Sandra Roberts of Rehoboth recognized for outstanding volunteer service

The General Federation of Women's Clubs announced that Sandra Roberts of Rehoboth Beach has received the GFWC Jennie Award, a medal of honor given to only eight of the nearly 100,000 clubwomen from across the country and around the world. The award was presented at the 2016 GFWC International Convention in Baltimore.

Roberts has held multiple leadership positions in the Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach since joining the club in 1997. As president from 2004-06, Roberts led the club in supporting West Side New Beginnings Rehoboth, a community center for underprivileged children. She currently serves as the co-chair of the Cancer Support Community Improvement Program, working with cancer organizations to bring education and volunteerism to cancer patients.

"Sandra is an outstanding leader in her community who truly embodies the volunteer spirit," said 2014-16 GFWC International President Babs J. Condon. "Her commitment to her family, community, and GFWC's mission of enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service shines through in all that she does."

Roberts is actively involved in the Coalition for West Rehoboth, an organization dedicated to preserving and improving living conditions in West Rehoboth, an underprivileged community. She has served as the coalition's board treasurer, as well as the treasurer of Rehoboth Day Care Center, which provides preschool education to underprivileged children.

"With GFWC in her heart, she willingly takes on new challenges and shares in everyone's many successes and few failures," said Thelda Blackwater, 2014-16 Village Improvement Association president.

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name "Jennie June." The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC's founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities and families.