Acts of Kindness
Annual gala honors individuals, organizations whose works benefit the community
One person and five organizations received recognition Sunday at the 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Acts of Kindness Gala.
The six awards covered various public service categories inspired by the slain civic rights leader’s life and legacy.
The categories included Community Involvement, Community Enrichment, Volunteerism, Services, Spirit and Drum Major.
The winners were The Healing Place, the First Choice Pregnancy Center, Diva Maintenance, the Project Hope Ministry, Anthony Marquette Nelson and Pink Ride
Community Enrichment Award: The Healing Place of Texarkana Community Outreach Center with founder and executive director Virginia Gail Howard
The center in Texarkana, Ark., is in its first development stage as Howard continues to work with her team in establishing this new outreach program. The center will provide training, education, counseling and other resources as well as fostering some community partnerships.
“I want to thank all my volunteers for their support,” Howard said upon accepting the award during the gala, held at the Twin Cities Event Center on Texas Boulevard.
Community Involvement Award: First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center
“Thank you all so much for this recognition because most of the people we see can really use your help,” said Kristie Wright, the center’s executive director.
First formed as the Right to Life Center of Texarkana Inc. in October 1974, the center’s mission continues provide support and encouragement to those facing an unplanned pregnancy in order to help them choose life.
The center serves about 1,200 women, men and children each year by offering free services such as pregnancy testing, peer counseling and adoption and maternity home referrals.
Volunteerism Award: Diva Maintenance with founder Tameka Grady
Grady formed the organization about 10 years ago, and her main focus includes promoting health and wellness throughout the community—as well as encouraging women to become more educated about maintaining their health.
“Thank you for this award and I will continue to serve the community,” Grady said.
Community Service Award: Project Hope Ministries with founder Karen Rayfield
The ministry serves the community with donations of food, money, furniture and clothing
“We can get a call as late as 2 a.m., from someone needing help so thank you so much for your help,” Rayfield said.
Drum Major and Spirit Awards: Anthony Marquette Nelson
Nelson recently started a community feeding program for the Ashdown, Ark. community and he serves as a advocate for youth and teens during court proceedings in both Ashdown and Texarkana.
“I really don’t do much,I’m just surrounded by great people,” Nelson said upon receiving both awards
Sudie Jones Community Service Award: Pink Ride breast cancer awareness organization
The organization is a motorcycle group formed by the late Sudie Jones that raises funds to help cancer patients pay water, electric, mortgage and medical bills.