Finding the Pink Panther gem created suspense and laughter as Andy Millard became Jacques Clouseau at the annual Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (TBOM) Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on May 27 at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross.
“Our volunteers are more precious than gems,” said Carol Newton, TBOM director.
She noted that during 2010, 108 volunteers donated 10,858 hours to the operation of Outreach, which is worth $196,534.
Volunteers were recognized for their service in the areas of food pantry, intake, gift-in-kind, community gardens, woodcutters and home repairs.
Also recognized for their contribution of time were current board members, CooperRiis volunteers and the Manna Guys.
Outgoing board members, including Lora Baker, Walter Bryan, Glenn Burgess and Dorcas Epley, were recognized.
Certificates were presented for years of service as follows:
• Five years: Francine Costner, Barbara Kirby and Jane Schumacher
• Six years: Rosina Belden, Lib McKeller, Patti Peake, Mary Shambaugh and Harold Taylor
• Seven years: Terry Bishop, Al Boehm, Cherie Brooks, Richard Gagliano, Dorothy Greenway, Bill Mazurek, Kendra McIntosh, Winnie Volpe and Richard Witherow
• Eight years: Laura Bitter and Marjorie Creswell
• Nine years: Evelyn Gee and Millie Woodward
• 10 years: Barbara Smith
• 12 years: Ann and Dale Fox, Arvis Pitts and Henry Zahn
• 13 years: Elfiede Engels and Edna Lay
• 16 years: Jennie Bradshaw
• 17 years: Casey Day
• 21 years: Bill Lippincott
Also recognized at the event were community partners, such as Bi-Lo, the Polk County Department of Social Services, Dollar General Store, Steps to Hope, IGA and the Meeting Place.
Caterer Liz Rose of 10 North Trade and Cafe at the Mall presented French cuisine to match the celebration theme. Outreach and its vendors provided door prizes.
– article submitted
by Carol Newton