Pender County volunteers receive governor’s service award

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has presented the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to 16 recipients from Pender County.

Award recipients are Desiree Taron, Rebecca “Becky” Brady, Richard Meeker, Sharon Meeker, and Rosario “Russ” Cappello, Jr.

Ten members of the Historical Society of Topsail Island were honored with the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. Honorees included Cecile Broadhurst, Gwen Ward, Ann Tumblin, Gaylene Branton, Ed Broadhurst, Larry Combs, Edna Smith, Bill Tumblin, Bobbie Morrison, and Butch Parrish, who have served the Historical Society of Topsail Island for a decade or more.

In addition, Safe Haven’s team of 69 volunteers who donated their time in the Safe Haven Thrift Store was selected as Medallion Winners, the highest award presented. Only 20 Medallion winners are selected annually. Safe Haven’s Thrift Store volunteers are just one of 20 honorees statewide, according to a press release.

“April is National Volunteer Month,” said Tammy Proctor, Pender County Coordinator for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors people who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by making a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. The award was created in the Office of the Governor in 1979.