S.C. Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.
I have spent the whole day proud as punch. I wrote a nomination that won the Gardner family the Governor's Award for Volunteerism in the Family Category. Between the Gardner brothers Tom and Gary and Gary's wife Reggie these folks do so much to help in the Lowcountry it is mind boggling. With 5,000 hours of hospital volunteer service at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital under their belts, they also work as Red Cross Disaster Relief Volunteers, staff the Navy Clinic, support the American Heart Association, Mended Hearts Support Group, serve as Poll workers and so much more. I can't think of any family more deserving.
I've been going to these annual awards for volunteers for many years and this year, for the first time, the Governor actually came to present the awards. Can you believe that? It never made any sense to me but I was delighted that Governor Haley took the time out of her schedule to join us and honor volunteers in South Carolina. She was gracious enough to stay around for photos ops after the ceremony and let us use the Lace House on the Governor's property grounds for our luncheon. I was very pleased.
The Lowcountry made us proud today, besides the Gardner family, MUSC's "CARES" Clinic (Community Aid Relief Education & Support) won the Volunteer Group Award and David Beasley, nominated by the American Red Cross brought home the Legacy Volunteer Award. Thanks to SCAVA and TUW for a wonderful day! More photos here.
PS: I didn't get your comments in time to take messages to the Governor but in this shot, it looks like I did! Heheh.
And they set a nice table, too. I'm wondering....if your governor was a man would they have a NASCAR model as a centerpiece and serve barbecue and beer, or is that only in Texas? *Did I just say that out loud?*
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the volunteers everywhere. :)
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