Debbie Welch receives state honor

SPARTA-At the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs Annual Convention in Atlantic City, May 5, the Sparta Woman's Club placed Debbie Welch on the state honor roll for her exemplary volunteerism and leadership during her tenure as a Sparta resident and club member. Hailed as a mainstay in the club's journey back from threatened dissolution and the single impetus for putting the Social Services Department back on its feet, Welch also served on the Executive Board for the SWC and as Chair of Home Life and Social Services Department. In addition to her work with the SWC, she represented CASA clients in their court experiences as their advocate and liaison to the legal system. Her work with Ginnie's House, Sussex County's Children's Advocacy Center, earned her Volunteer of the Year recognition in 2002, after which she became Manager of Volunteerism for the Center. In that role, Welch also chaired the Auction Committee for the Ginnie's House Annual Fundraiser in November of last year. Under her leadership, the fundraiser realized a more than 200-percent increase in proceeds for the continued efforts of the advocacy program for abused children in Sussex County. Welch supported many departments in the SWC including the Evening Book Group, the Garden and Conservation Department, and the GFWC Cookie/Candy Project. Perhaps her favorite endeavor was knitting baby blankets for distribution through the Circle of Yarns, one of the newer Special Interest Groups in the club.