MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service presented the 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to ten recipients from Brunswick County. Award recipients are:
- Barbara Farley for service to Dosher Memorial Hospital Flea Market
- BCEM Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) / AuxComm for service to Brunswick County Emergency Management
- Becky Meritt for service to Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. (BSRI)
- Carl Mauney for service to Oak Island Water Rescue Team
- Christopher Kain for service to Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office
- Clarissa Cope for service to Oak Island Angels
- Diane Hennessey for service to Day4Hope
- Henry and Susan Campbell for service to Brunswick Family Assistance
- Mary Gretton for service to Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island (FOLSOI)
- Ron Austin for service to NC State Cooperative Extension
Brunswick County held a reception in honor of this year’s award winners on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Odell Williamson Auditorium in Bolivia. Recipients received a certificate and pin sent from the Office of Governor Josh Stein.
“Every year, I am blown away by how many incredible individuals and groups we have in our county who are nominated and recognized with this award,” Brunswick County Chairman Mike Forte said. “It takes a special type of person to want to serve others without any kind of recognition or compensation. Their efforts and dedication make Brunswick County a better place to live.”
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.
“Our county is filled with generous people who volunteer their time and talents for our community, animals, and environment,” Brunswick County Volunteer and Non-Profit Coordinator Leslie Stanley said. “Over the last 7 years, I have been fortunate to work with many of these awesome people. I want all our local volunteers to know that their service is greatly appreciated.”
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.
-30-
Download Photos from the 2025 GVSA Reception on Brunswick County's Flickr Account (Credit Brunswick County)
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.
Stay Informed