Rotary Club member honored with community service award

SALISBURY, Md. – The Rotary Club of Salisbury has honored a club member with its inaugural Ace Parker Community Service Award.

David Downes, a 43-year club member and past president, helped develop a mentoring program for youth that aims to help them overcome the feelings of fear and low self esteem when their families become homeless. Since the program began, we’re told hundreds of children have been served through the program. Downes has been an advocate for and a volunteer for building safer and healthier homes for low income seniors and individuals with disabilities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Downes has also been a volunteer in the delivery of meals through the MAC Center’s Meals on Wheels Program.

Downes has been awarded $1,000 to donate to the charity of his choice.

The Ace Parker Community Service Award is presented to a Rotarian who has played an active role in making the community a better place through volunteer service.