WHEREAS, Jane Cabarrus, a distinguished community activist and civic leader from Northampton County, was presented the Suzanne Wescoat Award by the board of directors of Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore in 2024; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, Jane Cabarrus became a founding director and first vice president of Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore (CBES), fostering the creation of an organization that has been integral to the successful and sustainable development of the Commonwealth's Eastern Shore over the past three decades; and

WHEREAS, Jane Cabarrus is notably the first woman to serve as president of the Northampton branch of the NAACP; in this capacity, she established the Eastern Shore's Community Unity Day in partnership with Northampton County Public Schools to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Jane Cabarrus spearheaded many significant community gatherings over the years, including a longstanding Juneteenth parade and festivities at Exmore Town Park in Exmore and candidate and race relations forums held in partnership with CBES; and

WHEREAS, in tandem with local leaders, Jane Cabarrus was central to efforts to promote the growth and development of the Bayview community in Northampton County, improving the quality of life for the area's residents; and

WHEREAS, drawing from her professional experience in health care, Jane Cabarrus regularly incorporates free health care screenings into her events, promoting public health and well-being in the Eastern Shore; and

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jane Cabarrus played a vital role in advocating at the state level on behalf of underserved and vulnerable populations, ensuring they received adequate care and protection; and

WHEREAS, Jane Cabarrus' parents were the founders of the legendary Giddens' Do-Drop Inn in Franktown, a beloved restaurant and lounge that has been a hub of the Eastern Shore community for more than 50 years, and she has dedicated herself to preserving the legacy of this cherished establishment for the benefit of future generations; and

WHEREAS, Jane Cabarrus is a pillar of the Eastern Shore whose devotion to her community and the welfare of others serves as inspiration to all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Jane Cabarrus hereby be commended for receiving the Suzanne Wescoat Award from the board of directors of Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jane Cabarrus as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her contributions to the Eastern Shore and the Commonwealth.