The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce (SCC) and the Community Foundations of Branford and Guilford will present Nonprofit Awards on Wednesday, November 7 as part of the 1st annual Nonprofit Conference and Awards Celebration. These awards recognize individuals who exhibit exemplary commitment to the organizations they serve.

This year's Nonprofit Awards honorees are: Judy Barron, Executive Director of Community Dining Room: Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year; Sylvia DeSantis, Director of Services at Shoreline Village CT: Nonprofit Staff Member of the Year; Stephen Burke, Branford Lions Club: Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year; and Laurie Desmet, Women and Family Life Center – Nonprofit Board Member of the Year.

The awards will be presented at a luncheon at Woodwinds in Branford at the end of the half-day Nonprofit Conference.

"Nonprofit leaders often do not receive enough recognition for the work they do – whether it's helping the region's senior population or other continuing needs in our communities. This year's Award winners demonstrate their passion and commitment to the work they do every day. The Chamber looks forward to honoring Judy, Sylvia, Stephen and Laurie in November," said Sheri Cote, SCC president.

Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director of the Branford Community Foundation and the Guilford Foundation, agrees.

"It is an honor to support those individuals who dedicate their work to improving and enhancing the quality of life along the shoreline. We are so pleased to recognize their work to keep seniors in their homes and connected to the outside world, feed hungry families along the shoreline, to help women and families during times of crisis, and help the neediest of our communities," said Petra.

The nonprofit conference is geared toward providing professional development and other essential skills to  nonprofit boards, volunteers, staff and leadership. Tickets, $75 for the day, includes breakfast, lunch and multiple workshops. Tickets and sponsorship opportunies are available at www.shorelinechamberct.com/events or by calling the Chamber office at 203-488-5500.

For questions about the Nonprofit Conference & Awards Celebration, contact Sheri Cote 203-488-5500 sheri@shorelinechamberct.com or Liza Janssen Petra at (203) 444-4898 or (203) 640-4049 or by email at lpetra@gmail.com.