The Vera&Calvin Mayne Good Neighbor Award recognizes a DLM associate who goes above and beyond to better serve the DLM family or the community at large. We are proud to announce that George Punter, Wine & Beer Manager at DLM Washington Square, is this year’s recipient for his involvement with Camp Emanuel.

Camp Emanuel hosts day and resident fun-filled camps aimed at integrating kids with and without disabilities through a number of activities, from arts and crafts to horseback riding, archery, and fishing. George first became involved with Camp Emanuel in 1996 as a board member upon his wife’s encouragement. She worked for 45 years as a special education teacher, but saw a connection to George since the camp’s chief fundraising efforts are done through wine silent auctions, often featuring collectors’ finds. After three years on the board, George learned that Camp Emanuel was in need of counselors, so he gave it a shot and has been doing it for nearly 20 years. “It was a life-changing experience for me,” says George.

In addition to assisting with the summer camp program, George is also instrumental in helping plan Camp Emanuel’s annual fundraiser in the spring. It’s a live wine auction that typically raises $35,000 within three hours and fuels Camp Emanuel’s mission to promote decision making, team building, positive self-esteem, and encourages understanding and acceptance between children.