Humble Volunteer Named Moorestown's 2012 Citizen of the Year

Moorestown’s 2012 Citizen of the Year may, in fact, be a schmuck. But, a charitable schmuck.

“I’m one step away from falling down and being a schmuck,” said Douglas Sell, announced as the Citizen of the Year Wednesday. “I probably am one. I’m just successful at hiding it.”

Sell was named Moorestown’s 59th Citizen of the Year by the Moorestown Service Club Council, comprised of the Y Service Club, the and the Rotary clubs.

In spite of his long-as-your-arm track record of civic volunteerism and charitable deeds—including the ’s Adult Choir and Mission Committee, , United Way of Burlington County, Burlington County Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Moorestown’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Committee—Sell said he was “pretty surprised” by the award.

“And flattered,” he added.

Truth be told though, Sell, a Moorestown resident for the past 27 years, is also a bit embarrassed by the recognition—hence his earlier admission of “schmuck” status.

“Maybe the more politically correct way to say it is I have flaws, like everyone else,” he said.

Sell, a self-employed , has spent the better part of his life trying to fix the flaws in other’s people’s lives. Whether it be volunteering in New Orleans after Katrina or helping build an addition to a trailer home in the middle-of-nowhere Virginia as part of a mission trip through his church, Sell said he is “by nature … a fixer.”

“To me, it’s just part of being part of the whole brotherhood of humanity,” he said. “I’m very grateful for the gifts and opportunities I’ve received in my life and I know there are many people who have not had those opportunities.”

According to a release from the Service Club Council, Sell also serves as treasurer of the board of directors for the Interfaith Hospitality Network, is an active member of the Moorestown Rotary Lunch Club, and is also a founder and advisory board member for Urban Boatworks, teaching inner-city Camden youth the craft of wooden boat building as a means to develop skills and values.

Sell joins Dave Schill (2011), Jack and Micki Ginsberg (2010) and Ann Baiada (2009).

He will be honored at the Citizen of the Year dinner Wednesday, Feb. 1, at The Merion in Cinnaminson. Proceeds from the event benefit local charities.  Tickets are available for $45 per person/$450 per table of ten, and can be obtained by contacting any of the service clubs listed above, or by contacting Tim Kerrihard at 856-234-6200, ext. 201 or emailing timk@ymca-bc.org.