| OCTOBER 30, 2003, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – The March of Dimes was pleased to recognize three Atlantic County volunteers at its 8th annual FDR Community Service Awards Dinner on Wednesday, October 29, 2003, held at the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City. The FDR Community Service Award is presented to those individuals whose lives and careers have had a positive influence on the Atlantic County community and beyond. Ed Blake, President of Blake and Associates Employment Systems, John Conklin, Vice President Player Development of Tropicana Casino and Resort, and Allen S. Thomas, Sr., Community Outreach Coordinator of Salvation Army all received awards.
Blake, a resident of Ventnor, involves himself in many facets of the community. Some of his affiliations include past President and current Vice President of the Atlantic County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for A.C.O.R.A (Just for Kids), which is an organization that raises funds for children's educational programs, Steering Committee for the Atlantic/Cape County College Restaurant Gala, raising funds for scholarships for culinary students, Vice President of St. Leonard's Tract Association, and the Chairman of the Columbus Day Parade Committee.
Conklin, who resides in Galloway Township, is also active in many charitable endeavors including the Jimmy V. Foundation for cancer research, Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which is raising funds to build a hospital in the Congo, South Jersey Junior Golf and South Jersey Junior Soccer Leagues, both of which support underprivileged, inner city and special needs children, and Gilda's House.
Thomas, a resident of Absecon, has spent much of his professional and personal life serving youth and families. Of note, Mr. Thomas has been involved with the Jersey Shore Council of Boy Scouts of America, Atlantic County Youth Advocate Program, AtlantiCare Atlantic City Family Centers, The Young Father's Program, Gang Intervention Process, and New Jersey March of Dimes.
The cost to attend the event was $100 per person with the proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes, a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year, $75 million campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information on the FDR Community Service Awards or the March of Dimes, please call the March of Dimes South Jersey Office (856) 667-2220. |
