Liddell Award Winners

The Church Club of New York is proud of the impact of Liddell Award winners on the Episcopal communities of New York City and the tristate area, as well as those in more far-flung areas with whom many of our Liddell Awardees have worked.

2024 - Benjamin York

Ben York, of Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook, NY, supported the Food of Life/Comida de Vida program, providing essential resources to those in need. In addition, Ben’s work with Grace's youth group fostered a supportive and enriching environment for young parishioners. His involvement in the Spanish-language service further highlighted his dedication to building an inclusive community. Ben organized and taught an English as a New Language class for Spanish speakers in Pawling, with the support of Grace Church and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Ben’s efforts showcase his deep commitment to faith and compassion.

2023 - Aviva Foster

Aviva Foster, a parishioner of St. Thomas Church, Glassboro, NJ , collaborated with the Diocese of New Jersey Youth Ministry to develop and facilitate anti-racism sessions, aiming to reach youth and foster dialogue that would reshape perspectives on race. Aviva firmly believes that addressing systemic racism is a crucial aspect of the Church's mission. Aligned with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's vision for racial justice and reconciliation within the Episcopal Church, Aviva advocates for involving youth in anti-racism education to shape a future generation striving for a more just and inclusive tomorrow.

2022 - Chnidcar Fortune

The recipient of The Young Adult of the Year Service Recognition Award for 2022 was Chnidcar Fortune, a parishioner at The Haitian Congregation of the Good Shepherd in the Bronx, for his volunteer ministry: Service as a Sunday school teacher, music minister, and children’s choir leader. Chnidcar is a student at Cornell University who has given extensively of his time to nurture music ministries for children and adults at his home parish.

2021 - Lindsey Counts

Lindsey Counts, a parishioner at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, has served as co-chair of  parish ministries, with a focus on prison reentry and addressing food insecurity. Lindsay has served as the parish’s co-chair for prison reentry ministries, supporting men and women coming home from incarceration for over four years. During the pandemic, these ministries pivoted to address the needs of a city in crisis. Lindsey was one of the founding members of the Fund for the Not Forgotten, which has raised nearly $300,000 since spring of 2020 to support the most vulnerable New Yorkers. In the summer of 2021, Lindsay cold led the task force for racial healing and inclusion, and has led the parish community’s commitment to racial justice.

2020 - Nick Gordon

The recipient of the Young Adult of the Year Service Recognition Award for 2020 was Nick Gordon, a parishioner at The Church of St. John’s in the Village, for his volunteer ministry: St. John’s in the Village with Invisible Hands. Nick’s vestry position provided him the opportunity to spearhead a new COVID-19-related program where the parish partnered with a volunteer-based delivery non-profit for immunocompromised and senior citizens who are especially at risk when leaving their homes. The church pursued grant monies to offer free groceries and delivery for those members who were experiencing acute resource shortages in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2019 - Marie Massier

The recipient of the Young Adult of the Year Service Recognition Award for 2019 was Marie Massier, a parishioner at The Haitian Congregation of the Good Shepherd in the Bronx, for her volunteer ministry: Service to the Episcopal Church in New York and Haiti.

2018 - Merrick Williams

The recipient of the Young Adult of the Year Service Recognition Award for 2018 was Merrick Williams, a parishioner at Cathedral of the Incarnation in the Diocese of Long Island, for his volunteer ministry with the Mary Brennan International Nutrition Network. The Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen is the largest soup kitchen on Long Island, where Monday-Friday, approximately 1,300 hot, nutritious meals are served and 150 people take hot showers every week. There is a guest choice pantry for free, non-perishable food that is available to the guests for weekend needs. Approximately 62,412 meals are served annually.

2017 - Christopher Wilson

Christopher Wilson participated in extensive service as a teacher in the Peace Corps in the village of Hatsavan, Armenia, where he made connections with children and adults. Upon his return, Christopher supported the restoration of the school of Hatsavan, complete with a playground and recreation area for the children. This project will brought hope to a community, a ministry and living example that charity extends national across national borders.

2016 - Caroline Angell

Caroline Angell, of The Church of the Epiphany, received the Church Club’s Third Annual Young Adult of the Year 2016 Service Recognition Award, now the Liddell Award, for establishing Racket, an ongoing program for the collection and distribution of feminine hygiene products to homeless women, and for raising awareness on policy issues related to menstruation and equality.

2015 - Amy Bonnaffons

Amy Bonnaffons, a parishioner of St. Mark’s in the Bowery, volunteered extensively with Rural & Migrant Ministry, established in 1981 by the Diocese of New York, which aims to support isolated rural and migrant communities, particularly farmworkers. Acting as a bridge between these workers and outreach ministries, the organization strives to raise awareness of their needs and hopes, fostering relationships within the Diocese and its parishes. RMM focuses on three key program areas: youth empowerment, accompaniment in improving working and living conditions, and education. Amy actively volunteered with RMM, working with their youth programs, raising awareness in their parish and Diocese, and serving on the organization's Board of Directors.

2014 - Rachel Salvato

Rachel Salvato served families in McDowell County, West Virginia with other members of Grace Church during two mission trips to improve a few families’ homes. The McDowell County area suffers from population decline, widespread poverty, and associated health concerns for many residents. Rachel enjoyed being of service to others and appreciated the connections she built with Grace Church parishioners and McDowell County residents during her mission work.