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PORTSMOUTH, VA — Yesterday, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin presented the sixth and final 2024 Spirit of Virginia Award to Mercy Chefs at their headquarters in Portsmouth, Virginia. Mercy Chefs, a faith-based nonprofit, was recognized for its extraordinary commitment to providing professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, first responders, and volunteers during natural disasters and emergencies. The award was presented to founders Chef Gary and Ann LeBlanc in a ceremony attended by local officials, donors, and community partners. Following the presentation, the Governor and First Lady toured Mercy Chefs’ facilities and participated in meal preparation, highlighting the organization's transformative impact in Virginia and around the globe.
"To not just feed the body, but the soul, is the ethos of loving thy neighbor, and Mercy Chefs embodies this ethos every day by answering the call to serve,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This is an organization whose heart for service extends far beyond the Commonwealth as they take up the charge to provide for those in disaster relief zones and in food-insecure areas. Mercy Chefs epitomizes what it means to live out the Spirit of Virginia, and Suzanne and I could not be more proud to recognize Mercy Chefs for their incredible work."
“During this Thanksgiving season, we are particularly grateful for organizations like Mercy Chefs for demonstrated dedication to supporting those in need,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “From disaster relief to addressing food insecurity, the nonprofit’s impact is profound — so deserving of the last of six, 2024 Spirit of Virginia Awards.”
"It is a true honor for Mercy Chefs to receive the Spirit of Virginia Award," said Gary LeBlanc, founder of Mercy Chefs. "Since 2006, our mission has always been simple: just go feed people. Over the last 18 years, we have been privileged to serve more than 27 million meals to individuals following emergencies or natural disasters or experiencing personal hardships. We are deeply grateful to have our work recognized with an award that stands for compassion and goodwill. While our meals reach people across the country and around the world, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated team, the community here in Portsmouth and the Commonwealth of Virginia as a whole."
"Congratulations to Gary, Ann and to the entire Mercy Chefs family. Well done!" said Judge Robert MacDonald. "Compelled by love, they go. In the midst of disaster, in the crisis, chaos and devastation, they answer the call. Over and over again, Gary and Ann have given their ‘yes’ and have participated in the miraculous moments. Mercy Chefs is the first to arrive, brings their best, and gives their all. Mercy Chefs goes to the hard places, looks into the face of need, and feeds body and soul. One meal at a time, Mercy Chefs serves the millions."
The Spirit of Virginia Award highlights unique contributions and achievements across the Commonwealth and honors those who make extraordinary impacts in various sectors, from private industry and education to culture, the arts, and philanthropy.
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