Sharon Groh-Wargo Receives the Jane A. Daroff Lifetime Achievement Award

Post date: May 12, 2019 6:28:16 PM

Award Recognizes People Whose Work Furthers Equal Rights for All People and Strives to End Discrimination

On Thursday, May 9, PFLAG Cleveland presented Sharon Groh-Wargo, PFLAG Cleveland vice president, with the Jane A. Daroff Lifetime Achievement Award. Sharon, who served as PFLAG Cleveland president for 10 years prior to becoming vice president, has been instrumental in growing PFLAG Cleveland's reputation and reach in support of family members, friends, and individuals who are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender. Her steadfast dedication to PFLAG Cleveland has furthered its mission of support, education and advocacy regionally, statewide and nationally.

The recognition program included a proclamation from Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson's office, a letter of congratulations from PFLAG National and the presentation of the Jane A. Daroff Lifetime Achievement Award during a dinner celebration help in Sharon's honor. Earlier, PFLAG Cleveland has recognized Sharon informally during its 2018 PRIDE Brunch by announcing she was the recipient of the award.

"I never realized how much Sharon did for PFLAG Cleveland until I stepped into her shoes," said Tom Falcone, PFLAG Cleveland president. "She is an amazing woman who wears many hats professionally and personally. She's a wife, mother, grandmother and big promoter of PFLAG Cleveland and the Queer community in general. I am very pleased and honored to present this award to Sharon, our former president and now vice president."

Sharon Groh-Wargo receives the Jane A. Daroff Lifetime Achievement Award from Tom Falcone.

Brooke Smith from PFLAG National read a letter of congratulations from the PFLAG National Executive Director Brian Bond.

Jes Sellers and Jane Daroff share stories about Sharon's involvement with PFLAG Cleveland over the years.

Sharon receives a proclamation letter from Kevin Schmotzer, City of Cleveland LGBTQ liaison, from Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.

Sharon and her husband, Frank Groh-Wargo, enjoy the evening's celebration as Sharon receives the Jane A. Daroff Lifetime Achievement Award. At the ceremony, Sharon credited Frank for his role in supporting her and always being there whenever she--and PFLAG Cleveland--needed him.

Sharon is the second recipient of the the Jane A. Daroff Lifetime Achievement Award. The first recipient was U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, who received the award in 2017. PFLAG Cleveland established the Jane A. Daroff Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize and celebrate those who have consistently acted as leaders in the LGBTQ movement and whose leadership embodies the three pillars of PFLAG Cleveland: support, education and advocacy. Jane Daroff, LISW, and Dr. Jes Sellers established the PFLAG Cleveland chapter in July 1985. The award is given periodically to someone who has consistently shown leadership in ensuring LGBTQ people achieve full equality.