Dorchester Banner/Paul Clipper
Santo Grande thanks his friends and staff for the William Donald Shaefer Helping People Award. Standing with Mr. Grande is Comptroller Peter Franchot and Santo’s wife and son.[/caption] CAMBRIDGE — It was a great day in the life of Santo Grande, director of Delmarva Community Services on Route 16 in Cambridge. On April 22, Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot came to DCS to deliver his William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award to Mr. Grande, in appreciation for his work for the community service organization for the past 41 years. The William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award is presented by the Comptroller to the individuals and organizations in each county best exemplifying William Donald Schaefer’s lifelong commitment to helping people. Peter Franchot always tells the story about former Governor, Comptroller, and Baltimore City Mayor Schaefer reaching into his wallet to give a $5 bill requested by a homeless person. When a staffer said, “You don’t have to do that ... ” Mr. Schaefer said, “Yes, I do.” Winners are selected based on their demonstration of 1) improving the community; 2) swiftly solving a citizen problem through effective government intervention; 3) directly aiding the most vulnerable in society; or 4) creating a public/private partnership to improve the lives of Marylanders. “Today we’re honoring Sandy (Santo Grande) for providing excellent services for probably a quarter of what it would take the state to do it,” said Mr. Franchot. “These not-for-profits, I believe, represent the future for Maryland. I love state government, obviously, but groups like Sandy’s can work so efficiently and with so much more customer service than a state agency, than a government agency. A little bit of money goes a long way here. They’re accountable, they’re not hidden in some big bureaucracy. Either they get the job done or they don’t—Sandy gets the job done — at a lot less than it would cost the taxpayers if we did it through some government agency. “I think it’s a big deal,” continued Mr. Franchot. “I love these Helping People awards, because like I said I just think it’s a wave of the future. I would give more money to not-for-profits, because I think they deliver services much more efficiently, and they’re much more accountable." Bill Batson opened the speeches and introduced Comptroller Franchot by presenting an acrostic for Santo A. Grande, the man of honor. Mr. Batson presented: S for Supportive and Skilled A for Altruistic Achiever N for Nurturing Networker T for Thankful and Trustworthy O for Open minded and Optimistic A for Accomplished Administrator G for Gifted and Generous R for Reliable and Resourceful A for Ambitious Advocate N for Noble Negotiator D for Determined and Dedicated E for Enthusiastic and Encouraging For 41 years, Santo A. Grande has led Delmarva Community Services, a multi-service agency serving Dorchester, Caroline, Kent and Talbot counties, in helping seniors, children and the medically frail to maintain their dignity and independent lifestyle within their community. Delmarva Community Services offers vocational training and employment, runs 30 group homes, offers respite care for developmentally disabled children and adults, and provides transportation to medical appointments for residents and veterans, among many other services. “Sandy’s invaluable work as president and CEO of Delmarva Community Services for the last four decades has enriched the lives of the elderly, the poor, and our neighbors with disabilities,” said Peter Franchot, about Santo Grande. “He’s done this by offering a wide range of programs to strengthen their talents and skills, and allow them to live independent lives. And productive lives. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Delmarva Community Services, and what you all do here is not easy work, but it is undoubtedly one of the most important and laudable professions — caring for those who need it the most. The impact that DCS has had for us on the Delmarva Peninsula is immeasurable. And it has truly prospered under Sandy’s passion and commitment. “Helping people is in this man’s DNA. And that is especially evident when you see the evolution of DCS from a small organization to one of the most respected non-profit agencies in the entire state. People’s lives have been changed for the better thanks to DCS and Santo Grande. This award is just a small token of our appreciation for all you’ve done, all you continue to do, and all you will do in the years ahead.” Mr. Franchot turned the podium over to the rest of the attendees, and Santo Grande was applauded by a long line of well wishers, including Senator Addie Eckardt, Delegates Johnny Mautz and Sheree Sample-Hughes, former mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley, acting mayor Donald Sydnor, Dorchester County’s Ricky Travers, and many more. Mr. Grande’s wife and family smiled in the background and enjoyed all the attention being paid to their patriarch. “Our mother instilled in us,” said Rachelle Nocito, Santo Grande’s sister, “she taught us to be caring, to be kind, and always to be fair. Never to misjudge people before you get to know them. And Sandy lives by those codes. He came from Philadelphia, and that was their loss, and your gain!” “I couldn’t have had a better role model, in all regards of life — in education, growing up--my dad was my best friend, and he still is,” said Santo’s son, Dominic. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of his support.” “This is the nicest thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Santo Grande, showing signs of being overwhelmed by all the attention being paid to possibly the shyest and most retiring guy in Dorchester County. “The nicest thing that anybody’s ever done for me, and I’m truly thankful.”