Birkenfeld Humanitarian Award goes to Bremerton resident

Published 11:25 am Friday, August 26, 2011

Marge Thorne, of Bremerton, received the 2011 C. Keith Birkenfeld Humanitarian Award from the Bainbridge Community Foundation, according to a statement.

The award, in its third year, is given to a Kitsap County resident who exemplifies leadership in volunteer service and commitment to the community. Thorne’s involvement in the community spans six decades and includes a variety of nonprofit organizations in the county.

Thorne was a co-organizing chairperson for Hospice of Kitsap County — formed in 1979 — and has continued to volunteer for the organization. She has been volunteering since 1965 with the Crisis Clinic, which is associated with Kitsap Mental Health.

Other organizations Thorne has been involved with include the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Kitsap County Juvenile Court Diversion Program, the state’s Parent Teacher Association, United Way of Kitsap County, Chief Kitsap Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire Girls, The YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Along with the award, Thorne has received a $25,000 grant-making opportunity, which she will announce at the Bainbridge Community Foundation’s annual Philanthropy Celebration and Awards Ceremony Sept. 10.