Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation honored these COVID-19 ‘heroes’

Two Delawareans, Dr. David Chen of ChristianaCare and Wanda Rincon-Burgos of the Latin American Community Center (LACC), were honored by the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation as “Delaware Heroes who exemplify courage, dedication, compassion and the willingness to serve in the fight against COVID-19” at a ceremony was held at the the DuPont Country Club on Sept. 16.

Dr. Chen, one of the leaders of the COVID-19 task force at ChristianaCare, is credited with helping reduce hospital admission rates and maintaining a high recovery status with his plan of care and plan of action. Rincon-Burgos, director of youth development for LACC, established procedures for fulfilling an unprecedented need for monetary and food support for over 800 families during the initial peak of the pandemic.

“Dr. Chen and Wanda have made a tremendous impact on our state,” said board member Thère du Pont in a statement. “Their leadership in time of crisis and need are exemplary. We are so proud to share their great works and salute them as Delaware Heroes.”

Pete du Pont Foundation Delaware Hero Wanda Burgos-Rincon with Ben du Pont and Thère du Pont. (Courtesy photo)

The foundation also honored NERDiT NOW and its founder Markevis Gideon as the winning idea of the Reinventing Delaware 2020 program, which crowdsources ideas that create jobs and opportunities in the state.

The mobile device repair company donates technology to underserved communities and conducts workforce development training programs for IT technicians. In March, NERDiT partnered with the Delaware Community Foundation, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement and Discover Bank to help meet the increased need for laptops during the pandemic.

As the winner, the company will move on to a rigorous six-month development process, funded by the foundation.

NERDiT NOW cofounder Markevis Gideon with Ben du Pont and Thère du Pont. (Courtesy photo)

“NERDIiT Now joins an illustrious group of ideas that have come from our Foundation’s Reinventing Delaware event. They join Second Chances Farm, Zip Code Wilmington, Wilmington Greenbox, The Teen Warehouse and Intern Delaware, all of which have made a difference in our state,” said Scott Malfitano, chair of the foundation. “NERDiT Now has quickly made an impact on our community and we are thrilled to have them as this year’s Top Reinventing Delaware Idea.”