MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service presented the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to ten recipients from Brunswick County. Award recipients are:
- Craig Thompson for service to the St. James Fire Department and WARM NC
- Elizabeth Miller for service to Paws Pantry
- Greg and Suzan Bell for service to the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program
- Ivy Weaver for service to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office
- John Bates for service to the Cape Fear Yacht Club Youth Sail Program
- Julie Jurusz for service to Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. (BSRI)
- Kate Landon for service to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
- Kenneth Gamm for service to the Shallotte Police Department
- Kevin Dempsey for service to the Ocean Isle Beach Fire Department
- Phil Fravel for service to the Fort Johnston Visitor’s Center
Brunswick County held a reception in honor of this year’s award winners on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the Odell Williamson Auditorium in Bolivia. Recipients received a certificate and pin sent from the Office of Governor Roy Cooper.
“Congratulations to the volunteers who received this outstanding award,” Brunswick County Chairman Randy Thompson said. “Here in Brunswick County, we take pride in our volunteers. The dedication and support these individuals give to our community is a rarity in most locations around the country.”
Full details about why these individuals were nominated and recognized with this award are at brunswickcountync.gov/gvsa.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, created by the Office of the Governor in 1979, honors people who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by making a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service.
Volunteer nominations from all 100 counties are submitted to the Governor’s Office through an official process each year. The Commission, also known as VolunteerNC, reviews the nominations, and awards are given out locally by the designated county award coordinator.
“One of the treasures of Brunswick County are the people who dedicate their time and expertise to serving our community and animals,” Brunswick County Volunteer and Non-Profit Coordinator Leslie Stanley said. “We appreciate our volunteers and the great work they do. This awards program exists thanks to people like them.”
For more information about the awards program and future nomination opportunities in Brunswick County, contact Volunteer and Non-Profit Coordinator Leslie Stanley at 910.253.2589 or via email.
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Download Photos from the 2024 GVSA Reception on Brunswick County's Flickr Account (Credit Brunswick County)
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