Community Foundation Receives National Award

Whalton also worked part-time as executive director of the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley from 2005-11.

“It is a national and really very prestigious award because there aren’t that many given out, but Michael is very deserving of this honor,” Warner said, noting that a local resident asked that Whalton be nominated for the award.

The process got underway last fall and only recently was finalized, Warner said.

Foundation board members, friends, and local government officials huddled in a conference room at the secretary of state’s local office awaiting the guest of honor.

Whalton was held up delivering a ceremonial check to a local nonprofit organization and didn’t arrive exactly when he was expected.

His wife, Susan, laughed as she anxiously watched the door.

“I have told so many lies just to make sure this would still be a secret. I even made up the wildest stories just to get here this morning,” she said with a laugh. “I think my nose is still growing.

“Other people were also creeping around outside here this morning trying to keep the secret. It has just been hilarious.”

Warner smiled as he watched the group, noting that he wasn’t sure if it was possible to pull off the surprise event.