Dilworth Luncheon
Annual Wallace Godfrey Courage to Change Award Luncheon
In 2010, as Dilworth Center marked 20 years of serving the Charlotte community, we introduced the Wallace Godfrey Courage to Change Award to recognize the kind of leadership that makes recovery possible.
This award is presented each year to a professional who has devoted their career to serving individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Wallace Godfrey
The Courage to Change Award was named in honor and recognition of long-time Dilworth Center employee, Wallace Godfrey. Wallace was the Director of Special Programs, and head of our adolescent treatment program. He was employed with Dilworth Center for over 13 years and worked in substance use disorder treatment for over 25 years. During the course of his career, Wallace helped countless alcoholics and addicts change their lives for the better. His unique style and talents came as a result of his extensive training and personal experience. Because he made a positive impact on so many lives, we proudly named our Courage to Change Award after Wallace.
Rev. Tony Marciano
Tony began his career as an ordained Salvation Army officer, serving as Executive Director and Pastor of three Corps Community Centers in New Jersey, including one he launched, and starting the city’s first homeless shelter during one appointment. He later worked in telephone market research, where he opened his company’s first satellite office.
In 1993, he returned to nonprofit leadership as Executive Director of Central Union Mission in Washington, DC, where he created the nation’s first family and parenting conference for homeless men and women. In 1996, he became President and CEO of Charlotte Rescue Mission, serving for 28 years until retiring in June 2024 alongside the dedication of the Mission’s new men’s addiction recovery facility.
Under Tony’s leadership, Charlotte Rescue Mission expanded dramatically. The women’s recovery program grew from 12 beds to 120 beds, Community Matters Café was launched to equip graduates with job and life skills, and $55 million was raised for capital and program growth, including $41 million for a new men’s facility. During his tenure, staff increased from 20 to 120, and the budget grew from $1 million to $10 million without government or United Way funding.
Tony became widely known in Charlotte through community outreach, media appearances, and holiday initiatives that served struggling families and homeless neighbors with dignity.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and teaching certification from Jersey City State College, nonprofit management certification from Duke University, Harvard Business School executive training, and CFRE credentialing. His honors include the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Excellence in Leadership Award. He is also the author of two books.
In retirement, Tony serves as Flotilla Commander of the Lake Norman West USCG Auxiliary, leads a ministry for senior adults, continues writing his “Real Help for Real Living” column, and has been married to Dorothy Baldwin for nearly 45 years. They have three adult children.
Schedule of Events
11:00 AM
Registration and Networking
12 Noon
Welcome
Charles Odell
Dilworth Center CEO and President
12:05 PM
Blessing
Cori Trotman
Dilworth Center Counselor
12:25 PM
Table Sponsorship Recognition
Charles Odell
12:45 PM
Award Presentation
Charles Odell
Jay Westmoreland
Dorothy Marciano
