Jagnanan notes. “While you should never underestimate your potential to bring new ideas and make an impact, don’t be afraid to team up and seek guidance from those who are already doing some of this work.” To donate or help in other ways, visit phoenixusedclothing.online.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE BENEFITING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Rylie Maedler | Sussex County

When Rylie Maedler was in second grade, she was diagnosed with Aggressive Giant Cell Granuloma Bone Tumors, which began painfully eating away at the majority of the bones in her face. She was told that she’d be deformed, toothless and most likely deaf. Maedler’s family decided to administer medical cannabis. To the shock of Maedler’s doctors, her pain and swelling decreased, followed by bone regeneration and tumor shrinkage. However, medical cannabis was illegal for children in Delaware at the time. Maedler began to advocate for it, passing four Delaware laws related to medical cannabis. She also began public speaking, traveling the world to advocate for more research and less stigma. “With all issues like this, I feel like communication and education is the most important thing. If you get push-back, don’t give up,” Maedler says.

Ketanya Moore | Sussex County

Ketanya Moore first realized the importance of community when she was a child, and her home burned down twice. She and her family were forced to stay in a homeless shelter. “It was the worst experience of my life,” Moore says. She resolved to do her utmost to keep others out of that same situation. Now, she’s the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Community Inspired Actions, which provides aid for youth and families and transitional living for young people in the foster care system. On top of that, Moore is also a licensed real estate agent and a mother of five. “Once you know you are changing and making a difference in someone’s life, that is really what gives us the extra push to continue doing what we’re doing.” Go to cia-delaware.org to help.

Laralyn Willey | Sussex County

Laralyn Willey, of Seaford, Delaware, grew up watching her mother, a dedicated nurse, give back to her community. “She’s such a strong role model as far as hard work and morals. Everything about her makes me who I am,” notes Willey. In 2019, when Willey’s 14-year-old son, Cole, was diagnosed with high-risk Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Willey followed in her mother’s footsteps. She founded the Colestrong Foundation, an organization that raises awareness and funds for teens battling cancer and their siblings. “The world is pictured as such an ugly place so often, but when we have our fundraisers and our events, it just proves…It’s a beautiful place if you allow it to be,” Willey says. To help, you can volunteer, donate, or participate at events—visit colestrongfoundation.com, their Facebook, or their Instagram to learn more.

THANK YOU

TO OUR GENEROUS DELAWARE CHAMPIONS, DONORS AND SPONSORS

Ally Bank

Bank of America

Belfint, Lyons, & Shuman, P.A.

Bio Tek reMEDys

Brian Richards

Carlos Valles

Celeste Fornicola

Chai Gadde

Chichester duPont Foundation

Christiana Care Health System

Claudia & Gary Simpson

Covenant Wealth Strategies

Dave & Angela Tiberi

Delaware Community Foundation

Delaware Grant In Aid

Delilah Colon

Denis Chandler

Discover Bank

Double Diamond Recycling

Edie Dutcher

Edrees & Nicole Siddiqi

Farnan Law Firm LLP

First State Towing

Gertrude Holland

Guy & Tina Marcozzi

Highmark Delaware

Incyte

James Rath

Jeff Benson

John Boykin

John Gardner

John Sobieski

Kai Lassen

Katie Kerschner

Keith Baker

LabWare

Laura Ristano

Lynn Barberi

M&T Bank

Margarita Rodriguez-Duffy

Mary Darby

Mary Nottingham

Marybeth Auld

Margarita Rodriguez-Duffy

Mark & Niki Smith

New Castle County Government

Newark Recycling

Norman Oliver

Dr. Patricia Curtin White and Family

Paul & Laurie Margiotta

PJ Fitzpatrick

Prominent Insurance

Rachel Sewell

Richard Bender

Rob & Linda Harra

Rock Solid Contracting

Sam & Joan Beard

Sussex County Council

Scott Champagne

Scott Kammerer

Scott Salisbury

Sobieski Mechanical Contractors

State Farm Insurance

Mike & Heather Broujos

State Farm Good Citizenship Grant

Steven & Colleen

Steinmetz

Tatiana Copeland

The Fidance Family

The Honorable Nicole Poore

The Mowbray Family

The South Jersey Group

United Healthcare Verdantas

Wilmington University

Wilmington Wine Company

WSFS Community Foundation