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Mariah Calagione has made waves in Delaware with her service activities, philanthropy, and delicious brews. The co-founder of Dogfish Head Brewery, Calagione has raised over $7M for nonprofits throughout Delaware and the country. She’s been a part of many local organizations, including the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and The Nature Conservancy Delaware Chapter, and has been on a number of school boards. She is the producer of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival and a founder of the Red Wagon Calagione Family Foundation. About Delaware, Calagione says, “I love that it’s a small but dynamic community. Unfortunately, there’s always needs, but there’s always people willing to step up for those needs, and I love that in many cases those are your friends and neighbors.”

Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Steff DiMartine is a local fundraising legend. The event coordinator for Children and Families First, DiMartine dedicates her free time to coaching bowling, bocce and basketball for the Special Olympics. She got involved in 1993, when she first saw 2-year-old Amber Benson bowling. The little girl had spina bifida, and DiMartine was struck by her resilient, passionate spirit. Soon, DiMartine was coaching bowling for the Special Olympics. “The best part, for me, is seeing how everyone comes together behind one purpose...I couldn’t do everything I do without the support of those around me,” says DiMartine. She is the top individual fundraiser for the Special Olympics Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, raising over $17,000 in 2023, and she’s raised well over $150,000 for Special Olympics in the last five years.

Babita Jagnanan is Delaware’s first and only female minority textile recycler, and the owner/operator of Phoenix Used Clothing Corp. The organization’s mission is to save textiles from landfills by redistributing usable clothing and household items to people in need, such as those who are reacclimating to life after incarceration, those with physical and mental disabilities, single parents, and low-income families. Phoenix provides food for the homeless, support for those recovering from addiction and bulk contributions after natural disasters. “A lot of important work is being done all around you,” Jagnanan notes. “While you should never underestimate your potential to bring new ideas and make an impact, don’t be afraid to team up and seek guidance from those who are already doing some of this work.” To donate or help in other ways, visit phoenixusedclothing.online.

When Rylie Maedler was in second grade, she was diagnosed with Aggressive GiantCell Granuloma Bone Tumors, which began painfully eating away at the majority of the bones in her face. She was told that she’d be deformed, toothless and most likely deaf. Maedler’s family decided to administer medical cannabis. To the shock of Maedler’s doctors, her pain and swelling decreased, followed by bone regeneration and tumor shrinkage. However, medical cannabis was illegal for children in Delaware at the time. Maedler began to advocate for it, passing four Delaware laws related to medical cannabis. She also began public speaking, traveling the world to advocate for more research and less stigma. “With all issues like this, I feel like communication and education is the most important thing. If you get push-back, don’t give up,” Maedler says.

Ketanya Moore first realized the importance of community when she was a child, and her home burned down twice. She and her family were forced to stay in a homeless shelter. “It was the worst experience of my life,” Moore says. She resolved to do her utmost to keep others out of that same situation. Now, she’s the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Community Inspired Actions, which provides aid for youth and families and transitional living for young people in the foster care system. On top of that, Moore is also a licensed real estate agent and a mother of five. “Once you know you are changing and making a difference in someone’s life, that is really what gives us the extra push to continue doing what we’re doing.” Go to cia-delaware.org to help.

Laralyn Willey, of Seaford, Delaware, grew up watching her mother, a dedicated nurse, give back to her community. “She’s such a strong role model as far as hard work and morals. Everything about her makes me who I am,” notes Willey. In 2019, when Willey’s 14-year-old son, Cole, was diagnosed with high-risk Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Willey followed in her mother’s footsteps. She founded the Colestrong Foundation, an organization that raises awareness and funds for teens battling cancer and their siblings. “The world is pictured as such an ugly place so often, but when we have our fundraisers and our events, it just proves...It’s a beautiful place if you allow it to be,” Willey says. To help, you can volunteer, donate, or participate at events—visit colestrongfoundation.com, their Facebook, or their Instagram to learn more.

Threasa Brittingham is a beacon of hope for those in need in the Milton community. Her giving spirit has led her to open a “Giving Cellar” in her home, where she provides free basic necessities to those who are struggling to make ends meet. Since its opening in August, the cellar has served over 200 visitors. Threasa’s dedication to helping others doesn’t stop there. She is the woman behind Milton’s Simply Milton Facebook page and Buy Nothing group, which both focus on community building and supporting those in need. Threasa is known as “Momma Milton” to many, and her annual Field Day event for local children, as well as her organization of Grad Fairies during the COVID-19 pandemic, are just a few examples of her tireless efforts to help others.

Bernard Carr is a dedicated community servant known for his volunteer work, photography, and philanthropy. After serving three years in the Army and four years at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he continued his service by mentoring youth in foster care, sponsoring girls’ basketball, and volunteering at the annual Father/Daughter Dance. He is also the founder and CEO of bwadecarrPHOTOGRAPHY, LLC, which awards an annual sports scholarship to a Woodbridge High School female athlete. He serves on various boards, including as President of the Delaware State University Alumni Association, Inc. Sussex County Chapter, and Vice President of the NAACP Lower Sussex Branch. Bernard has received numerous awards for his outstanding community service, including the Hometown Hero award from the Parker Group and the Community Service award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

William W. (Bill) Collick is a well-respected educator and community leader with 45 years of experience. He began as a teacher and coach in the Cape Henlopen School District, working his way up to administrative positions at Delaware State University and Sussex Technical High School. Bill is known for his work with various organizations, including the Seaford Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, and Children and Families First. He was a founding board member of Pathways to Success, which supports several Delaware high schools. Bill is currently serving his second 4-year term with Habitat for Humanity and volunteers at Westside New Beginnings. He has a deep connection to his hometown of Lewes and is passionate about preserving the town’s history through his work with the Lewes Historical Society.