Annual Awards Program
The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County wants to recognize members of our community for their outstanding commitment and service to the cause of domestic violence prevention and eradication.
The 2021 inaugural group of award recipients were recognized during this year's virtual gala, All That's Purple: 45 Years of Empowerment.
DVCCC's
2021 Honorees
Volunteer Service Award
Awarded to an individual in recognition of the breadth, depth, and/or longevity of their volunteer service to DVCCC.
Kathy Mills is a dedicated legal volunteer who began her work with DVCCC in 2018. Since that time, she has accompanied dozens of domestic violence survivors to court, which can be a very daunting and intimidating experience for the clients. Alongside legal staff, Kathy offers encouragement and comfort to survivors and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system.
Barbara Nicholson has worked tirelessly for DVCCC since 2016, doing important administrative tasks, manning tables at events, and being a strong advocate for the organization. Barbara's work with our education and outreach programs has connected her with thousands of Chester County community members, spreading our message of empowerment and freedom from abuse.
Community Partner Award
Awarded to a business, organization, or foundation located in Chester County in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the cause of domestic violence prevention and reduction in Chester County.
The Fund for Women & Girls, led by Executive Director Michelle Legaspi Sanchez, leads and unites the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive. Through grantmaking and educational programs, The Fund strategically works to foster the economic freedom, well-being, and security of women and their families who live and work in the diverse communities throughout Chester County.
Since 2003, The Fund for Women & Girls has donated over $250,000 in grants to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County. Most recently, DVCCC received a $5,000 grant from their Girls Advisory Board in support of Racial Equity Training for our staff and $10,000 in general operating funds in support of our core mission.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Diane Cornman-Levy, WOMEN'S WAY works to inspire and mobilize the community to invest in organizations and leaders that will advance the rights and opportunities for women and girls, and achieve gender equality for all. They are guided by the principles of community, collective power, intersectionality, self-determination, and accountability.
In 2020, WOMEN'S WAY awarded DVCCC with a $20,000 grant to support our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legacy Award
Awarded to an individual, business, or foundation in recognition of their philanthropic giving over a period of 10 or more years, demonstrating exceptional generosity and commitment to the cause of ending domestic violence in Chester County.
Julie Blank is recognized not just for her substantial lifetime giving of over $25,000, but for her work on behalf of the organization in inspiring others to make charitable contributions to DVCCC.
Jane MacElree is the Founder and President of Hilltop Farm, Inc., a world-renowned sport horse breeding and training center.
Through the Jane C. MacElree Family Foundation, she has made over $280,000 in charitable contributions to DVCCC since 2003.
The Pew Charitable Trusts is an independent nonprofit organization, formed through seven individual trusts established between 1948 and 1979 by the children of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew. Pew is a global research and public policy organization, still operated as a non-partisan, non-governmental organization dedicated to serving the public.
Since 2003, The Pew Charitable Trusts has made $600,000 in charitable grants to DVCCC.
The Wawa Foundation champions life-saving research and care for people in need, leading hunger-relief efforts, and supporting the heroes making a difference every day.
Since 2000, Wawa and the Wawa Foundation have given over $175,000 in support of DVCCC's work and mission.
Westminster Presbyterian Church is a 125+-year-old congregation located in West Chester, PA with a mission of "knowing Christ and making Christ known." They have made over $55,000 in charitable contributions to DVCCC since 2000.
Lifetime Service Award
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication, and service to the advancement of DVCCC and its mission. Recipients must have a record of consistent philanthropic designation to the organization.
Kitty Knox has demonstrated extraordinary commitment not just to DVCCC but to all survivors of domestic violence. She completed her volunteer training in 2004 after an early retirement.
Since then, Kitty has tirelessly worked on behalf of the organization, including facilitating a domestic violence support group at a local rehab center for fourteen years.
In addition to giving of her time and talent, Kitty and her husband Gary have been consistent and generous charitable donors to DVCCC.
Jim Shinehouse is a Past President of the DVCCC Board of Directors and currently servces as amember of the DVCCC Advisory Board. He has been directly involved with DVCCC for over a decade, demonstrating extraordinary generosity and philanthropy while also providing steady guidance, optimism, and expertise, helping the organization become what it is today.