Outstanding volunteer teams and individuals were recognized April 22 at the 29th annual Volunteers of the Year Awards, presented by BB&T, BGMU, and Kirby & Moore, LLP, at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Library. The following individuals and groups were recognized for their service.
Anne Grubbs Spirit of Serve Award- Kevin Wiles, Community Education
Kevin, the deputy chief of police for Bowling Green and former Marine, has served on the Community Education Board of Directors for more than nine years. During that time, he has been instrumental in assisting the agency with the sometimes unpleasant aspects of human behavior that are encountered while providing a safe and engaging environment for children. His guidance in those more unfortunate circumstances has been pivotal in protecting both children and staff members. Kevin also was a steadfast supporter of Community Education’s long-running fundraiser, Spellabration, serving wherever he was needed. His service to the community includes: volunteering with Greenwood High School’s swim, track and cross-country teams; and serving on the security team and teaching junior and senior high school boys at Eastwood Baptist Church.
This award recognizes those excelling in quality, length and spirit of service to others.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Danny Bays, Lost River Cave & Valley
Nick Carter, New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding
Virginia Cole, SKyPAC
Romanza Johnson, South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block
Connie Pittman, Romanza Johnson
Tony Rose, Marissa Shelton
Team Spirit Award- Stuff the Bus Foundation, Community Education and Marissa Shelton
During the third week of July each year, at Bluegrass Cellular on Campbell Lane, you will find Tony Rose and the amazing Stuff the Bus Foundation Board building a bus “city.” Tony literally lives in a school bus for the week in hopes that our generous community members will drop off school supplies. The bus “city” is staffed 24-7 for nearly 100 hours. Why does the team of STB work so hard? It’s because their mission is to meet the school supply needs of school-age children, ensuring that every child starts the school year on an equal playing field, regardless of background, home life, or economic status. Since 2005, more than 100 tons of basic school supplies, sports equipment, clothing, and monetary donations have been collected serving ten counties and 20 after-school programs. With the creation of a Stuff the Bus Scholarship Fund through Western Kentucky University, they hope to enable the same students they helped in K-12 attain their dreams of a post-secondary education.
This award recognizes those groups who work together to provide service in the community.
The other volunteer groups recognized were:
ARGI Financial Group, Lee Alcott
Car Seat Safety Matters, Andy Vickery
Kentucky Public Health Association: WKU Chapter, BGJHS Youth Services Center
New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Instructor Team, Chloe Carter
Sierra Club Mammoth Cave Chapter, Lost River Cave & Valley
SKyPAC Ambassadors, SKyPAC
Rookie Award- Ryan Depp for Ryan’s “Making a Difference Outreach,” Doug Depp
According to his dad, Doug, the thought of 14-year-old Ryan wanting to help people probably meant making a couple of trips to Salvation Army. Doug admits, “Boy, was I ever wrong!” By October 2016, Ryan’s “Making a Difference Outreach” was born. Ryan started by packing sack lunches to hand out to our homeless community, then began handing out pizza on Wednesdays, and finally organizing clothes and blanket drives. The Outreach currently serves 25-40 hot meals each Saturday. Ryan also has arranged, collected, and distributed 200 pairs of shoes and more than 2,000 pairs of socks. Ryan also has found time to support other service organizations such as: Morgantown Food Pantry, WKU Hilltoppers for Christ, First Saturday Homeless breakfast, Feeding America, Stuff the Bus, Realtors for Hope, Room in the Inn, and many more. Cecilia Herrell said, “In a dark world, Ryan brings a ray of light and hope to the community. The world needs more people like Ryan Depp.”
This award recognizes an individual or group who is new to volunteering, beginning their service with an organization during the last 24 months.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Teresa Douglas, Janel Doyle
Kayla Fugate, South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block
Diana Hankla, Operation Stand Down Kentucky
Emma Jeppsen, New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding
SKyPAC Ambassadors 2017-18 Recruitment Class, SKyPAC
BB&T Spirit of Community Award- Graves Gilbert Clinic
While this year marks their 80th anniversary of providing a “lifetime of care,” it is their commitment to the people of south central Kentucky that we honor Graves Gilbert Clinic. A very small list of the agencies and organizations that have been impacted by their volunteer service or financial contributions includes: the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Autism and Asperger Support Group of Bowling Green, Barren River Animal Welfare Association, Car Seat Safety Matters, Center for Courageous Kids, Community Education, Empty Bowls of Bowling Green, Family Enrichment Center, Hospice of Southern Kentucky, Orchestra Kentucky, South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block, Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, and Warren County’s Relay for Life.
Debbie Diamond, Director of Human Resources and Marketing (right), along with VIA Board member, Joshua Smith, accepts the BB&T Spirit of Community Award on behalf of Graves Gilbert Clinic.
This award goes to an organization or business that merits special recognition for volunteer service in the community.
Special thanks to our sponsors: BB&T, BGMU, and Kirby & Moore, LLP, Caterer Lisa Bearnson, Graphic Designer BJ Jordan, Oak Tree Awards & Recognition, Rickman Pottery, Emcee Tony Rose, D93 WDNS, Warren County Public Library, and, of course, our judges.
Volunteers in Action is made up of a core group of diverse agencies and organizations that rely on the dedication and commitment of community volunteers. For more information on VIA or the VIA Volunteer of the Year Awards, contact Joshua Smith at (270) 842-4281 or [email protected].
31st annual Volunteers of the Year Awards- seeking nominations
Volunteers in Action (VIA), made up of representatives from various agencies and organizations that rely on volunteerism, is seeking nominations for its 31st annual Volunteer of the Year Awards. Sponsored this year by BB&T, WNKY, American Legion Post 23, and BGMU the Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Library, starting at 3 p.m.
Nominations are needed in three categories: the Anne Grubbs Spirit of Service Award, which honors a person excelling in quality, length, and spirit of service to others; the Team Award, which recognizes a group that has worked together to provide outstanding volunteer service in the community; and the Rookie Award, which recognizes an individual or group that started volunteer service within the past 24 months.
Nominees will be judged on:
All nominees will be recognized as winners from their organizations and will receive a memento and certificate. The award recipients will receive plaques.
All nominations must be submitted on or before 4 p.m. on March 20 to:
Volunteers in Action
1227 Westen Street
Bowling Green, KY 42104
[email protected]
2020 Young Artists’ Competition
Community Education announces annual U.S. Bank art competition for students
(Bowling Green, KY) Community Education and U.S. Bank invite students in Bowling Green and Warren County to participate in the annual U.S. Bank Young Artists’ Competition.
This year’s theme is “Imaginary Places”. Warren County students in kindergarten through seniors in high school are encouraged to let their artwork show who they are, what they think about, dream about, or can imagine.
The winners will each receive $50 VISA gift cards from U.S. Bank. The original winning artworks will be displayed at the Warren County Public Library’s Smiths Grove branch from May 12th – June 30th and then at the Kirby branch for the month of July.
The official call for entries and entry forms have been sent to art teachers in all public and private schools in Warren County. This information is also available on the Community Education website, www.commed.us (click the Events pull-down tab) and on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. All artwork must be turned into Community Education by Wednesday, March 25 by 4 p.m. Parents/guardians can turn in their student’s artwork individually or you can collect them and turn them in as a group.
“We appreciate U.S. Bank for once again supporting the creative expression of the area’s students,” said Bill Oldham, Executive Director at Community Education. In addition to prizes for the winning entries, the teacher with the most qualifying entries will also receive a prize and recognition. “We would love to have artwork from every Warren County and Bowling Green city school,” Oldham said. The competition is also open to homeschooled students.
For more information email Oldham at [email protected] or call the Community Education office at 270-842-4281.
Staff Spotlight
We are making the introduction of our first weekly Staff Spotlight. Each week, a different program’s staff will be featured.
For week of Oct. 28 meet our staff at Plano Before-School.
22nd annual Stand for Children Day SUCCESS!
This year’s 22nd annual Stand for Children Day was held on Tuesday, June 18 at the Bowling Green Ballpark. More than sixty vendors (business and organizations) were featured and more than 1,100 attendees attended the 2019 Stand for Children Day. While it did rain on us during the event, it did not hinder the spirit of those attending or keep people away. A thank you to the It was a great event.
Thank you to our 2019 title sponsors:
On Monday, June 17 we also held our Proclamation and Ribbon Cutting, sponsored by the City of Bowling Green and the County of Warren, in conjunction with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and our sponsors. We week of June 17-21 was recognized as Stand for Children Week.
For pictures, highlight video, and more information, be sure to check out the Stand for Children Day page at: https://www.commed.us/stand-for-children-day/
Collecting Soccer Cleats
Do you have soccer cleats that are no longer used but do not know what to do with them?
Community Education is joining with Refuge Bowling Green to collect and redistribute soccer cleats through the Kentucky Ambassadors Soccer Club. If you or someone you know loves soccer but has outgrown cleats that are gently used or new, this would be a great way to recycle them and enrich the lives of other children.
Cleats can dropped off at the Community Education office, one of our school-age programs, or our summer camps.
Give back and share the joy of the game with others!
30th annual Volunteer of the Year award winners announced
Outstanding volunteer teams and individuals were recognized on April 28 at the 30th annual Volunteers of the Year Awards, presented by BB&T, American Legion Post 23, and BGMU, at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Library. The following individuals and groups were recognized for their service.
Anne Grubbs Spirit of Serve Award- Chris Dressler, Community Education
Chris Dressler, is the 2-1-1 Contact Center Director for United Way of Southern Kentucky. She has served on the Community Education Board of Directors for more than six years, previously served as vice chair, and now as chair since November of 2016. Her service extends to the Bowling Green Independent School District where she serves as a member of the Board of Education and previously served as board chair. She also serves as a mentor, served on the Bowling Green High School Steering Committee, the BGISD Community Advisory Cabinet, American Red Cross, serves on Citizens Foster Care Review Board, and has volunteered with the Bowling Green Junior High School and Warren County Cooperative Extension Office’s “Reality Store.”
This award recognizes individuals who excel in quality, length and spirit of service to others.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Chloe Carter, New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding
Lynne Gilcrease, The Public Theatre of Kentucky
Martha Jenkins, PhD, Eloise B Houchens Center Board
Teresa Sneed, BGJHS Youth Services Center
Team Spirit Award- English, Lucas, Priest, and Owsley, LLC, Community Education
Sponsoring Community Education’s Blockbusters at the Ballpark is just a drop in the ocean of what ELPO and its staff members do to support our community, both financially and in direct service to others. They not only give back to the community that has supported them and helped them grow but get involved and make a difference. They encourage employees to get involved and volunteer, from mentoring children to serving on non-profit boards of directors. The following are a few of the many ways in which ELPO supports various programs and organizations in our community: United Way of Southern Kentucky, Crimestoppers of Bowling Green and Warren County, Center for Courageous Kids, SKyPAC and Orchestra Kentucky, mentoring children in the Boys to Men program, sponsor of Bowling Green Pride, sponsor of Mud Happens benefiting the Family Enrichment Center, and much, much more.
This award recognizes groups who work together to provide service in the community.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Camping World, Toys for Tots
Eloise B Houchens Center Board, Romanza Johnson
SKyPAC Ambassadors, SKyPAC
Rookie Award- Cheryl Lacefield, Eloise B Houchens Center Board
Since being appointed to the Houchens Center Board about a year and a half ago, Cheryl became involved in every activity and project of the Board. She volunteers for whatever need arises. She has served as hostess for Trees of Christmas; prepared food for events, catered card parties and other events; and donated items to the Gift Shop. Her service extends beyond the Center and into the community as she has served on the WKU Alumni Association Board, with WKU Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni, Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society Alumni, Warren County Home Economists, and many other local charitable events such as the Chocolate Festival supporting Hospice of Southern Kentucky.
This award recognizes an individual or group who is new to volunteering or starting their service with an organization during the last 24 months.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Gracie Davis, The Public Theatre of Kentucky
Greg Senser, New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding
BB&T Spirit of Community Award- The Son Rhea Foundation
During an era when declining state revenues force difficult choices for school districts, fundraising (and instrument collecting) by the Son Rhea Foundation and an ever-growing number of professional and amateur musicians who support it has raised about $400,000 to provide south central Kentucky students with band and orchestra instruments that neither the children’s families nor the school districts could afford. (This does not include the many instruments collected in drives to get used instruments donated, repaired as needed, and distributed to the bands and string programs as well.)
Patrick O’Rourke, the orchestra director for Bowling Green City Schools, said that without the instruments, he would have to turn away many students who want to play music. O’Rourke added that for many of these students, band is their reason for coming to school.
Son Rhea Foundation’s mission states, “giving children the opportunity to participate in music and art will not only enhance their appreciation of the fine arts but will enrich their lives and guarantee future generations similar opportunities.” With board members like Tony Lindsey (founder), Kyle Frederick, Greg Lyons (who refurbishes instruments for use in the schools), and David Dorris, just to name a few, the future of music for children in our area is secure.
This award goes to an organization or business that merits special recognition for volunteer service in the community.
POSTPONED: 15th annual Summer Activities Fair
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The 15th annual Summer Activities Fair scheduled for Thursday, April 25 at the Bowling Green Ballpark is being postponed due to a forecast of thunderstorms.
The fair will take place on the rain date of Monday, April 29. Gates will open at 5 p.m. The fair will conclude at 6:30 p.m.
Community Education, Bowling Green High School Youth Services Center, Natcher Elementary Family Resource Center, and the Bowling Green Hot Rods co-sponsor the annual Summer Activities Fair. The purpose of the fair is to provide parents, at no cost, with children in grades k-12 a one-stop shop opportunity for information on activities, camps or other programs offered during the summer in and around our community.
The fair typically includes information on a wide variety of summer activity opportunities, including art; bike safety; cheerleading; church activities; climbing camp; day camps; internet safety; music; outdoor and nature activities; planes, trains, and automobiles; junior police academy; reading; scouting activities, a wide variety of sports camps; theater; and much, much more.
For more information, please contact Community Education at 270-842-4281.
###
United Way of Southern Kentucky’s (UWSK) LIVE UNITED Awards and Annual Meeting
Congratulations LIVE UNITED Award Winners!
(January 24th, 2018) – More than 270 Southern Kentucky residents joined United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK) for the LIVE UNITED Awards and Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 24th at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green.
The evening served to recognize the triumphs of organizations that excelled in furthering the mission of United Way of Southern Kentucky in 2018. Fifty-three awards were presented during the celebration to individuals and organizations representing Allen, Barren, Butler, Hart, Logan, Simpson and Warren counties.
Steve Thurmond, United Way of Southern Kentucky Board Member and Executive Director for the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce, emceed the event as United Way of Southern Kentucky presented the following awards to organizations for their support in 2018:
VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Volunteer Investment Awards
Top Organizations with the largest % of employees volunteering in multiple United Way functions
Fruit of the Loom
Logan Aluminum
The J.M. Smucker Company
Trace Die Cast
U.S. Bank – Area Wide
SPIRIT UNITED AWARD
Organization that embodies the Live United spirit through year round support and enthusiasm for United Way
Honorable Mentions:
Logan Aluminum
Ventra Plastics
Winner:
Logan Memorial Hospital
GIVE AWARDS
Greatest Giving Increases (employee and corporate giving combined)
Increase of $5,000 – $9,999
Berry Global
Community Action of Southern Kentucky
Franklin Precision Industry
Trace Die Cast
Warren RECC
Increase of $10,000 – $14,999
Graves Gilbert Clinic
LORD Corporation
The Murphy Construction Group
Increase of $15,000 – $19,999
Houchens Insurance Group
Increase of $20,000 – $24,999
The City of Bowling Green
Increase of $40,000+
Logan Aluminum
New Campaign Partner of the Year
JPS Wealth Advisors of Hilliard Lyons
Leadership Investment Awards (employee giving)
Most leadership dollars (gifts of $1,000 or more) from organizations employing:
Less than 100 employees: BKD LLP
100 – 250 employees: The Murphy Construction Group
More than 250 employees: Fruit of the Loom
TOP 10 CAMPAIGNS:
Top 10 campaigns for overall corporate and employee giving in 2018:
10. Warren RECC
9. LORD Corporation
8. The J.M. Smucker Company
7. The City of Bowling Green
6. The Murphy Construction Group
5. U.S. Bank – Area Wide
4. Trace Die Cast
3. UAW – General Motors Corvette Assembly
2. Fruit of the Loom
1. Logan Aluminum
Also recognized during the evening was a student organization that is working to support and promote United Way’s efforts. Student United Ways are campus based student led organizations that work in partnership with local United Ways. Currently there are more than 80 Student United Ways around the world spanning five countries. Here in Southern Kentucky, the following organization was recognized:
Western Kentucky University Student United Way
For the third year, United Way of Southern Kentucky presented the Shooting Star Award. The Shooting Star Award winner was chosen from applications submitted by United Way partner programs on behalf of clients who had exemplified courage and tenacity in overcoming obstacles and has used United Way services to build a better life. This year’s Shooting Star Award was awarded to:
Kiosha Owens (Submitting Agency: The Foundry)
For the third year, Community Impact Partnership Awards were presented to organizations who have excelled in moving the needle on United Way’s Community Impact work through their partnership. Each has been instrumental with their impact in the areas of Education, Income, Health, and/or Safety Net. The Community Impact Partnership Awards were presented to:
Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake: Kindergarten Readiness
The BKD Foundation: Kindergarten Readiness
Charles M. Moore Insurance: Kindergarten Readiness
Family Enrichment Center: Kindergarten Readiness
U.S. Bank: Kindergarten Readiness
Graves Gilbert Clinic: Imagination Library
Fruit of the Loom: Imagination Library
Trace Die Cast: Kindergarten Readiness & Transportation
Allen County Career & Technical Center: College & Career Readiness
WBKO: Advocacy
The City of Franklin: 2-1-1 Contact Center
Finalists for the premier award of the year, the LIVE UNITED Award, were presented via video throughout the evening. This award was presented to the company that exemplifies United Way’s core Give, Advocate and Volunteer goals through outstanding campaign support including increased giving, high participation and per capita, advocating internally and externally on behalf of United Way throughout the year, and exceptional volunteer participation from a large base of employees. Special consideration was given to those organizations with specific support to United Way’s work in Education, Income, Health, and/or Safety Net.
The top three finalists for the LIVE UNITED Award included: Logan Aluminum, The Murphy Construction Group and Trace Die Cast. Following the recognition of the three finalists, the Live United Award was presented to: Trace Die Cast
During the Annual Meeting, three new incoming members of the United Way of Southern Kentucky Board of Directors were approved including:
Andrew Bedi, Greenview Regional Hospital
Tom Flynn
Stefanie Jones, Fruit of the Loom
Zach Massey, The Murphy Construction Group
As well, the following members were approved for an additional term on the board:
Todd Kanipe, Citizens First Bank
Lindsey McClain, American Bank & Trust
Steve Sinclair, Graves Gilbert Clinic
In addition, the following slate of officers were approved by the membership for 2019:
Tommy Adams, Charles M. Moore Insurance – Chairman
Mike O’Kelly, Farmers National Bank – Chair Elect
Stacey Hughes, Treasurer
Four board members were recognized for their long term commitment to United Way of Southern Kentucky as they retire from their service on the board:
Mike Sherrod, Tristar Greenview Regional Hospital
Ken Campbell, Ventra Plastics
Nora Roper, General Motors Corvette Assembly
Thad Connally III, First Choice Home Medical
Finally, Donna Harmon was recognized for her service and inspiration as the 2018 Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Debbie Hills, President and CEO for United Way of Southern Kentucky, said, “Tonight’s celebration is the culmination of a year of outstanding efforts by many partners in the community. The accomplishments by the organizations recognized tonight will support long-term community change in our priority focus areas of Education, Income, Health and Safety Net. Most important are the thousands of lives that will be impacted through that work which is made possible by the combined generosity of those honored tonight, as well as hundreds of other organizations that support our efforts.”
For more information on how you can LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating, and volunteering with United Way of Southern Kentucky, visit www.LIVEUNITEDToday.comor call 270-843-3205.
United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK) is a local, independent, non-profit organization that works to identify and address the issues that matter most, change conditions and improve lives. The mission of United Way of Southern Kentucky is to be the leader in bringing together the resources to build a stronger, more caring community.United Way is focused on the building blocks for good quality of life – Education, Income, Health and Safety Net. Therefore, the vision of United Way is a Southern Kentucky where all residents are educated, healthy, and financially stable. Incorporated as a charitable non-profit entity in 1956, UWSK has long served a major role in the community by bringing people together to create opportunities that make a measurable difference in the quality of life for people where they live and work.
29th annual Volunteers of the Year award winners announced
Outstanding volunteer teams and individuals were recognized April 22 at the 29th annual Volunteers of the Year Awards, presented by BB&T, BGMU, and Kirby & Moore, LLP, at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Library. The following individuals and groups were recognized for their service.
Anne Grubbs Spirit of Serve Award- Kevin Wiles, Community Education
Kevin, the deputy chief of police for Bowling Green and former Marine, has served on the Community Education Board of Directors for more than nine years. During that time, he has been instrumental in assisting the agency with the sometimes unpleasant aspects of human behavior that are encountered while providing a safe and engaging environment for children. His guidance in those more unfortunate circumstances has been pivotal in protecting both children and staff members. Kevin also was a steadfast supporter of Community Education’s long-running fundraiser, Spellabration, serving wherever he was needed. His service to the community includes: volunteering with Greenwood High School’s swim, track and cross-country teams; and serving on the security team and teaching junior and senior high school boys at Eastwood Baptist Church.
This award recognizes those excelling in quality, length and spirit of service to others.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Danny Bays, Lost River Cave & Valley
Nick Carter, New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding
Virginia Cole, SKyPAC
Romanza Johnson, South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block
Connie Pittman, Romanza Johnson
Tony Rose, Marissa Shelton
Team Spirit Award- Stuff the Bus Foundation, Community Education and Marissa Shelton
During the third week of July each year, at Bluegrass Cellular on Campbell Lane, you will find Tony Rose and the amazing Stuff the Bus Foundation Board building a bus “city.” Tony literally lives in a school bus for the week in hopes that our generous community members will drop off school supplies. The bus “city” is staffed 24-7 for nearly 100 hours. Why does the team of STB work so hard? It’s because their mission is to meet the school supply needs of school-age children, ensuring that every child starts the school year on an equal playing field, regardless of background, home life, or economic status. Since 2005, more than 100 tons of basic school supplies, sports equipment, clothing, and monetary donations have been collected serving ten counties and 20 after-school programs. With the creation of a Stuff the Bus Scholarship Fund through Western Kentucky University, they hope to enable the same students they helped in K-12 attain their dreams of a post-secondary education.
This award recognizes those groups who work together to provide service in the community.
The other volunteer groups recognized were:
ARGI Financial Group, Lee Alcott
Car Seat Safety Matters, Andy Vickery
Kentucky Public Health Association: WKU Chapter, BGJHS Youth Services Center
New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Instructor Team, Chloe Carter
Sierra Club Mammoth Cave Chapter, Lost River Cave & Valley
SKyPAC Ambassadors, SKyPAC
Rookie Award- Ryan Depp for Ryan’s “Making a Difference Outreach,” Doug Depp
According to his dad, Doug, the thought of 14-year-old Ryan wanting to help people probably meant making a couple of trips to Salvation Army. Doug admits, “Boy, was I ever wrong!” By October 2016, Ryan’s “Making a Difference Outreach” was born. Ryan started by packing sack lunches to hand out to our homeless community, then began handing out pizza on Wednesdays, and finally organizing clothes and blanket drives. The Outreach currently serves 25-40 hot meals each Saturday. Ryan also has arranged, collected, and distributed 200 pairs of shoes and more than 2,000 pairs of socks. Ryan also has found time to support other service organizations such as: Morgantown Food Pantry, WKU Hilltoppers for Christ, First Saturday Homeless breakfast, Feeding America, Stuff the Bus, Realtors for Hope, Room in the Inn, and many more. Cecilia Herrell said, “In a dark world, Ryan brings a ray of light and hope to the community. The world needs more people like Ryan Depp.”
This award recognizes an individual or group who is new to volunteering, beginning their service with an organization during the last 24 months.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Teresa Douglas, Janel Doyle
Kayla Fugate, South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block
Diana Hankla, Operation Stand Down Kentucky
Emma Jeppsen, New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding
SKyPAC Ambassadors 2017-18 Recruitment Class, SKyPAC
BB&T Spirit of Community Award- Graves Gilbert Clinic
While this year marks their 80th anniversary of providing a “lifetime of care,” it is their commitment to the people of south central Kentucky that we honor Graves Gilbert Clinic. A very small list of the agencies and organizations that have been impacted by their volunteer service or financial contributions includes: the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Autism and Asperger Support Group of Bowling Green, Barren River Animal Welfare Association, Car Seat Safety Matters, Center for Courageous Kids, Community Education, Empty Bowls of Bowling Green, Family Enrichment Center, Hospice of Southern Kentucky, Orchestra Kentucky, South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block, Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, and Warren County’s Relay for Life.
Debbie Diamond, Director of Human Resources and Marketing (right), along with VIA Board member, Joshua Smith, accepts the BB&T Spirit of Community Award on behalf of Graves Gilbert Clinic.
This award goes to an organization or business that merits special recognition for volunteer service in the community.
Special thanks to our sponsors: BB&T, BGMU, and Kirby & Moore, LLP, Caterer Lisa Bearnson, Graphic Designer BJ Jordan, Oak Tree Awards & Recognition, Rickman Pottery, Emcee Tony Rose, D93 WDNS, Warren County Public Library, and, of course, our judges.
Volunteers in Action is made up of a core group of diverse agencies and organizations that rely on the dedication and commitment of community volunteers. For more information on VIA or the VIA Volunteer of the Year Awards, contact Joshua Smith at (270) 842-4281 or [email protected].
2018 U.S. Bank Young Artists’ Competition winners announced
This year’s theme was “Draw Out Loud,” encouraging students to let their art illustrate what they think about, dream about, or imagine. Four winning entries were selected by judges and each winner received a $50 VISA gift card from U.S. Bank, our sponsor.
The winning entries will be displayed until April 20 in the lobby of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
The winning entries for 2018 are:
Kendra Rogers, 1st grade at North Warren Elementary School
“I imagine a unicorn under a rainbow.”
Zack Walters, 3rd grade at Holy Trinity Lutheran School
“I dream about finding a sunken ship while scuba diving.”
Josie Huffman, 8th grade at Drakes Creek Middle School
“My art represents how dreams are colorful and anything is possible, realistic or not, in your imagination.”
Kaw Gay, 11th grade at Geo International High School
“I dream of taking a trip to Paris.”
Honorable mentions were:
Miranda Clark, kindergarten at Potter Gray Elementary School
Landon Thompson, 2nd grade at Alvaton Elementary School
Gracie Forkum, 3rd grade at Alvaton Elementary School
Suan Vaan, 4th grade at Dishman-McGinnis Elementary School
Emma Walters, 5th grade at Holy Trinity Lutheran School
Emma Cox, 6th grade at Jody Richards Elementary School
Noah Jackson, 6th grade at Jody Richards Elementary School
Zoe Watts, 7th grade at Bowling Green Junior High School
Britney Braun, 8th grade at Foundation Christian Academy
Tou Kay, 12th grade at Geo International High School