Marion Alexander will be receiving a 2010 Jefferson Award

It is my pleasure to pass along to those of you who haven’t heard, news of a great honor being bestowed on one of our board members. On October 29, Marion Alexander will be receiving a 2010 Jefferson Award at a dinner being held at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel. WGAL 8, PSECU and several area United Ways join together each year to honor local volunteers with The Jefferson Awards. The Jefferson Awards recognize the highest ideals and achievements in the field of public service in the Susquehanna Valley. Founded in 1973, they were named after Thomas Jefferson because of his insight into the value of public service and his belief in the importance of giving of ones self to help others in need. This special award highlights the countless private individuals who are performing extraordinary public services in their local communities. Some are paid; others are volunteers; most are unrecognized. The Jefferson Award is a 2 1/2 inch proof medallion, gold on silver, featuring a replica of the Seal of the United States on the front and “In Recognition of Outstanding Public Service” on the reverse. The Jefferson Awards are donated as a public service by the Franklin Mint. We all know how hard Marion works on behalf of GSHPA, most notably as co-chair of our Fund Development Committee. Marion has also served on the boards of a number of other community organizations including the United Way of the Capital Region, Whitaker Center, Allied Arts, Susquehanna Art Museum, Goodwill, Family and Children’s Services, YWCA, and Dauphin County Library System. Marion has received a number of recognitions for her work in the community including the Community Supporter of the Arts Award in 2003, Central Pennsylvania Fund Raising Council Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2002, Alexis de Tocqueville Humanitarian Award in 1997, John Baum Humanitarian Award in 1996, and the Community Child Advocate Award in 1995. Please join me in congratulating Marion on this much deserved honor. Kate