NETWORK - NEWS
NETWORK RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING SERVICE
April 1, 2009- Over 300 excited Richardson residents filled the Grand Ballroom on March 26 at the Radisson Hotel for a much anticipated evening celebrating their volunteerism for NETWORK of Community Ministries, a premier organization of North Dallas. The splendid evening began with uplifting music from the Dallas Christian Jazz Band, directed by Michael Magers. E.A. McDowell, NETWORK board president, welcomed local dignitaries, staff and the volunteers who were the evening’s honored guests.
The volunteers drew inspiration from the keynote speaker for the evening, Rev. Larry James. Rev. James was one of the founders of NETWORK and is now the President and CEO of Central Dallas Ministries. Rev. James emphasized the importance of volunteerism by stating that we can make a difference in the life of our neighbors if we take the time. He energized the entire audience by highlighting the value of the lives of others.
The evening was also a time to recognize exceptional service to NETWORK. Receiving the “Outstanding Service Organization Award” went Richardson Challenge. NETWORK has been the beneficiary of the time and talent of 19 apprentice Richardson Police Officers who must spend eight hours at NETWORK getting to know and hopefully better understand NETWORK’s clients. The award was accepted by Richardson Chief of Police, Jimmy Spivey.
Distinguished recognition pins for hours of service from 100 – 5000 were awarded to 89 volunteers. Special honorees for 5000 hours of service were Dr. Don Barnes, Georgia Goodrum and Linda Reed.The excitement of the night continued with the “Legacy Award” in honor of J.R. Hopkins, a faithful volunteer who logged over 10,000 hours volunteering with NETWORK from its beginning. This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who shows compassion, discipline and determination to help NETWORK succeed. This year’s recipient was Dr. Victor Hegemann.
NETWORK also recognized its “Outstanding Volunteers” who go above and beyond. This year Betty Lanz, Cynthia Stewart, D Cummings, Jim McLean, Evon Gibson, Linda Reed, Janice Fandrick, Bill Martin, Dan Bobst, Valarie Tarrant and Don Tarrant were honored as Outstanding Volunteers. The “Spirit Award” was then given to a group that exemplified the essence and spirit of NETWORK. This year the award went to Brandon Pitts, Bob Seago, Victor Hegemann, Mac McDowell, Ken Williams and John Roark of NETWORK’s Audit Committee. The “Vision Award” that honors those who keep their vision for NETWORK and help to bring about change was given to Janet Rambo, Beverly Rasor, Jean Von Hoffman, Valerie King and Beth Castleberry from the Adolescent and Children’s Clinic.
Receiving the “Rookie of the Year Award” for a new volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and dedication was Alba Sachnik.
Recognitions for the evening culminated with the highly prestigious “Volunteer of the Year Award”. This award is given to someone who embodies the mission of NETWORK with exemplary commitment to NETWORK and the community. This year Cleta Blackledge was honored for her hard work, discipline and outstanding service to NETWORK.
“Over 350 volunteers generously give of their time and without them there wouldn’t be NETWORK,” said Alice Mae Britt, CEO of NETWORK of Community Ministries. Britt went on to add, “ NETWORK’s Board of Directors brought a special touch to the radiance of the night and Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Reed, worked tirelessly to make the evening truly outstanding.”
