By Liz McBreen
Some communities are fortunate enough to have people who will give of their time -- people who are dedicated to helping their neighbors and care enough to go out of their way for them. On the evening of Nov. 25, 12 of these deserving do-gooders were honored.
Supervisor Rich Guardino hosted the sixth annual Make a Difference Awards at Hempstead Town Hall. The awards celebrate the efforts of people who work for the greater good as volunteers, and recognize the positive impact they have on their community.
"I think it is particularly appropriate that we do this during the week of Thanksgiving -- a time when families come together to reflect on their blessings and express gratitude for the wonderful way of life we have in America," said Guardino.
Geraldine Brathwaite of Elmont, and Marge Lee and Richard Petersen of Franklin Square received awards for the quiet generosity they have shown through community service and volunteer work.
"It's heartwarming to know that there are so many extraordinary individuals who unselfishly give of themselves for the betterment of our community," Guardino said before presenting the medals and certificates to the honorees.
Brathwaite has been a volunteer at the Jamaica Square Improvement League for 36 years. She has worked tirelessly to revitalize Hendrickson Avenue Park, to turn it into a haven for the community's youth. She is also known for taking people under her wing and feeding and clothing those in need.
For four years, Brathwaite cared for a homeless elderly woman who had been referred to her by the Nassau County Department of Social Services. A modest woman of few words, she explained her way of life simply by saying, "Let the work I've done speak for me."
A proud member of Emanuel Baptist Church Choir, Brathwaite has served her congregation for years and is also involved in her local civic association. "I am floored," she said at the ceremony. "It is so exciting to be honored tonight."
Reaching out to others has always been a way of life for Brathwaite. At age 11, she rescued two of her sisters from a dynamite explosion in Virginia, and she has been spreading her love and compassion to others ever since.
Twelve years ago, Marge Lee lost her 25-year-old son Kenny in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Her two other children were injured in the head-on collision and Lee was left with a permanent disability. Since the tragedy, she has campaigned with the Long Island chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Accompanying grieving families to court appearances and lecturing at schools all over Long Island are two of the ways Lee combats the widespread problem of drunk driving. She also takes part in Victim Impact Panels in Mineola, where she speaks about her experience with people accused of drunk driving offenses. After more than one of these panels, Lee has been told by a listener that she convinced him or her to stop drinking and driving.
Although Lee knows she has stopped some offenders and possibly saved lives as a result, she described the award ceremony and the opportunity to learn about her fellow community activists as proof that there are people working hard to better their communities. "It has been a humbling experience," she said.
Richard Petersen was also impressed by what he heard of his fellow volunteers. "There were so many great stories told here tonight," he said. "I give the Town of Hempstead credit for taking the time to honor volunteers this way."
Seven years ago, Petersen, a Franklin Square resident, organized a golf outing to raise money for Gateway Youth Outreach (GYO) in Elmont, a program close to Petersen's heart because of the work it does for young people in the community. In its first year, the event raised $15,000, and it has since become an annual fund-raiser for GYO, run by Petersen. He also helped design and build new office space for GYO.
Gift of Life, a group that brings children with serious heart problems to a New York hospital for surgery, is another of Petersen's volunteer projects. He has also traveled to Mexico on several medical missions, accompanied by doctors who screen Mexican children for health problems. Petersen and his wife, Janet, recently brought a three-year-old child from Mexico into their home. The child is awaiting heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital. "It's a great honor to be recognized along with these other individuals," Petersen said.
Each year the Town of Hempstead asks residents to submit nominations for the Make A Difference awards. About 200 nominations were received this year, according to Guardino. A committee then considers the nominees and chooses the winners. "It's always a difficult decision for the committee because there are so many great stories out there," Guardino said. "This is always an inspiring evening."
The recipients were congratulated by family, friends and fellow award winners at a reception after the ceremony.
