The community came together last night at Silver Spring Country Club to celebrate a man who lives the Rotary Club motto: Service Above Self.
Surrounded by his loved ones, friends, and fellow Ridgefielders and Rotarians, Dean Miller was honored as he received the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award.
Theresa Santoro, CEO and President of RVNAhealth, a place where Dean serves as a member of the Board of Directors, was the powerhouse behind the celebratory event. Santoro introduced the event’s speakers as well as those in attendance who have also earned the title Citizen of the Year (1998 Sue Manning, 2000 Beth Yanity, 2005 Kay Ables, 2010 Bill Wyman, 2015 Chris Nolan, 2016 Joyce Ligi).
Leaders of each nonprofit organization Dean tirelessly supports were in attendance and enthusiastically shared stories documenting the ways Dean Miller has made a difference.
Dean’s wife Theresa gave those in attendance an inside look at the man who has made Ridgefield a better place. From their meeting as corporate executives at Arthur Anderson & Co., to Dean’s love of spreadsheets, and rock music, Theresa spoke about her best friend and their philanthropic mission as now retirees.
Joyce Ligi spoke about the impact Dean has had as President of Meals on Wheels. The Ridgefield nonprofit doubled the number of clients served while dramatically increasing donations and community support.
Chris Nolan, former Executive Director of the Ridgefield Library explained that Dean served as Board Chair during a pivotal time in the history of the Library. Under Dean’s leadership, a new building was being constructed, a new director was hired and a new fundraising initiative was developed to increase community support. In 2021, he was awarded the Library’s Paccadolmi Award in recognition of his service.
Jonathan Winn, founder and Co-Artistic Director of Thrown Stone spoke about the value Dean adds as Treasurer of Thrown Stone and his commitment to assuring the arts thrive in Ridgefield.
Before the evening came to a close, First Selectman Rudy Marconi read a Proclamation from both the State of Connecticut and the Town of Ridgefield thanking Dean Miller for his unwavering service to others and congratulating him on this deserved honor.
Thanks to Dean Miller for making Ridgefield a better place and congratulations on being named the 2022 Rotary Club of Ridgefield Citizen of the Year!
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Ridgefield click HERE.