Celebrate Volunteerism

On Thursday, April 22 Volunteer McKinney Center hosted their 9th annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration -- A Matter of the Heart. This year's event was held at the Student Life Building at McKinney Christian Academy.

While those in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal provided by Mama Emilia’s the McKinney Academy Jazz Band and the Faubion Drama Showcase entertained the guests.

The joint color guard from McKinney Police and Fire Departments presented the colors. Loren Brown, co chairman of the VMC board of directors welcomed the guests and Brian Loughmiller, the City mayor, read the mayor's proclamation and presented to Loren Brown. This year’s Youth Volunteerism scholarship was presented to McKinney High School senior Gloria Borgardt.

The awards program began with a special new award presentation in honor of Pete and Nancy Huff long time community volunteers. David Brooks along with VMC and the Huffs presented the first Huff Community Servant Award to the Relay for Life Committee for their commitment to raise funds and awareness about cancer.

LaShandra Barbarin from the Medical Center of McKinney presented the 2010 Non Profit Leadership award to Christine Hockin-Boyd, executive director Community Lifeline Center. This year's Business Service Award was presented to Simpson Strong-Tie by Dan Brooks from Independent Bank.

The Boys and Girls Club of McKinney Torch Club received this year's Youth Volunteer Award from Carol Ownby from McKinney Christian Academy.

The volunteers from the Stonebridge Ranch Ladies Association received the Group Volunteer Award presented by Sharon Hagen, award sponsor from Keller Williams Realty. Marc Garza representing award sponsor Raytheon presented the Community Education Volunteer Award to Gilbert and Helen Rogers for their work with seniors at the Senior Recreation Center.

Nancy Cowlishaw, McKinney ISD Partners in Education presented the Campus Partnership Volunteer Award to First United Methodist Church and a special plaque to Caldwell Elementary. Loren Brown representing award sponsor Simpson Strong-tie presented this years Education volunteer (individual) award to Sarah Brock.

Robert Camp from Bank of Texas (event sponsor) presented this year's Heart Award to Ulyesse Bourque for his commitment to the American Red Cross – McKinney. Beverly Martin from the Red Cross received this award in his absence.

Johnny Galyean long time community volunteer was announced as this year's Kim Hoffman Volunteer of the Year recipient by Bob Tomes.

Special thanks to our event sponsor Bank of Texas, food sponsor McKinney Community Development Corporation and our awards sponsors, Bob Tomes Ford, Independent Bank, Raytheon, Sharon Hagen-Keller Williams Realty, Medical Center of McKinney, Simpson Strong-Tie and McKinney Christian Academy.

Thanks to in-kind donations from Metro Linen, Karen Lewis, Rebecca Rogers, Raytheon, McKinney Office Supply, Market Street, American Red Cross, North Texas Palms and Pottery.

For more information about this event, award nomination forms and possible sponsorships contact us at 972-542-0679 or e - mail: volunteermck@sbcglobal.net .