Wilmington, DE — DuPont Corian solid surfaces has announced the winners of the company’s “Who Inspires You” contest, honoring four community heroes whose actions greatly impacted, and in some cases saved, the lives of others.

The four winning nominees, chosen from hundreds of entries, hail from Oregon, Mississippi, Ohio and Delaware. Their stories range from rescuing battered women and saving flood victims, to advocating for children’s rights and supporting parents with incarcerated family members. Each will receive a professionally installed DuPont Corian countertop, an array of KitchenAid appliances and an “Excitations.com” adventure experience.

“These outstanding women and men truly embody the meaning of inspiration,” said Maureen McGeehan, marketing manager for DuPont Surfaces. “They not only imagine better lives for others, but they actually help make it happen.”
Named as contest winners were:

• Paula Lucas of Portland, OR: Lucas founded the non-profit organization, American Domestic Violence Crisis Line, which helps abused American women overseas make informed decisions about their lives and the lives of their children. Largely through Lucas’ efforts, the organization provides hope and support to thousands of victims, including services and programs that help women establish violence-free, economically feasible lives when they return to the United States.
  
• Robert Henry of Waveland, MI: According to many accounts, Henry single-handedly helped rescue more than 20 neighbors, including several elderly survivors, from the rising waters of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, he formed a search team that led to the rescue of 20 additional people and their pets.
  
• Pam Sark (Circleville, Ohio): As a court-appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, Sark fights for the rights of abused and neglected children. Over the past 12 years, she has represented more than 900 children in court sessions and has worked with an additional 500 to help place them in safe, loving environments. Sark was also instrumental in the creation of new training tools.
  
• Danette Butler (Wilmington, Delaware): Butler created the group Parents With Incarcerated Children (P.W.I.C), which assists parents with the emotional trials experienced while dealing with a child’s incarceration. Butler also mentors youths in her community.

“We are so very pleased to recognize people who make a difference in their communities,” said DuPont’s McGeehan. “We believe the countertop and other kitchen upgrades will enhance their homes, making them better places to share their lives with others.”