The Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments hosted a volunteer and supporter recognition event on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Several St. Louis area Delta Gammas were recognized:
Special Event Recognition:
Shining Light Tree Lot – 2012: Blair Rudert, Chair
Run for Sight -2013: Katie Hunter, Chair
Ride to Unite -2012: Jennifer LaPresta , Co-Chair
Eye for Style- 2012: Betty Smith & Joann Clay, Co-Chairs
The Volunteer Service Award for demonstrating distinguished service, loyalty, dependability and willingness to help was awarded to Heather Backes and Blair Rudert. Both were recognized for their incredible commitment and passion with the Tree Lot, their amazing willingness to help, and all while continuing their duties as President (Heather as President of the St. Louis DG Alumnae Group and Blair as the DG St. Louis Chapter President)!
The Community Service Award which recognizes service and support given to the children and families of the Delta Gamma Center was awarded to the St. Louis University DG Chapter. The SLU chapter has provided an estimated 500 hours of volunteer services this past year in a range of activities including the tree lot, babysitting, help with family activities, and support of special events. They are not only enthusiastic, but dependable, conscientious and constantly look for additional opportunities to serve!
The Jean Anderson Award is given to a Delta Gamma who works tirelessly for the organization and promotes its cause in the community and has at least 10 years of volunteer service. This year the award was presented to Kary Bachert, who is a dedicated volunteer involved in many areas including ability awareness, shining light tree lot, run for sight, vision screening, service on our board of directors and more.
The final award of the night, the Visionary Award, which is given to an individual that has demonstrated extraordinary service that will shape the future for our children was presented to Gretchen Ross and Ruth Spence Nelson. These pioneering ladies have led Delta Gamma Center vision screening teams for 30 years, providing service to an estimated 2,000 – 3,000 child each year. But screening only tells part of the tale and their follow up is impeccable to make certain that families of children who fail the screening know results and follow up with their physicians. And they have done this on a shoestring, usually under $300 per year. Amazing!
Thank you and congratulations to all of the award winners and volunteers that were recognized!
St. Louis Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Gamma 