The Lawrence J. Del Papa Community Leader Award recognizes a Company employee who is a selfless and dedicated volunteer in their community! Emily Murello has been named this year’s winner for her vast community involvement.
Emily has worked at Del Papa Distributing for three years in Human Resources and believes that everyone becomes stronger when we help one another. She dedicates hundreds of hours to her community through involvement in the Junior League of Galveston serving with various organizations, including Smart Family Literacy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Galveston Food Bank, and Santa Fe Parks and Recreation. Emily was the 2024 Junior League of Galveston New Member of the Year and a 2025 Galveston Daily News Citizen of the Year finalist.
GIVING BACK
The recipient of the award is selected on a competitive basis with criteria highlighting an individual who gives freely and unselfishly of their time and talents towards the betterment of their local community. A selection committee of senior Del Papa Distributing leaders determines our annual award winner. In recognition, the Company makes a $5,000 donation to a charity designated by our recipient. Emily selected two organizations that hold a very special place in her heart.
Emily gives back in every way she can because she has seen the impact that kindness can have. She loves contributing to positive change that happens when a community comes together to uplift its members. Emily selected Meals on Wheels Galveston County, specifically the city of La Marque, to receive a $2,500 donation. Emily’s contribution provided 80-90 seniors with breakfast bags for several weeks, in addition to the boxed meals they already receive weekly. She personally helped deliver these meals.
The Santa Fe Education Foundation Tribe Closet provides clothing for students and received the other $2,500 donation. Emily notes, “ In today’s world of bullying and social media, appearance, trends, and fitting in can make life difficult for children who might not have the means to have clothing that fits or is not worn out. The Tribe Closet allows students, and as I learned, even faculty members, to shop for clothes, shoes, purses, bags, hygiene products, school supplies, and other necessities completely free of charge.” Additionally, students run the Tribe Closet and gain hands-on work experience. This program prepares them for life after school while teaching valuable life skills. Being so moved by their mission in action, Emily signed up to volunteer at their next event.
A LASTING LEGACY
The Community Leader Award is given annually and honors Lawrence J. Del Papa who, at the age of eleven, began working in the family business that is today’s Del Papa Distributing. He followed the family tradition of giving back to his church and his community through personal service and financial support. Lawrence served in numerous civic organizations over the years as both a member and an officer. He was once quoted as saying “There’s more to the business than selling beer. Being a good and conscientious corporate citizen is high on our list of priorities as an organization.” He left a lasting legacy that still holds true today. We are proud of our employees, like Emily, who emulate this sentiment.
