THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 15, 1996 TAG: 9602140104
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THUMBS UP
SOURCE: BY DAWSON MILLS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
THREE INDIVIDUALS, two groups and one volunteer program from Norfolk were recognized for their efforts recently at the 1996 Hampton Roads Volunteer Achievement Awards at the Norfolk Marriott Hotel.
Sponsored jointly by Volunteer Hampton Roads - formerly The Volunteer Connection of South Hampton Roads - and the Volunteer Center of the Virginia Peninsula, more than 350 people attended ``Celebrate The Spirit'' to pay tribute to 33 award winners - outstanding volunteers, both individuals and groups, who, through their efforts, have improved the quality of life in Hampton Roads.
``It's always a positive-feeling event,'' said Jill Ferguson, the event's organizer. ``People leave with a positive feeling and a renewed interest in volunteering. It's not only to honor people but to celebrate volunteering in our area.''
Dorcas Nelson of Norfolk was recognized for her efforts as a SHARE Host Site coordinator at Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church. Since March 1990, more than 156,000 pounds of food have been distributed to the 5,200 people served at the site. In the process, Nelson has donated more than 5,000 volunteer hours. She also volunteers with Youth for Understanding, the Navy Treasure Shop, Navy Relief and the Virginia Stage Company.
``It was really nice to know that others think that what you do for others is worthwhile,'' Nelson said. ``It was quite an honor.''
Cleo Rush of Norfolk, founder and executive administrator of the Friends of the Elderly Transitional Housing Program, felt so strongly about the problems of the homeless that she sold her home to get her organization started.
Rush was resting at home following a heart attack, so her award was accepted by Florine Smith, her daughter. Smith and Elton Rudd, assistant administrator and bookkeeper for Friends of the Elderly, pointed out that Rush also has been named as the 1996 recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Award, presented annually by WAVY TV-10.
Deborah White of Norfolk was recognized for her work with the Disaster Services Team of the American Red Cross. On call around the clock one week per month, she is also a member of the Disaster Services Human Resources Team and has participated in recovery efforts in the wake of hurricanes Erin in Florida and Marilyn in the Virgin Islands. She has helped with food distribution to families and emergency workers and assisted in the shelters. White also has found time to work with the Girls Scouts for two years, serving on several committees.
``When I heard some of the things other people have done, it felt great being in the same limelight,'' White said.
The volunteer staff at Friends of the Elderly was one of two Norfolk groups to receive recognition at this year's awards. The staff provides more than 26,000 volunteer hours per year to provide homeless individuals and families with comprehensive programs to address their needs. The services offered include food and shelter, employment workshops, companion services to the elderly, medical screenings and low-cost day care. In the past three years, Friends of the Elderly has helped five families go from homelessness to home ownership. The award was accepted on behalf of the staff by Carolyn Parks, Florine Smith, Elton Rudd and Mike Hargett.
The ``Kids on the Block'' puppet program of United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Virginia was also the recipient of a group award. The program's goal is to educate children about people with disabilities.
From September through February, 12 volunteers - six Navy personnel from the cruiser Bainbridge, two students from Old Dominion University and two community volunteers - will have given 86 performances in 42 schools, reaching more than 11,000 students. The puppets themselves put in an appearance at the podium to accept the award.
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Virginia Marine Science Museum each was honored for their volunteer programs.
The Foodbank, located on Granby Street, has almost 1,200 volunteers on its roster, contributing an average of 2,000 volunteer hours per month. More than 12,000 additional hours are donated monthly by volunteers supporting the Foodbank's SHARE program. The Foodbank, which has a Volunteer Advisory Board, sends ``thank you'' notes to its volunteers and this year hosted a ``Magic of Volunteers'' banquet. Director of Community Involvement Barbara Mann accepted the award for the Foodbank. MEMO: If you know an individual or group deserving of a Thumbs Up! feature,
call Kathryn Darling at 446-2286.
by CNB