Local volunteers take center stage

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The 2010 North Carolina awards for “Outstanding Volunteer Service” and New Hanover County “Volunteer of the Year” award took center stage.

The Governors Medallion of Honor nominee and winners were announced at a dinner in the city hall chambers. This years keynote speaker was Tannis Nelson who is part of the Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism.

The Sutton family is just one of the nominees. They have an inspiring story. They took in injured Hatians after the devastating earthquake and helped them get medical treatment for their injuries.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo says he feels an enormous amount of pride.

“It’s a great time to honor these people and recognize them and put them up on a pedestal and really say this is what communities are about,” Saffo said. “This communitarian spirit that we have here in our community is phenomenal.”

Steve Bilzi scored the New Hanover County Volunteer of the Year award and Bob Martenis, president of the Airlie Gardens Foundation Board took home the Governor’s Medallion of Honor award.