The Arc of Cape May County has selected Cape May County Board of Commissioners Director Leonard Desiderio to be the inaugural honoree of the Community Champion award.
As the first honoree for the award, “Commissioner Desiderio is a shining example of a lifetime of service to Cape May County,” according to a news release.
The award represents the core values of the Arc mission of promoting and protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through full inclusion and participation in the community.
“I am honored be recognized as the 2024 Community Champion award recipient by an organization at the forefront of advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living throughout Cape May County. This award provided by the ARC of Cape May County serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a community where everyone is valued and given the opportunity to thrive, and I am so grateful for the work that the ARC does throughout our County,” Desiderio said in the release.
Desiderio, who also serves as mayor of Sea Isle City, will formally accept the honor at the annual Cape May County Sip into Spring Event on Friday, May 3, at the Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Road in Cape May.
In addition to representing core values, the award signifies the very essence of community service. It acknowledges people, companies, and families that have dedicated years of service to the residents of Cape May County, according to the release.
“When the Board of Directors of the Arc of Cape May County made the decision to recognize those who serve not only individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but the community as a whole, it was an easy and obvious choice to recognize Commissioner Director Desiderio,” Arc Board of Directors President Tom Rotondi said.
“We are humbled by Commissioner Desiderio’s willingness to support the work of the Arc and the individuals we serve by accepting this award at the upcoming annual Cape May County Sip into Spring Event on Friday, May 3,” Rotondi added. “We are proud to partner with Commissioner Desiderio as he leads the charge in making the month of May the Arc Awareness Month in Cape May County.”
To join the Arc of Cape May County in honoring Commissioner Director Leonard Desiderio with the Inaugural Community Champion award, contact the Arc at 609-871-7100. Event sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available via: https://the-arc-of-cape-may-county.cliqsuite.com/events/sip-into-spring
