| ANNE MARQUART BROOKER | ||
Excellence in Volunteering |
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| Anne Marquardt Brooker is an inspirational young woman who has excelled in volunteerism by creating her own non profit in 2002, called the “Dragonfly Project” which helps those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Anne started this project after her young friend passed away from a brain tumor. After the death of her friend, Anne and her mother sent the family a card contacting a story written by Walter Dudley Cavert. It is a simple and touching story about how underwater grubs leave their home and family never to be seen again. The grubs wanted to solve the mystery of their disappearing friends but as soon as one would leave the water, the grub would transform into a dragonfly and was unable to return to his life under the water to tell their friends what had happened. Even if the dragonfly could return, his grub friends could never understand who he was or what he had become. The message of the story is that we cannot prove our lost loved ones don’t exist, just because we cannot see them. Anne and her mother were inspired to turn this message into a gift of hope for those who are grieving. Since 2002, volunteers serving the “Dragonfly Project” search obituaries and news stories to find those who they think might benefit from the dragonfly story. Packets including a story and a dragonfly keychain have been sent to over 10,000 people. Anne Brooker’s determination to reach as many people with this story and message of hope is heartrending to say the least. Her recognition at such a young age for the need for comfort and faith is truly inspiring. Thank you to Anne Brooker for all the energy she devoted to sending out this wonderful message. | ||