Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD) will present its annual Lifetime of Giving Awards on Wednesday, March 1, at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Brook at Delaware Run, 100 Delaware Crossing W. Delaware, OH 43015.

The ceremony is free to attend and open to the public.

The Lifetime of Giving awards recognize community members who positively impact the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in Delaware County. Award winners were nominated by Delaware County community members.

This year, DCBDD will present awards in nine categories including: Kathy VanBuskirk Outstanding Service Award, Nancy Richards Self Advocate of the Year Award, Outstanding Community Partner Award, Lifesaver Award, Outstanding Advocate Award, Outstanding Community Employer Award, Outstanding Teacher Award, Outstanding Therapist Award, and Outstanding Volunteer Award.

The awards ceremony began in 1999 in honor of Nancy Richards, whose believes that people with disabilities make the best advocates for themselves to prepare for self-determination, a news release states.

In 2004, the ceremony expanded to honor Kathy VanBuskirk with the Kathy VanBuskirk Outstanding Direct Support Professional Service Award who believed that her job as a provider was a privilege rather than an occupation.

“It is so important that we take the time to recognize those individuals and community members who make a difference in the lives of others. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a community that is so inclusive to those with disabilities, and we are excited to continue to recognize self-advocates and community members with these awards,” said Kristine Hodge, superintendent of DCBDD.