Bush to laud SCORE helper

Local resident Devy Goradia’s many volunteer efforts will be recognized by President Bush during the president’s visit to the area July 4.

Goradia will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award in honor of her contributions with the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, the Central Virginia Small Business Develop-ment Center and Shelter for Help in Emergency.

Goradia, a native of India, became an American citizen at Monticello’s naturalization ceremony in 2003. The president is visiting the area to speak at this year’s naturalization ceremony.

Goradia’s volunteer efforts including providing professional business counseling with the chamber, teaching seminars for entrepreneurs and small business owners through SCORE, and helping set up accounting and tax programs for new businesses through the Small Business Development Center. In addition, Goradia serves on the board of directors and provides pro bono accounting services and business counseling for Shelter for Help in Emergency, which assists victims of domestic violence.

She was the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2006.

President Bush honors volunteer efforts during his travels throughout the country. He has met with more than 600 volunteers since March 2002.