After appearing in a March advertising campaign highlighting the history of the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD), Marvin Saunders, 63, got the movie star treatment by the Aktion Club of Licking County!

A longtime member of the local Aktion Club, Marvin was surprised when he walked into a a recent meeting and Kiwanian Mike Wesley presented him with a certificate, a proclamation and a “movie star” award in the shape of a star.

“Whereas Marvin has demonstrated an uncanny ability to present himself as a person to be emulated and whereas Marvin is great in all he has attempted, and whereas Marvin has always represented the Aktion Club of Licking County in a positive way…” the proclamation read. “Be it known that Marvin Saunders shall now and forever be known as “Marvelous” Marvin Saunders, Star.”

Marvin has received support from the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities since he was 5 years old. He attended the E.S. Weiant Starlight School, and participated in LICCO and Special Olympics, also working several jobs in the community. In 2016 he was able to achieve his dream of living on his own. He enjoys spending time with his roommates and DSPs, attending The Gathering Place and participating in the Licking County Aktion Club!

When LCBDD began creating content for its 2023 awareness campaign, focused on its history of supporting county residents for more than 55 years, Public Information Officer Anna Jeffries thought that Marvin would be an ideal choice to star in their annual commercial.

“He has been with our agency since the beginning and has so many memories to share,” she said. “His story helps educate our community about the all the ways LCBDD supports people throughout their entire lives.”

Marvin graciously accepted the opportunity, giving Anna and videographer Reece Thompson of Flicker-Lit Productions a tour of the Gathering Place and allowing them to film at his home. With help from his family, he shared photos from his school days, his graduation, family trips and Special Olympics to help tell his story.

Reece combined these images with historical photos and film to create a commercial highlighting LCBDD’s journey.

The Aktion Club played the commercial at their meeting before presenting Marvin with his awards. His willingness to help raise awareness about LCBDD and the services they provide, as well as his contributions to spreading the word about DD Awareness Month, were considered acts of community service.

Since the commercial began airing in early March, Marvin said he has gotten many positive comments and is taking his fame in stride. He even bought a notebook and filled it with autographs so he could hand them out as needed.