January 29, 2009

Markell Encourages More Delawareans to Volunteer

Delaware’s governor will participate in this weekend’s Polar Bear Plunge

DOVER – Governor Jack Markell delivered the keynote address to the Delaware Conference on Volunteerism Thursday morning and encouraged the First State’s residents to do more to help their neighbors.

Markell canceled Delaware’s traditional inaugural ball this year and replaced it with a Weekend of Service, which was held this past Saturday and Sunday. Hundreds of volunteers throughout Delaware answered the governor’s challenge to build a better Delaware. The governor also announced that Delawareans have contributed more than 30,000 volunteer hours through the BetterDelaware.org Web site, which Markell launched in November to connect volunteers with service opportunities.

Markell told about 200 volunteers at the conference that his commitment to service will not end with the past weekend. The Governor will continue to volunteer during his term, starting with Sunday’s Polar Bear Plunge in Rehoboth Beach to benefit Special Olympics Delaware. Markell will join about 3,000 other volunteers when they jump into the Atlantic Ocean at 1p.m.

“Nonprofit organizations and the clients they serve are especially hard hit by the current economy,” Markell said. “It’s time for Delawareans to come together and help those less fortunate by donating time, treasure or talent. It won’t be easy, but if we all work together, we can – and will – make positive difference in these challenging times.”