CHARLES H. FLYNN HUMANITARIAN AWARD |
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The 2005 Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award Winner
David M. Rifkin
In recognition of "outstanding volunteer leadership" to the Lower Naugatuck Valley
David M. Rifkin received Valley United Way’s prestigious Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award for 2005 joining a list of thirty-five others who have won the award which was first established in 1971 in honor of Mr. Flynn. Mr. Flynn was the editor of The Evening Sentinel, a daily newspaper that was the main source of community information in the Lower Naugatuck Valley at the time. Mr. Flynn had also been one of the founders of the Valley United Fund.
Rifkin is currently the Senior VP Corporate Sales for the Adelman Travel Group with his office in Ansonia while Adelman Travel Group maintains corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, WI. He has been an incredibly active community leader with involvements with a wide array of nonprofit and business groups including Valley United Way, Griffin Hospital, and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Rifkin served on the United Way’s Board of Directors and chaired the successful 1997-1998 Annual Community Fundraising Campaign. He is still active with United Way as a member of its Marketing Committee. A member of the Board of Directors, for the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, he held numerous offices including serving as the Chairman of the Board in 1991 and 1992.
At Griffin Hospital, he was a member of the Board for both Griffin Hospital and Griffin Hospital Health Services. He also served as Treasurer for both organizations as well and being the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Board. He also twice chaired Griffin’s annual "Touch of Class" event.
A charter board member of the new Valley Community Foundation, he is also a member of the Valley Advisory Council to the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
Rifkin has also been a member of the board at Area Congregations Together and the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut. He was both a corporator and board member for Hewitt Hospital. He spent sixteen years as a member of the board of directors for the Housatonic Council Boy Scouts of America and held the Vice President Finance position.
He was a member of the Derby Superior Courthouse Building Committee and was active with the Ansonia Taking Care of Business Committee. He was also a member of the Derby Savings Bank Advisory Board.
His contributions to the community were recognized by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1990 when they presented him with their Gold Seal Award. In 1995, they honored him as the winner of The First Annual Small Business of the Year Award.
In 1997, he received the Housatonic Council Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award.
A graduate of Bucknell University, Rifkin has achieved the Certified Travel Consultant designation from the Travel Institute. From 1995-1997 he was part of TWA’s Travel Agent Advisory Board.
He and his wife Joan live in Woodbridge and have two children, Tracy and Amanda who are attending Bucknell University.
Bill Dunlop, Chairman of Valley United Way’s Board of Directors, said that the selection of Rifkin reflects both the breadth and depth of his serve. He said, "Dave has been a tireless worker on behalf of the entire community. His length of service and record of accomplishments attest not only to his involvement, but also to his leadership in helping to improve the quality of life in the community. It is a pleasure to see him join the long list of Flynn Award winners who have been such an inspiration to us all."
The award was presented at Valley United Way’s Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on April 26 at the Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby.
