Cheers For Volunteers 2019
It was a super night on Tuesday, April 23 as over 364 community members came together to honor local volunteers during the 6th Annual Hands On Thomas County’s Cheers for Volunteers Reception & Awards at The Ritz Amphitheater.
Hands On Heroes is an annual program
to recognize outstanding volunteer efforts in our community. More than 70 nominations were submitted by non-profit agencies and community leaders in student, individual and group categories. Award Winners, as well as Honorable Mentions, were carefully considered and selected by a committee based, not just on the number of volunteer hours served, but also for their inspiration, commitment, impact, passion, and leadership.
This year, ALL of our nominees received their very own superhero cape compliments ofEverfan. Selected winners also received handcrafted Hands On Heroes awards, and the student winner received a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship. On behalf of our partners, HOTC is proud to recognize these very special volunteers who shine brightly in the eyes of local non-profit agencies and community members as Hands On Heroes. Take a look at the winners and photos of the evening below.
Award Winners
INDIVIDUAL (volunteers 18+ who serve independently in Thomas County)
Honorable Mention – Stephanie White, Jackie Spadoni, Charlie Robbins
Hands On Heroes Award Winner– Mr. Artie Newcombe
Artie is relatively new to our community, but has made an immediate impact. He volunteers at Habitat For Humanity (where he is now a valued Board Member), Thomasville Landmarks, Keep Thomas County Beautiful (also now a Board Member), assists with Spark, which mentors entrepreneurs, and the list continues to grow. There has not been one volunteer opportunity that Artie has passed on, that has been asked of him. His commitment to jumping in and helping others, and his kindness and generosity truly set him apart. Everyone who has had the privilege to meet and volunteer alongside him will agree that Artie is incredibly deserving of this honor. And we are all so pleased that he has made Thomas County his home. As the individual winner, Artie received 4 Disney Park Hopper Passes!
Hands On Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – Sister Erlean Douglas
In contrast to the individual winner, Sister Erlean is a long-time resident and volunteer in this community. Some of you may already know her selfless service through Rescue Mission Soup Kitchen which she has operated in this community for more than 30 years. Every weekday, she coordinates volunteers who make hot meals for local neighbors in need, helping to fight the issue of hunger that exists for too many. She regularly serves hundreds of hot meals daily, providing individuals with both lunch and a dinner for later. Food insecurity is unfortunately a problem right here, but one that she is not afraid to confront and help rectify with no judgement. Along with an award, Sister Douglas received a $250 check for the Rescue Mission Soup Kitchen to help purchase food items. If we all do what we can daily, as modeled by Sister Erlean, we make ourselves and our community a better place.
STUDENT (youth in grades 6-12 in Thomas County)
Honorable Mention – Caleb Moore, Jason Guo, Blaine West, Nathaniel Bellamy, Nathan Landing, Melia Saunders
Hands On Heroes Student Award Winner– Ms. Langley Wooten
There are many things that resulted in Langley being selected as our student award winner. Her list of accomplishments, activities, and awards took 2 single spaced pages and she received 2 separate nominations. She was inducted into the Thomasville-Thomas County Athletic Hall of Fame. She is an all A honor student – As a matter of fact, she is a 16 year old senior who will be graduating a year ahead of schedule. In between all that, she has averaged 50+ hours of community service each year volunteering with HOTC, Backpack Buddies, voter elections, DogTags for veterans, and through Chick fil A Leadership and FCA. And in true service before self form, she has been accepted to the US Naval Academy. Langley is an all-around achiever, and a true servant leader. We can’t wait to see what her future holds! As the student winner, Langley received an award, a 6-month YMCA membership and the $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leadership Scholarship.
GROUP (businesses, organizations and civic clubs in Thomas County)
Honorable Mention – TCCHS FCA, THS National Honor Society, SALT Group, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Jerger Library Volunteers
Hands On Heroes Group Award Winner– Red Hills Pet Therapy
Red Hills Pet Therapy is a group of both 2-legged and 4-legged volunteers who provide countless hours of service bringing comfort to patients at local medical facilities and hospice, offering companionship to residents of senior living facilities, acting as stress buffers and teaching aids to students, providing relief for children with speech and emotional disorders, and of course giving lots of unconditional furry love to all they encounter. These animals and handler teams have passed a 13 item evaluation and training prior to even going out into the community to volunteer. We are awed by their commitment, bond, and the joy they bring to so many lives. If you have an animal that you think would make a good therapy pet or just want to learn more about this outstanding group, click here.
Other nominees included:Christopher Seay, Amy Rockwell, Leigh Ann Raynor, Kha McDonald, Mary & Robert Anderson, Megan Lauer, Anne Avera, Carolyn Treadon, Brenda Griffin, Jeremiah Hobbs, Leslie Parker, Dale Ragan, Walt Grey, Pris Craw, Dan Gaultney, Susan Fowler, Peggie Wood, Stephanie Coffee, Allen Thornhill, Tracy Zolt, Don Sims, Shaletta Pierce, Shekirah Hines, Casey Dyksterhouse, Jodi Merritt, Rebecca Ramsey, Ponder Cook, Gigi Roger, Kiel Angry, Starkisha Belle, James West, CB Scooter Grubbs, Eric Ward, Leonard Gibson, Pamela Jenkins, Yolanda Nixon, Laura Mican, Doris Davies, Nancy Inman, Alfred Carver, Donna Taylor, Aaron Reneau, Thomasville Crossfit, TJ Maxx, Kiwanis Club of Thomasville, TU Womens Softball, Thrive Physical Therapy, City of Thomasville Public Works, TU Studio Art, Thomas Grady Service Center, and Thomas University
BIG CHEERS to everyone who volunteers tirelessly and selflessly every day! Special thank you to Everfan, City of Thomasville, Whitehurst Blackburn & Warren, Blue Bell Creamery, Thomas County Schools, Grassroots Coffee, Southern Bleu Catering, Lana Baughman, Jacob Welch; as well as all of our sponsors and grantors who make free, community-minded events like these possible.
Take a look at the photos below.Click to enlarge.
