The Humanitarian Awards

DINNER AND AWARD CEREMONY:

Spurwink’s 29th Humanitarian will be honored  at a gala dinner and award ceremony on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 6:00-10:00pm at the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks, South Portland, Maine.

6:00-7:15pm – Reception
7:30-9:15pm – Dinner and Program
9:15pm – Dancing to the Time Pilots
Black tie optional.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and tickets, please contact Kristen Farnham, Vice President of Development, at 207-871-1211 or kfarnham@spurwink.org.

Become a Sponsor / Purchase Tickets
Register Attendees
2015 Levels of Support

2015 HUMANITARIAN: THE VOLK FAMILY

The Volk family has been deeply involved in autism awareness and education, both in Maine and nationally.

Derek Volk, who has recently written a book entitled “Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Autism Spectrum,” is a Maine businessman, supporter of autism awareness, volunteer, philanthropist, and softball coach. He is president and co-owner of Volk Packaging Corporation, a third-generation family-owned corrugated box manufacturer in Biddeford, Maine. Derek actively participates on the Maine Business Leadership Network (BLN), a national organization that focuses on connecting employers with employees who have disabilities. His own company currently employs those who are deaf, blind and on the autism spectrum.

Amy Volk is the State Senator for District 30, which includes most of Buxton, most of Scarborough, and all of Gorham. Prior to being elected to the Senate, she served two terms in the Maine House as the Representative for House District 127, coastal Scarborough. Amy works passionately for human rights in Maine – advocating for asylum-seeking immigrants and human trafficking victims. She sponsored a bill to fight human trafficking that was signed in 2014 and works tirelessly on finding ways that immigrants can be supported, contribute to the state’s workforce, and help invest in the future of Maine.

An aspiring comedian, Dylan Volk was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, at the age of eigth. Dylan also has joined his father, Derek, in speaking publicly about autism and how Dylan’s diagnosis and struggles have affected each of them individually, as well as their father-son relationship. He also contributed to his father’s book.

While attending Eastern University, Mariah Volk serves incarcerated individuals through a national program called Shining Light. She has been serving in jails and prisons from Maine to Pennsylvania since she was in high school, and is passionate about bettering the lives of people behind bars.

Lilly and Serena Volk both assist in their church’s Sunday School programs and actively reach out to support their peers at school who are left out of social circles. Lilly also has raised more than $500 for human trafficking victims.

MORE INFORMATION:

Presented annually since 1987, the Humanitarian Award honors  an exceptional person or group who share(s) Spurwink’s passion for improving the lives of others within the community and state of Maine. Please join us at this year’s Humanitarian event as we recognize and celebrate the Volk Family.