SALISBURY -- Dr. Spicer Bell, president of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, last week received the coveted inaugural William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award for Wicomico County.

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot presented the award at the Community Foundation office on April 19. Looking on as Bell received his award were local public officials, Community Foundation board members, staff and friends.

Franchot created the award to recognize organizations and individuals in each county and Baltimore City who best exemplify Schaefer’s spirit of public service and giving in the community. Earlier last Thursday, Franchot presented Worcester County’s first-ever award to the Diakonia shelter in West Ocean City. Winners were selected based on their demonstration of improving the community, as well as directly aiding the most vulnerable in our society.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of William Donald Schaefer’s passing, I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy of public service than by recognizing those individuals and organizations that demonstrate that same doctrine of helping people,” said Franchot.

In accepting the award, Bell said he was “honored and humbled by the award and could not have achieved this recognition without the outstanding team of supporters, donors, volunteers, board members, and staff that help to carry out the Community Foundation’s mission.”