Clark Named Ellsworth Area Chamber Citizen of the Year

The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Donald Clark it's Citizen of the Year. Clark will be honored at the Chamber's Annual Meeting May 18th at the Acadia Event Center in Trenton.

Clark was raised in Lamoine and at 17 enlisted in the Navy. He returned to Maine as a self-proclaimed "Jack of All Trades". He has cooked and run commercial kitchens, catered weddings and parties as well as worked with area cable companies, most recently with Time Warner.

20 years ago, one of Don's and Mona's (his wife of 35 years) daughters were very ill, and the community responded with support. This gave Don the desire to return those good deeds for others in need.

For the past 7 years he and Mona have worked with the Marines in their Toys for Tots drive in July. They have also organized a Secret Santa program for needy families, providing a full Christmas, including the meal delivered by Santa. Every year, at least five local families have been surprised by this Christmas Day gift.

Don has been the organized and Head Chef for the Ellsworth Elk's Club free community Thanksgiving meal. Over 200 are served annually and shut ins are provided with home delivery of the meal.

Two years ago, he started putting together Christmas food baskets including a turkey for those in need. Last year, 75 families benefited.

But he doesn't stop there. If someone is in need, he is organizing benefit suppers, auctions, even a motorcycle ride. Don deflects the praise, saying none of this is possible without the support of the Greater Ellsworth community, local businesses and the Elks Club.

Don's nomination for Citizen of the Year stated "No one deserves this recognition more."

Don and wife Mona have been married 35 years. They have two daughters, Heather and Lisa and a grandson Kameron.