“The Marina” Volunteer Appreciation Award
Jim Henson once said, “My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.”
Last year, our longtime President of the Board, asked Board Member and Foundation Co-Founder, Doug Sharp, to take her place. As is Marina’s style, there was no fanfare when the change occurred. The Board of Directors and Event Planning Committee members felt the golf tournament would be the perfect venue for some well deserved recognition. The best part was that she knew nothing about it, as these photos clearly illustrate.
From the moment Doug asked her if family and friends could have a golf tournament in Tom’s name, to the creation of this nonprofit Foundation in 2008, and through five years of building this organization, this special woman has lead our group with inspiration, focus, and determination. Her leadership style is inclusive, wanting to make sure all voices are heard and appreciated. She is a gift, our gift, and it was our good fortune that she has led us through these formative years. Fortunately for us, she has agreed to remain on the Board of Directors.
When trying to determine how best to honor her, we knew it had to be something that could be a legacy to her and her loving way of making others feel valued and appreciated. With that in mind, the Foundation has established a new award program in her honor.
The Academy of Motion Pictures gives out the Oscar. The Thomas P. O’Sullivan IV Foundation will now give out “The Marina”.
During the 2013 annual memorial golf classic, the first ‘Marina’ Volunteer Appreciation Award was given to its namesake, Marina O’Sullivan. In the years that follow, but not necessarily every year, this award will be given to an outstanding volunteer that has served our cause and our community, just like her fine example.
Congratulations, Marina, on your well-deserved honor!