Nonprofits in Fort Bend thank volunteers for their service
Ask anyone running a large, notfor-profit, charitable organization, and they will confirm that without their volunteers, there would be no organization. Three of the largest in Fort Bend County have held events to say “thank you” to their volunteers in recent months.
On Feb. 4, Child Advocates of Fort Bend held a dinner at Sweetwater Country Club to recognize the outstanding efforts of various volunteers. Named “volunteer of the year” was Sylviane Hoare, who serves as a child advocate, works in the Children’s Advocacy Center and brings new ideas to the organization for how to make make it even more efficient.
Among the others recognized that evening were “lifetime hero award” winners Peggy Jackson and Lynn Halford, who have been faithful volunteers almost since Child Advocates began, and “event enthusiast” Cathy Yasilli, who never fails to get on board when an event of any kind is planned.
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County held its annual volunteer appreciation brunch on April 18 at the Quail Valley Community Center, and recognized tutors who have been helping adults to read for years. Mina Fong, Luz Bobadilla and Dr. Mary Jackson have all put in more than 20 years of service. Billy Louviere and Vito Susca were honored for more than 15 years of tutoring.
At the literacy event, scholarship recipient Yolanda Gomez, who received her GED with the help of the Literacy Council in 2013, and has been attending Wharton County Junior College for the past 18 months, received the Jan Schiff Memorial Scholarship, presented by Michael Schiff and his wife, Dr. Sharon Hymes.
Finally, the Women’s Center of Fort Bend County recognized its outstanding volunteers on Thursday, June 25. Professional Compounding Corp. of America, which has been a supporter for more than 20 years, was named organization of the year. Gwen Davis was named shelter volunteer of the year.
Jacki Breckon, who was singled out as a top volunteer at “Giggle,” an annual event, was unable to attend.