The CARE for Children Board of Directors honored Kids and Cancer Benefit with the organization’s 2023 Community CARE Award at the board’s annual meeting held Wednesday evening, December 6th, at the Bradford Club.
“Tonight’s award celebrates the Kids and Cancer Benefit and the many volunteers who make that organization so successful and such a driving force for good in our community,” noted Mick Marshall, CARE board member. He added, “We at CARE for Children have witnessed this generosity first-hand through their support of children in our program who have complex and costly medical needs that require extensive travel for medical treatment by providing gas cards for families. All of us at CARE are grateful for the work they do.”
During the meeting, Tyler R. Hannah, CARE board president, provided a review of CARE’s 2022-2023 fiscal year which had an overall theme of ‘Growing with CARE.’ He highlighted the organization’s impact during the year, the growth of CARE programs and services, and in conclusion, Hannah thanked his fellow board members, CARE staff members, volunteers, donors, and the community for “helping to make CARE what it is today and for investing in its growth for an outstanding tomorrow.”
The 10th Anniversary of the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center was celebrated during the 2022-2023 fiscal year and Greg Booth, chair of CARE’s long-range planning committee, gave a special presentation on the progress and positive impact of the organization since the center opened its doors in 2013. On a personal note, Booth remarked “My wife Cherie and I are pleased that not only has the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center provided an enduring legacy for children of all abilities in memory of our beloved daughter Ashley, it has also helped CARE grow in services provided, children positively impacted, and the organization’s stature as one of our community’s outstanding non-profit organizations.”
The CARE Board also honored employees who have reached milestone years of service at the organization. Tina Martin, executive director, recognized the following staff for reaching milestones: Valorie Coast, finance & office manager, 20 years; DeAnn Persichini, COTA/L, occupational therapy assistant, 20 years; Barbara McGarry, preschool aide, 15 years; Dana Pence, PT, physical therapist, 15 years; Leslie Kallenborn, development & marketing coordinator, 10 years; Joy Haney, MSW, LSW, social worker, 5 years; and Lauren Warmath, PT, DPT, physical therapist, 5 years.
Photo Caption: From left, Tyler R. Hannah, CARE board president and Tina M. Martin, CARE executive director present the 2023 Community CARE Award to Kids and Cancer Benefit. Accepting the award on behalf of the organization are board officers Laurie Ludwig, secretary; Casey Buckner, treasurer; Bill Black, president; and Dorie Meabon, 2nd vice president.
