Friends and family say Diaz Bonville of Rehoboth Beach, Del., is giving, loving and tenacious. He’s spent thousands of hours volunteering and raising tens of thousands of dollars in donations all to help hundreds of people throughout Sussex County.
Bonville co-founded the West Rehoboth Children and Youth program. What began as a summer program nearly 20 years later is still helping children today. Another project close to his heart is the restoration of the Richard Allen School to its former glory.
Ivan Neal, a former colleague of Bonville, said, “Since joining our board, Diaz has pushed us to do more. He’s a go-getter. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t believe in just doing the ordinary. He wants to do the extraordinary.”
Jane Hovington, who nominated Bonville for a Jefferson Award, said, “The work that he does with the humanities board is awesome. The things he does in the community; the work with his kids, family.”
Bonville said he remembers a time when he was secretary for several different organizations at once.
Walter Smith, a friend of Bonville, said of him, “The big heart that he has is just amazing. I guess everybody around him — he makes you want to do better.”
Even though Bonville has experienced some recent health issues, that has not kept him from doing the best for his community.
“You can do it,” Bonville said. “Don’t listen to those voices, the negative voices that say ‘cannot.’ You are made here, you are put here on this Earth to do something. You are very special and you will always be special.”
About the Jefferson Awards
WBOC is proud to be a local partner of the Jefferson Awards, which are presented to unrecognized citizens on Delmarva who provide extraordinary public service. The Jefferson Awards are presented on two levels: national and local. The mission of the Jefferson Awards is to encourage and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service.
The 2020 Jefferson Awards are made possible through the support of our local sponsor, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.
