On November 22nd, members of the nonprofit community gathered in the Gold Ballroom at the Tidewater Inn for their annual Mid-Shore Community Foundation (MSCF) Awards Breakfast. Among the honorees was Gail Benjamin, who received a Special Recognition Award for her work with Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS). In addition to her award, she also received two citations from the State of Maryland, presented by Delegate Johnny Mautz and Senator Addie Eckhardt.
Benjamin has been with TIS since its inception, having attended the very first meeting of concerned citizens in 2008. Along with members of other faith communities, she reached out to her congregation at Temple B’nai Israel and they became one of the first hosts of TIS’ rotating cold-weather shelter, which opened in January of 2009. Among her many accomplishments, she has served on the shelter’s board, was head of the Volunteer Committee, and finished a term as Board President in June of 2019.
In his remarks while presenting the Special Recognition Award, MSCF’s Buck Duncan described Gail’s involvement with the shelter, saying, “She’s given her time, she’s given her talent, she’s given her compassion, and she’s acted as a champion for Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s vision. She’s helped it grow, she’s helped it stabilize – she’s helped it be a very important part of our community.”
Benjamin’s reaction to the award is true to her humble nature. “Many volunteers have worked, and continue to work, countless hours to get TIS from our winters in congregational buildings to our present beautiful home at 107 Goldsborough, and our transitional housing program, and our support system,” she says. “I feel that this award is for all of us.”
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