Story published by The Ellsworth American on March 5, 2024.
MOUNT DESERT — Maine Seacoast Mission President John Zavodny has announced the two recipients of the Sunbeam Award for 2024: Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, in Bethesda, Md., and the Island Institute. This year’s awardees were chosen for their commitment to the communities the Mission serves.
Both awardees will be recognized at this year’s Sunbeam Award Gala. The Gala is the Mission’s annual opportunity to celebrate those who embody the ideals of the community and whose work has made a lasting impact. The 2024 event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Bar Harbor Club.
President John Zavodny shared, “Through our partnerships with Island Institute and the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, the Mission is able to strengthen both island and Downeast communities and ensure that residents can continue to thrive in the places they call home.”
As an award recipient, the Mission will honor Island Institute for its enduring role as a community partner. Together, both organizations have offered support to Maine’s unbridged island communities in education and community building. For 40 years, the Institute has remained committed to working alongside island and coastal communities in the areas of marine economy, sustainability and community. This year, Island Institute has become a leader in ongoing storm response efforts and facilitating long-term resilience planning and information sharing.
