Ruth Moss Society 2010 Awards Kim Forthofer, MaKayla Reed, and Kay Wilkins The Hancock County Democratic Committee has announced the recipients of this year's Ruth Moss Society Democracy Award. Named after Sorrento resident Ruth Moss, a former HCDC chair and longtime Democratic stalwart, the annual award is presented to two volunteers who have continued with Ruth's energy for Democratic activism. This years recipients are Kim Forthofer of Southwest Harbor and Kay Wilkins of Ellsworth. Kim has been the database organizer for the Great Democracy Auction since it began in 2004. The auction is Hancock County Democratic Committee's largest fundraiser and is quite a large task to undertake. Kim has been the quiet workhorse behind the scenes ensuring auction success each year. Kay Wilkins has also been a long standing member of HCDC and an always-willing volunteer. This year Kay stepped up to be a primary volunteer organizer for the No on 1 Campaign in Hancock County.  Kay worked tremendously hard to organize teams of volunteers in Hancock County to phone bank, write letters to the editors and fundraise for marriage equality. In addition to the two Ruth Moss awards presented this year, an additional award was presented to Ellsworth High School student Makayla Reed. The Youth Leadership Award was given to Makayla to bring attention to her outstanding contributions and enthusiasm. Makayla has been a dedicated volunteer for HCDC since getting involved in the 2008 campaign. Makayla's energy shines a great ray of hope for the Democratic party of the future. The awards were presented at the annual Ruth Moss Gala, held on Sat. May 1 at the Lucerne Inn. U.S. Congressman Mike Michaud, State Senator Dennis Damon, and Will Rice were sponsors of the event. Local Democratic legislators Rob Eaton, Ben Pratt, Jim Schatz, and Elsie Flemings attended, and were joined by gubernatorial candidate Steve Rowe, representatives from Libby Mitchell’s campaign, and Democrats from across the state. Photos from the event may be viewed on Facebook (no login necessary to view). About the Ruth Moss Society Ruth Moss came to Hancock County in 1972. At that time, the County was solidly Republican. Not easily discouraged, Ruth and her husband Alvin promoted progressive change through the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and before long, the Democratic Party. Ruth became Chair of the Hancock County Democratic Committee. Back then, there were few volunteers and little energy or passion available to stir up support for Democratic candidates. Ruth launched in to build a party single-handedly. People were looking for a leader, and Ruth soon had a loyal following. While Ruth has retired from her official capacities in the party, she would not have missed this historic campaign for the world. She was a regular volunteer for our phone banks, and her energy and enthusiasm delighted all who spent time at our Headquarters with her. Ruth's commitment to Democratic activism has inspired her successors. HCDC is now respected throughout the state as a model for county organization. That is the legacy that the Ruth Moss Society honors. Today, thanks to the dedicated work of our volunteers and the financial generosity of Ruth Moss Society members, HCDC is able to provide vital support to all our Democratic candidates. Please help keep the Grassroots strong here in Hancock County by joining or renewing your membership in the Ruth Moss Society. Donations may be made online at our ActBlue Ruth Moss Society page, or by mail to Ruth Moss Society, c/o HCDC, PO Box 1414, Ellsworth, ME 04605. A tribute to Ruth's late husband Alvin Moss may be found here. Ruth Moss Society Democracy Award