Paula DePlanche Named Volunteer of the Year!
“…exceptionally engaged and committed volunteer.”
“…going above and beyond in her capacity; never wavering in her commitment to the role and its ongoing responsibilities.”
“…reliable and deeply engaged in her work and service.”
These are words used to describe the 2020 Dover Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year.
Congratulations, Paula Daley DePlanche!
We are so pleased that Paula…Partner, colleague and friend, has been recognized for her overwhelming kindness, generous spirit and heart for service. Paula will be honored at the Annual Awards Gala on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 5:30pm at The Rivermill at Dover Landing (2 Washington Street, Dover, NH 03820). Click for more information.
Born and raised in Dover, Paula is passionate about the Dover community and those who work and live in it with her. Day after day, we witness Paula’s heart for service. She has notable achievements and has accumulated hours and hours of volunteer service, serving on Boards, committees and at events. She has attended dozens and dozens of local activities – supporting local organizations in every way she can. She inspires her colleagues and encourages our team here at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts to do the same, contributing to some of the finest, most-deserving nonprofits in New England.
Paula has strong ties to her Dover High School class, assisting with finances and serving on her class reunion committee.
She has numerous volunteer accolades and highlights including seven years of service on the Dover Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee as Treasurer, annual volunteering at Apple Harvest Day and attending many Chamber events including the annual Gala and Cocheco Arts Festival.
She is the current Chair of the regional Leadership Board for the American Lung Association in New Hampshire and has volunteered at their Cycle the Seacoast event since its inception in 2011.
Paula was a longtime member of the Dover Adult Learning Center Board of Directors, joining the board in 2002. In 2005, she became and served as president for the next four years. After her term, she continued on the board for the next nine years (the maximum number of terms) and was actively engaged, attending fundraising events and sharing her passion and adoration for the organization with others.
She is an active and compassionate volunteer at her church, the Parish of the Assumption, preparing for coffee hour and other church functions, providing and assisting with meals at Life Teen and serving the hungry alongside a group from the Parish at the Dover Friendly Kitchen. She is an active member of the church Finance Committee and can also be found arranging the pick-up of food donations for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.
She volunteered in numerous capacities at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and was a volunteer they could count on. Ready and willing to help out whenever she could, she opened her home to help acclimate new families, she assisted with faculty appreciation, admissions and fundraising events and she coordinated a team of volunteers at the chemical-free graduation party, Last Blast.
In addition to her extensive resume of community service activities, what distinguishes Paula from her peers is the small things. For it’s those moments that really define her true character and the love she has for the Dover, New Hampshire community. At work, she takes great pride in our 5 Nelson Street property…from picking up tossed wrappers on the sidewalk, to making sure our beautiful building is properly maintained and the historical character of it is preserved, to being neighborly, to ensuring our gardens are flourishing. On occasion, you may see Paula sweeping or shoveling the walkways…she won’t ask her colleagues to perform a task that she won’t do herself. Out and about, Paula is always willing to lend an ear to questions about taxes, donate the cutest, locally-purchased stuffed animal to a local charity or treat her employees to maple squares from Harvey’s Bakery. She has been a member of the Leone, McDonnell & Roberts team for 31 years!
Paula is a bright, gifted accounting professional, and it is evident that she truly values the relationships she has with her clients, colleagues, neighbors, family and friends in the community. We can’t think of another person more deserving of this award than our colleague…Paula Daley DePlanche. We are so proud of you.
Click to watch the video from press conference announcing the award 12.18.19
