WHEELING, W.Va. — Easterseals Rehabilitation Center is recognizing longtime volunteer and advocate Debbie Joseph of Wheeling with the dedication of a new bench at the Wheeling Splash Pad in Heritage Port.
The ceremony took place June 2 and honors Joseph’s more than four decades of service to Easterseals and its mission of helping children with disabilities.
Joseph first became involved with Easterseals shortly after the birth of her daughter, Kristen Cox. Wanting to give back, she volunteered at the center, assisting therapists and spending time with children receiving services. Her involvement continued to grow, and 40 years later she remains an active member of the Easterseals Board of Directors, serving as secretary.
Along with her husband, Dr. Daniel Joseph, Debbie helped establish the Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta, which became a major fundraiser for Easterseals. During its 16-year run, the event donated more than $115,000 to support programs and services for local children and families.
“Few people have had the lasting impact on Easterseals that Debbie Joseph has,” said Easterseals President and CEO Eric Filberto. “We are incredibly grateful for her unwavering commitment to our mission.”
Joseph said she was overwhelmed by the recognition and credited the children, families and staff members who have been part of her Easterseals journey.
The bench is the second donated by Easterseals to the City of Wheeling through the Trex Community Recycling Program, which awards benches for collecting 1,000 pounds of plastic bags. Easterseals earned two benches after recycling more than a ton of plastic over a two-year period.
The dedication comes just ahead of the Ohio River Splashtacular, Easterseals’ annual fundraising event scheduled for June 7 at Wheeling Heritage Port. The event will feature water ski shows, family activities, raffles, food trucks and more.
Source: Easterseals Rehabilitation Center
