United Church Ministries honors volunteers at annual banquet
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on January 18, 2007 1:49 PM
United Church Ministries held its annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet at Salem United Methodist Church.
New officers were chosen and the annual Walk for Hunger, the organization's only fundraising event, was scheduled for March 25, with a rain date of April 1.
A total of 1,653 volunteer hours were put in by 23 volunteers. Certificates for volunteering went to Bessie Scott, Nan Montague, Gloria Best, Thelma Jean Smith, Arnette Cogdell, Darla Anderson, KoKo Durham, Ruby Smith, Frances Vernosky, Ann Rowe, Doris Peterson, Brenda Thompson, Ray Boyette, Bill Stanley, Gary Woodyard, Gene Eloshway, Kent Thompson, Franklin Lane, Terry Johnson, Angela Johnson, Elaine Lamm, Hugh Tate and Martin Casey.
Plaques were given to these volunteers: Gloria Best of Greenleaf Christian Church, 152 hours, Bessie Scott of Greenleaf, 132 hours, Nan Montague of Salem United Methodist, 105 hours, and Darla Anderson of New Hope Friends, 105 hours.
Arnette Cogdell of St. Mark Church of Christ was named Volunteer of the Year.
Elaine Lamm was given the first Person of the Year Award for her more than 20 years of service to the organization.
Hugh Tate received a plaque for serving as vice chairman from 2004-2006. Thelma Jean Smith was presented with a optic glass plate for her years of volunteer efforts.
Awards were given for last year's walk. St. Mark Church of Christ was honored for raising the most money during the event, $2,768. Northview Baptist Church raised the most money per person, $14.29. Joyce Edwards of Madison Avenue Baptist Church was the individual who raised the most money -- $1,220. Jim Fultz of Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist raised the second most -- $1,010. Ginny Sampson of Salem United Methodist Church was the youth who raised the most money -- $824. Douglas Johnson Jr. of Jefferson United Methodist was the first to complete the distance, he ran the route in 34 minutes. Glenn Pate led the walkers, finishing in an hour.
New officers for the organization were elected: Ray Boyette, chairman; Franklin Lane, vice chairman; and Elaine Lamm, secretary-treasurer.
During the past year, the organization helpd 1,232 people with rent, utilities, medical needs and food.