Key To Independence Day 2012

This year’s recipients of the Ricky Godorov Key Day Award are Rich and Rene McMenamin. Rich and Rene were high school sweethearts who have been married for 38 years. Together they share a home in Chestnut Hill with Rene’s younger brother, Thomas Walsh, a proud member of the ADD family.

Rich and Rene, along with their two children, Sean and Bria, own and operate two ShopRite supermarkets in northeast Philadelphia – ShopRite of Roosevelt Blvd. and ShopRite of Morrell Plaza. Rich also serves on the board of directors of Wakefern Food Corporation, National Grocers Association and PA Food Merchants Association.

Based on their experiences with Tom, Rich and Rene believe that with a nurturing atmosphere everyone has an opportunity to thrive. As a commitment to this philosophy, Rich and Rene hire many individuals with special needs at their stores. “We appreciate the fact that Tom’s confidence and self-esteem have grown in large part due to his responsibilities at work,” comments Rich. “In turn, we work closely with our associate’s job coaches to best understand the individual’s strengths and provide additional training to make them better prepared for their job.” In addition to their relationships with job-training organizations like Community Integrated Services (CIS) and JEVS Human Services, the McMenamin Family ShopRite is actively involved in the community, supporting Philabundance, Philadelphia Police & Fire Departments and many of the local schools, churches, synagogues and youth organizations, among others. Rich and Rene are proud to be recipients of the Ricky Godorov Key Day Award and delighted to be honored by the wonderful ADD organization.

The Wendy Cohen Advocacy Award is given yearly to an individual who has assisted ADD members and the Agency and is a leader who has made a commitment to ADD by his/her tireless efforts and willingness to go that extra mile.

Clare Glisson, grew up in Northeast Philadelphia. She’s a mother of two (Gene and Dawn) and a grandmother of 5 (Gino, Michael Frankie,Taylor and Adam). She currently lives with her husband (Jerry) in Maple Shade NJ. Clare’s passion in life is to serve others. She is extremely family oriented and always has the glass is half full attitude. Clare has been with TDBank for 27 years and currently is working as a VP/ Store Manager in South Philadelphia. During her years working in Jenkintown, she was awarded “Employee of the Year “. She’s a member of the South Phila Business Assoc and volunteers at her local VFW. She is a ladies Auxiliary member of the American Legion. Clare was recruited years back from a former Executive Director of ADD and 17 yrs later she still serves on the Board of Directors. She remembers her first Rap Session and how touched she was by the members. She knew then that this was an organization that she wanted to be involved with. She has learned many things thru the years but most importantly from the members that you should enjoy every moment of your life as it is very precious. It is her honor and pleasure to help in any capacity needed for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.