2009 Meritorious Service Award Recipient, Marilyn Starker

Recognition speech for Marilyn Starker

Presentation by Tom Gallagher, Chairman, Rotary Club of Corvallis, Benton County Foundation Committee


Marilyn Starker, 2009 Meritorious Service Recipient

“Congratulations Marilyn on being honored as this year’s recipient of Rotary’s Meritorious Service Award. Your nomination was supported by Rotary’s Benton County Foundation Committee and community members like Susan Poole, Rich Donovan, and Bev Larson to name a few.

This award annually recognizes an adult in our community who has made exceptional efforts to enrich the lives of Benton County youth. With thanks to Rich Donovan for these words, Marilyn has spent her entire professional career devoted to the cause of homeless and impoverished families and children.
Over the years Marilyn had a dream of having a facility devoted entirely to the children of these families; children who have been abused, neglected, homeless, witnesses to domestic violence, and malnourished.
Her dream came true in 2002, when Mari’s Place opened on the campus of Community Outreach. As usual, Marilyn refused to have the school named after her; even though she and Bond had contributed generously to the construction of the entire facility at Community Outreach. Marilyn finally agreed to Mari’s Place.
We all know that Marilyn has many options to occupy her time in life. But she has chosen one the most difficult endeavors in our community – serving kids in need. What is less well known is that for years as an employee of Community Outreach she routinely put in 60-70 hours per week, quietly working with children who are often very difficult to handle. Marilyn works patiently along side of other staff to provide story time, hugs, back patting while napping, parties, special events, snacks, and all the affection possible for these children who come from very difficult circumstances.
Marilyn also devotes time to the parents of these children, helping them understand appropriate behavior as they are again entrusted to raise their children.
Finally, Marilyn’s humility and fearlessness as an advocate for these kids is truly remarkable.

Rotarians, would you please join me in congratulating this year’s recipient of the Meritorious Service Award – Marilyn Starker.”