On Friday, April 26, over 240 guests gathered to honor Angela Stone as Spurwink’s 2024 Humanitarian and USI with the Corporate Cares Award. This year’s theme, Everybody Have Fun Tonight, was chosen because everyone deserves to live fully engaged lives in their communities and enjoy themselves. Attendees embraced the 80s and 90s vibe and dressed to impress with rad colors and throwback attire.
Al Raymond, Spurwink board chair, presenting the Humanitarian award to Maine Needs founder, Angela Stone stated, “She has given a means by which all of us collectively can also be humanitarians.” What started as an emotional response to what was happening at our southern border in 2018 became a safety net for over 43,000 people. By utilize social media and the local community to establish a safety net for people who didn’t have one and redistribute quality resources so that everyone could feel more cared for and have their basic needs met. Maine Needs became a community-run donation center where caseworkers, street outreach teams, teachers, and nurses can request basic material needs that individuals and families all over Maine need.
Eric Meyer, Spurwink President and CEO shared, “As the founder of Maine Needs, Angela’s vision of solidarity, not charity, has created a safety net of over 43,000 people helping to support Maine families. Through her leadership, she has given hope and provided resources for our community. She has responded to fear with love, creating mutual aid and respect. We were honored to recognize Angela as Spurwink’s 2024 Humanitarian of the Year.”
USI was recognized for its deep roots in our community, investing their time, talent, and treasure volunteering. Through their corporate social responsibility program, USI Gives Back, employees have volunteered with local nonprofits throughout Southern Maine, including an annual day of volunteering at Spurwink.
Jobe and Maria’s experiences at Spurwink’s Special Education Day Treatment Programs were featured in a video shared that evening. Visit www.spurwink.org/student-stories to learn more. DJ Don played our favorite old school tunes to create a fun dance party to close the night. We are grateful to our Lead Sponsor and Corporate Partner, Sun Life, whose dedicated support helped make this fabulous night possible.