Two of Alexandria's most dedicated community activists were recognized as the 23rd recipients of the Annual Burke Award. They are a husband and wife team.
As Nancy LaValle, who nominated them for the award, said at the ceremony, "Joan and Don Burchell are an extraordinary couple who have made a lasting impression on the humanitarian and philanthropic life of the City of Alexandria."
The Burchell's were honored for the Burke Award at the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross which was founded by the awards namesake, Esther Dashiell Taylor Burke, the chapter's first chairperson.
Presented to those who have contributed outstanding philanthropic and humanitarian service to the Alexandria community in the great Red Cross tradition, the award was first given in 1981. Since its inception, 29 Alexandrians have been honored prior to the Burchell's.
"From their longstanding commitment to, and membership in, Christ Episcopal Church to their work with ALIVE!, the Alexandria United Way, and the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Burchell's have brought their energies, financial assistance, and organizational devotion to creating a lasting legacy of service," LaValle noted.
"What ever they do they do it well," she said. "I went to high school with Joan and it was true of her even then. I wore my bright pink jacket to the ceremony in honor of the Energizer bunny because that's exactly what they are."
LAVALLE WENT ON to point out, "In the late 1980's, both the Burchell's were devoted to working with Alexandria's increasingly large homeless population ... Don emerged as a leader in organizing and starting Carpenter's Shelter... In the early 90's, Joan chaired ALIVE! during a period of service expansion." As a city-wide ecumenical group, ALIVE! addresses the emergency needs of hundreds of citizens.
Don Burchell is a long-time member of the Alexandria Red Cross Board of Directors, while Joan is an active participant with the United Way and a member of the Alexandria Human Services Committee. Both have worked to make the Friendly Visitor Program, which provides services to low income senior residents, a success, according to LaValle.
"Whether it is helping the senior residents at Annie B. Rose and Ladrey House, volunteering at the Red Cross or with Christ Church, it is certain that these two selfless and generous individuals will continue to address the needs of Alexandrians, especially its most vulnerable citizens," LaValle concluded.
IN ACCEPTING THE award, Don Burchell stated, "It's an unusual position to be in where you are recognized for doing things that come naturally. The fact that so many of the Burke family were there made it even more meaningful."
Joan pointed out, "People make so many friends from volunteering. It's really an ongoing circle. You get people to volunteer for one project and then they get you involved with another. It was very gratifying to see so many people that we have worked with over the years attend."
Nearly 85 supporters gathered at Red Cross headquarters to celebrate the occasion with the Burchell's. Among them were a cousin of Don's and an aunt of Joan's.
"Although we are both native Alexandrians, most of our family has moved away," Joan said.
"We are so appreciative that we were even considered for this award," Joan told the gathering. "We have both been very involved with volunteerism since we were first married 36 years ago."
She is also an active member of TWIG, the women's auxiliary at Inova Alexandria Hospital. They adopted the name TWIG 70 years ago when they were founded. It stands for "little branch."
E. Hunt Burke, president, Burke and Herbert Bank and Trust Company, gave a history of the award which was initiated to commemorate the 100th and 65th anniversaries of the National Red Cross and Alexandria Chapter respectively. It is designed to honor outstanding volunteerism and community service.