In September, Hands On Nashville partnered with the Home Depot Foundation and Points of Light to implement facility upgrades and improvements for Hope and Healing at Hillenglade. More than 220 volunteers tackled projects that included building children’s playhouses, screening in porches, building office and recreational spaces, landscaping, building benches and picnic tables, and more. The work done will allow Hillenglade to offer year-round programming and increase the number of veterans its services can reach.To view more pictures of the project, click here.
Jennifer O’Neil has always loved horses.
“God was in a good mood when he made a horse,” said the 70-year-old actress, model, and director, who has spent much of her life training and showing horses. “They’re so amazing and sensitive for such a giant animal.”
In 2009, O’Neill bought Hillenglade, a 7-acre farm in north Nashville, and founded Hope and Healing at Hillenglade. HHH is an equine-assisted program that helps veterans and their families reconnect to heal the emotional wounds sustained during combat.
“What happens in the magic of equine therapy is, it’s all about creating relationship, communication, responsibility, and partnering with that animal,” O’Neill said. She said that horses mirror the emotions they see in people. To gain a horse’s trust, a person must put forth a calm confidence in a way that sets the horse at ease — that it’s not about dominating the animal.
“Depending on what you’re carrying when you come in there — be it anger, or rage, or shyness, or a lack of ability to communicate — they’ll size that up,” O’Neill said. She said it’s a powerful moment when someone who is working through their own anger or fear has a breakthrough with a horse.
Since 2010, HHH has served more than 4,000 military and first-responders and their families.
“The whole family unit often bears the brunt of the warriors’ experiences,” O’Neill said, recalling her own experiences in a family affected by post-combat PTSD.
O’Neill’s father served as a pilot during World War II. His plane was shot down and he was held in a German prison camp for two and a half years. He suffered lingering effects from the plane crash and aftermath that O’Neill believes would have been diagnosed as PTSD if the disorder, which wasn’t officially recognized until 1980, had been understood at the time.
As O’Neill has overseen the evolution of Hillenglade, she’s been driven by a desire to build an atmosphere of respite and peace for those who have sacrificed so much.
“I feel firmly that we in the private sector have to stand up and honor and help our veterans and our warriors and our heroes and their families in any way we can,” O’Neill said.
A Benefit for Hope and Healing at Hillenglade
What: A fundraiser for HHH, featuring The Righteous Brothers, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Nate Sallie
Dr. Kimberly Fowler, principal at Hickman Elementary School, addresses the group of volunteers as Hands On Nashville Day 2018 kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 22.
Nearly 1,000 volunteers came together on Saturday, Sept. 22, for the 27th Annual Hands On Nashville Day, a citywide day of service supporting Metro Nashville Public Schools. At 15 schools, volunteers created inspirational murals, landscaped playgrounds and school gardens, painted hallways and gymnasiums, and more.
“The volunteers out here today are showing how much they support MNPS students and families,” said Dr. Kimberly Fowler, principal of Hickman Elementary School. “Their efforts are about more than a coat of paint or a wheelbarrow of mulch. They’re spending their time to show just how important our schools and our children are to the whole community.”
April 25, 2018 – Middle Tennesseans were honored for their volunteerism at Hands On Nashville’s 32nd Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards, presented by Advance Financial Foundation.
The award recipients are as follows:
Cheri Ferrari – Capacity-building Volunteer Award
Operation Song – Civic Volunteer Group Award
Media Star Promotions – Corporate Volunteerism Award
Leeana Edwards – Direct Service Volunteer Award (Ages five to 20)
Sean Druffel – Direct Service Volunteer Award (Ages 21 to 49)
Anthony J. Viglietti – Direct Service Volunteer Award (Ages 50+)
More than 600 volunteers and community members attended the luncheon and ceremony at Music City Center. The annual event recognizes volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community, and celebrates the life of Mary Catherine Strobel, a Nashvillian with an outstanding dedication to service.
2018 Strobel Volunteer Award nominees and Nashville in Harmony began the ceremony with a celebration of service.
Nashville in Harmony opened the awards ceremony with a choir performance in recognition of the award nominees and finalists. Great-granddaughter of Mary Catherine Strobel, Veronica Pierce, shared an invocation prior to the meal; Charles Strobel, son of Mary Catherine Strobel and founding director of Room In The Inn, closed the ceremony with remarks about his mother’s legacy and the value of service.
“Hands On Nashville’s inspiration for the Strobel Volunteer Awards is to tell the stories of volunteers like Mary Catherine Strobel,” said Lori Shinton, President and CEO of Hands On Nashville. “We are honored to create a space to recognize their work, their impact, and be reminded of the many opportunities we all have to support each other as volunteers.”
Community members submitted 126 nominations for the 2018 Strobel Volunteer Awards.
Charles Strobel, son of Mary Catherine Strobel and founding director of Room in the Inn, shared closing remarks at the ceremony.
“In our nation and our community, there are major needs and ordinary needs. Most of them go without asking. One of the most distinguishing marks about Mama is that she anticipated the needs of so many, and so do the volunteers we honor today,” said Charles Strobel, son of Mary Catherine Strobel and founding director of Room in the Inn. “It’s our family’s great joy to be part of this tribute.”
Following is a list of award recipients for each category and a brief description of the volunteer work for which they are recognized.
David Fox, Managing Partner at MP&F Public Relations; Cheri Ferrari; Lori Shinton, President and CEO of Hands On Nashville
Cheri Ferrari received the 2018 Capacity-building Volunteer Award for her work with The Nashville Food Project. The award honors individuals who provide significant operational or administrative support to a nonprofit agency, faith-based ministry or community organization.
Mark Deutschmann, CEO of Village Real Estate; Bob Regan; Lori Shinton
Operation Song, which pairs musicians with veterans and active-duty military to write songs through partnership, received the 2018 Civic Volunteer Group Award. The category honors representatives of civic, membership, faith-based or non-corporate groups that volunteer together for a specific cause or issue.
Ashley Bostic, Director of Culture and Community Giving at Change Healthcare; Media Star Promotions; Lori Shinton
Media Star Promotions received the 2018 Corporate Volunteerism Award in honor of its ongoing service to The Nashville Food Project. The award pays tribute to businesses that have robust employee volunteer programs with high levels of participation and impact.
Stephen Francescon, Community Relations Manager at Piedmont Natural Gas; Leeana Edwards; Lori Shinton
The Direct Service Volunteer Awards recognize individuals who have contributed significant volunteer time, energy and/or resources to support an agency’s constituents. Leeana Edwards, a volunteer at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, received the 2018 award for the category honoring nominees of ages five to 20.
Jennifer Simpkins, Factory Conformance Analyst at U.S. Smokeless Tobacco; Sean Druffel; Lori Shinton
Sean Druffel, longtime Habitat for Humanity ReStore volunteer, received the 2018 Direct Service Volunteer Award for ages 21 to 49.
Susannah Berry, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Jackson National Life Insurance; Anthony J. Viglietti; Lori Shinton
Anthony J. Viglietti, a volunteer with Nashville Cherry Blossom Fesitval and Friends of Riverside Drive, received the 2018 Direct Service Volunteer Award for ages 50 plus. Viglietti led the effort to plant more than 1,000 Japanese cherry trees throughout Nashville’s streets and public spaces.
Please contact Jessica Moog at Hands On Nashville: (615) 298-1108 ext. 415; jessica@hon.org.
About the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards
The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards are named in memory of the late Mary Catherine Strobel, known for her extensive and charitable efforts toward improving the lives of Middle Tennessee’s homeless, impoverished and less fortunate populations. The annual awards ceremony celebrates her service and recognizes those who continue her legacy. View all nominees for the 2018 awards.
About Hands On Nashville
Hands On Nashville (HON) builds capacity for individuals and agencies to meet needs through service. Its programs connect volunteers to opportunities supporting 100+ nonprofits, schools, and other civic organizations; help these partners reimagine volunteer potential; and bring awareness to the challenges facing the people and places in our community. For more information, visit HON.org or call (615) 298-1108.
Congratulations to the finalists for the 2018 Strobel Volunteer Awards! Those recognized, and the community organizations with which they serve, are noted below.
Capacity-building Volunteer
Honors individuals who provide significant operational or administrative support to a nonprofit agency, faith-based ministry or community organization, or developed an innovative approach to significantly improve an existing program.
Cheri Ferrari, The Nashville Food Project
Joey Hatch, YWCA Nashville
John O’Shea, Room In The Inn
Civic Volunteer Group
Recognizes representatives of civic, membership, faith-based or non-corporate groups that volunteer together for a specific cause or issue.
Delta Signma Theta Alumnae, MNPS Scholarship Support
NHA: Silver Socializers, Nashville Humane Society
Operation Song, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
Corporate Volunteerism
Pays tribute to businesses that have robust employee volunteer programs with high levels of participation and impact.
Media Star Promotions, The Nashville Food Project
Deloitte, PENCIL
Steve Ward and Associates, Preston Taylor Ministries
Direct Service Volunteer (ages five to 20)
Recognizes individuals who have contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources to help an agency’s constituents.
Leanna Edwards, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Alvin C. York VA Medical Center
Allison Heard, Saddle Up!
Sam Strang, Pro-bono Music and Entertainment for Various Nonprofits
Direct Service Volunteer (ages 21 to 49)
Paige Cruse, Alive Hospice
Sean Druffel, Habitat for Humanity
Jill Heyman, Oasis Center
Direct Service Volunteer (ages 50 plus)
Janie Busbee, Mother to Mother, Inc.
Dr. Catherine Thornburg, Siloam Health
Anthony J. Viglietti, Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival/Friends of Riverside Drive
Honors individuals who provide significant operational or administrative support to a nonprofit agency, faith-based ministry or community organization, or developed an innovative approach to significantly improve an existing program.
Anna-Vija McClain
Carroll Kimball
Cheri Ferrari
Don Cornwell
Eddie Pearson
Gerald Davis
Heather Hicks
Helen Miles
Jane Baxter
Janet Kuhn
Jeff Parrish
Jen Robinson
Joe Christopher
Joey Hatch
John O’Shea
Kay Kretsch
Laneisha Coburn
Laura Beth Hyman
Laura Da Fonte
Leigh and Bear Barnes
Michael Gray
Mona Binda
Phil Holt
Rachel Petty
Robbie Williams
Robin Puryear
Samantha Perez
Terry Demars
Trish Sanders
Corporate Volunteerism
Pays tribute to businesses that have robust employee volunteer programs with high levels of participation and impact.
Asurion
Bank Director
Bridgestone Americas
Cigna
Dell Nashville
Deloitte
Ingram Marine Group
Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LifePoint Health
Mars Petcare
Media Star Promotions
Nashville Predators
Nissan North America
Geodis
Publix Super Markets
Steve Ward and Associates
Two Men and a Truck
United Parcel Service (UPS)
Civic Volunteer Group
Recognizes representatives of civic, membership, faith-based or non-corporate groups that volunteer together for a specific cause or issue.
“Rewarding.” That’s the word Brent Grunfeld, longtime supporter of the youth group at Harpeth Presbyterian Church (Harpeth Pres.), used to describe the church’s involvement with ReCYCLE for Kids 2017.
Harpeth Pres. is a small but mighty congregation in Brentwood, TN. After going on a mission trip to Mobile, Alabama last year, the youth group wanted to make a difference closer to home. While in Alabama, youth group members learned that people experiencing homelessness needed bikes to get around the city – and they were pleased to find out that local organizations exist to meet that need. Coming home, the group wondered if Nashville had resources in place to connect community members with bikes.
ReCYCLE For Kids: a volunteer-powered initiative that collects, restores and connects bicycles with youth in underserved neighborhoods. Between 2012 and 2017, ReCYCLE engaged 1,600 volunteers and connected nearly 1,000 youth with bicycles.
A portion of bikes collected by Harpeth Pres.
After meeting with Hands On Nashville about ReCYCLE For Kids, Harpeth Pres. members had no idea how much their involvement would grow. What started as a youth-group project to donate and collect bikes turned into a congregationwide effort to make the biggest impact possible. Initially, the church donated 54 bikes, but they didn’t want to stop there.
“Our entire congregation came together and got behind supporting the program,” said Grunfeld. “It was amazing, the camaraderie and fellowship; we had eight-to-10 year olds and seniors going out of the way to help us figure out how to donate bikes. It created an environment that hadn’t really existed before.”
This newfound dedication led Harpeth Pres. to collect more than 110 bikes – accounting for nearly half of bikes delivered to community members at the ReCYCLE For Kids 2017 giveaway event.
Congregation members learning the ropes at a bike refurbishment project
The church’s enthusiasm was also apparent at its bike refurbishment project, which took place at Oasis Bike Workshop. “To have 32 people show up for refurbishment – they took over the Oasis Bike Workshop,” said Grunfeld. “Church members didn’t know what to expect. The next thing you knew, you had people who didn’t know anything about bikes fixing tires and brakes. The excitement was amazing when we left.”
Between the refurbishment and giveaway, nearly 50 people volunteered for ReCYCLE – not including the numerous people who helped in other various capacities.
After donating and collecting dozens of bikes, participating in a refurbishment and volunteering at the giveaway, Harpeth Pres. is already talking about keeping the momentum going. They look forward to working with other churches and increasing community member involvement in similar service projects.
To the entire congregation: ReCYCLE 2017 would not have been rewarding for us without your eagerness, excitement and support. From our team to yours, we are grateful.
NASHVILLE – September 23, 2017 – This morning, more than 1,000 volunteers came together for the 26th Annual Hands On Nashville Day, a citywide day of service supporting Metro Nashville Public Schools. At 15 schools, volunteers created inspirational murals, landscaped playgrounds, and painted hallways, gymnasiums and more.
“Today’s volunteers aren’t just sprucing up schools,” said Dennis Neal, executive director of the Facility and Grounds Maintenance Department at Metro Nashville Public Schools. “They’re showing support for the MNPS students and families who learn and grow in these spaces every day.”
Hands On Nashville partnered with numerous community organizations and businesses in support of the day of service. A team of employee volunteers from Altria, the presenting sponsor, completed projects at Cora Howe School. Nashville Tree Foundation and Cumberland River Compact also contributed support.
“Hands On Nashville Day helps us give back to the community in which we live and work,” said Altria’s Mark Czuba. “It’s powerful to see what we can accomplish as a team, especially as we focus on a cause as important as our local schools.”
Metro Public Works partnered with the event for the second year as part of Mayor Megan Barry’s Fall Green & Clean initiative, sponsoring 100 tree plantings. Funding was provided through a Community Partner Grant from Lowe’s/Keep America Beautiful (KAB), a national nonprofit that inspires and educates people to improve and beautify community environments.
The Nashville Tree Foundation supported the event through the Green Shirt Volunteer program, which recognizes volunteers who have experience planting trees at NTF events or have related professional qualifications. Green Shirt Volunteers trained and supervised Hands On Nashville Day projects to ensure proper planting methods, and will do so for additional planting projects in the community.
“Hands On Nashville’s mission – to meet community needs through volunteerism – truly comes alive on this day,” said Lori Shinton, president and CEO of Hands On Nashville. “Our team has the unique position to see the impact volunteers contribute to our city every day, and events like Hands On Nashville Day highlight this impact for our entire community.”
Throughout Hands On Nashville’s 26 years, more than 26,000 volunteers have engaged in 75,000 hours of Hands On Nashville Day service, creating an economic impact valued at nearly $2 million, according to Independent Sector research.
To support Hands On Nashville’s work, please consider purchasing a commemorative HON Day 2017 t-shirt. $20 of the $26 t-shirt price goes directly to Hands On Nashville. Learn more at http://www.hon.org/honday.
Hands On Nashville (HON) meets community needs through volunteerism.
Dedicated volunteers preparing to paint at Cora Howe School.The Nashville Tree Foundation led volunteers in planting trees on school properties.Lonnell Matthews, director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods and Community Engagement, pauses for the camera with one of HON Day’s youngest volunteers.
Hands On Nashville’s fifth annual initiative delivers bikes to youth in need
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – July 31, 2017 – More than 200 local youth and 100 volunteers participated in Hands On Nashville’s ReCYCLE for Kids bike giveaway on July 29, 2017, presented by Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®). Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,200 youth have received bicycles through ReCYCLE.
The volunteer-powered initiative includes three phases: bike donations, refurbishments and today’s giveaway event. The giveaway took place at Coleman Park Community Center, connecting Nashvillians with new and like-new bicycles, new helmets, locks and interactive safety training.
The Oasis Center hosted ReCYCLE refurbishments for the fifth consecutive year. Volunteers fixed and replaced tires, adjusted cables and hubs, checked brake pads and shifters, replaced parts, and cleaned and polished bikes.
Support from local schools, faith-based organizations, businesses and Metro Parks and Recreation is fundamental to ReCYCLE for Kids’ success. Individuals from Montgomery Bell Academy, Harpeth Hall School and Harpeth Presbyterian Church hosted bike drives. Employees from event sponsors Change Healthcare, Cummins, Ted R. Sanders Moving & Warehouse, Inc. and Jackson participated in refurbishment efforts.
What the community is saying about ReCYCLE for Kids:
“Keeping kids active during the summer is a priority for Metro Parks,” said Stevon Neloms, superintendent of community programs for the Metro Parks and Recreation Department. “Our partnership with Hands On Nashville is a creative way to engage toward that goal and benefit kids who may not otherwise have access to bike resources.”
“Bikes are not only forms of transportation, they’re also a means of empowerment,” said Dan Furbish, founder and manager of the Oasis Bike Workshop. “Our doors are open to all who develop a passion for biking and its positive effects on Nashville.”
“Jackson is committed to enhancing children’s lives in our community,” said Susannah Berry, corporate social responsibility manager at Jackson. “Each year, ReCYCLE is a special opportunity for our team to come together and serve.”
“Service can take many forms,” said Lori Shinton, president and CEO of Hands On Nashville. “ReCYCLE For Kids offers volunteers the opportunity to engage in any way that resonates with them.”
About Hands On Nashville
Hands On Nashville (HON) works to meet community needs through volunteerism. For more information, visit HON.org or call (615) 298-1108.
Stephanie McCullough, director of community engagement at the office of Mayor Megan Barry; Tari Hughes; Lori Shinton; and the Spring 2017 EVE class.
“Volunteers are critical to the success of so many nonprofits, and that is why it is so important for nonprofits to put processes for best-practice volunteer management in place. I am proud that CNM partners with HON and the Mayor’s Office to recognize such achievement in our local nonprofits,” said CNM President and CEO Tari Hughes.
EVE certification is awarded twice annually to nonprofits that adhere to volunteer management best practices, including conducting volunteer orientations and including a volunteer program component in the organization’s strategic plan. A nonprofit’s certification lasts two years and is then eligible for renewal. In total, 68 organizations are currently EVE certified.
“Hands On Nashville celebrates the dedication it takes to transform volunteer support into capacity,” said HON President and CEO Lori Shinton. “We’re thrilled to support our partners as they engage volunteers to fulfill their missions.”
The next round of EVE applications will be accepted in the fall via http://www.hon.org/EVE. Any nonprofit agency in Davidson County may apply.
Middle Tennesseans were honored on Wednesday, April 21, for outstanding volunteer work at Hands On Nashville’s 31st annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards, presented by Advance Financial.
Laura Little – Capacity-building Volunteer Award
Brentwood Baptist Church – Medical Dental Unit – Civic Volunteer Group Award
FYKES Realty Group – Corporate Volunteerism Award
Olivia Wright – Direct Service Volunteer Award (Ages five to 20)
Terry Key – Direct Service Volunteer Award (Ages 21 to 49)
Lillian Schklar – Direct Service Volunteer Award (Ages 50 plus)
More than 600 volunteers and agency representatives attended the luncheon and ceremony at the Music City Center downtown. The annual event recognizes volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community.
The St. Cecilia Academy Choir
This year’s awards ceremony kicked off with a choir performance by St. Cecilia Academy Choir to recognize the award nominees and finalists. Great-granddaughter and namesake of Mary Catherine Strobel, Mary Catherine Pyburn, recited the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, a favorite of her great-grandmother. Charles Strobel, son of Mary Catherine Strobel and founding director of Room In The Inn, closed the ceremony with remarks about the event’s significance and an eloquent remembrance of his mother’s legacy.
Family of Mary Catherine Strobel
“The Hands On Nashville team is once again energized by the spirit of service at the Strobel Awards,” said Lori Shinton, President and CEO of Hands On Nashville. “Strangers don’t exist at that luncheon. There is a seemingly unending line of new friends wanting to hear more about you and thank you for your service.”
Community members submitted 126 nominations for the 2017 Strobel Volunteer Awards.
“Volunteerism is a key component of our business culture and a key part of being a Nashvillian,” said Tina Hodges, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Experience Officer at Advance Financial. “Our employees are offered volunteer time and we hear about their incredible experiences all year long. The Strobel Awards celebrate stories like theirs and those of our fellow Nashville volunteers in such a special way.”
Terry Key, Direct Service Volunteer Award (ages 21 to 49) recipient
“This is probably one of the best awards I could ever imagine receiving,” said Terry Key, recipient of the Direct Service Volunteer Award (ages 21 to 49). “I get a chance to make a difference and work with people who are making a difference. I’m going to show this to all the kids in the bike club and tell them, ‘No matter where you’re from, you can make a difference!’”
Following is a list of award recipients for each category and a brief description of the volunteer work for which they are recognized.
The Capacity-building Volunteer Award honors individuals who provide significant operational or administrative support to a nonprofit agency, faith-based ministry or community organization.
Joanne Pulles, vice president of community relations at HCA; Laura Little; Lori Shinton, CEO and president of Hands On Nashville
Laura Little received the 2017 Capacity-building Volunteer Award for her work with 18 different nonprofits around Nashville, which includes facilitating donations for Nurses for Newborns, the Department of Children’s Services, The Nashville Food Project and more. Laura anticipates when organizations have upcoming needs for food or supplies, and notices when they’re storing something that might better suit another cause.
The Civic Volunteer Group Award recognizes representatives of civic, membership, faith-based or non-corporate groups that volunteer together for a specific cause or issue.
Jennifer Simpkins of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco; Amy Fairchild, Medical Dental Unit coordinator; Lori Shinton
Brentwood Baptist Church – Medical Dental Unit received the 2017 Civic Volunteer Group Award. The MDU is a mobile facility that offers free healthcare services, and welcomes people from all backgrounds. Its volunteers, who include medical and dental professionals, as well as church members, provide healing, restorative, compassionate care.
The Corporate Volunteerism Award pays tribute to businesses that have robust employee volunteer programs with high levels of participation and impact.
Julia McAndrews, senior HR director of Change Healthcare; Tiffany Fykes, team leader and realtor at FYKES Realty Group; Lori Shinton
FYKES Realty Group is the 2017 recipient of the Corporate Volunteerism Award for its work with Open Table Nashville, which works with individuals facing homelessness. Twice a month, the FYKES team joins Open Table Nashville to set up a resource shelter so unhoused neighbors can enjoy good meals, warm beds and showers, while getting help with housing, paperwork, medical needs and haircuts.
The Direct Service Volunteer Awards recognize individuals who have contributed significant volunteer time, energy and/or resources to support an agency’s constituents.
Mark McNeely, founding partner of MP&F Public Relations; Olivia Wright; Lori Shinton
Olivia Wright received the Direct Service Volunteer Award in the ages five to 20 category for her work with Tennessee H.U.G.S., or Help Us Give Shoes, an organization she started with she was only nine years old. Now 17, Olivia started the program to help children meet basic needs and ensure their ability to get an education. The idea has transformed into an international organization: H.U.G.S. has delivered more than 100,000 pairs of shoes to 13 countries and six continents.
Anna Altic, Village Fund community service representative at Village Real Estate; Terry Key; Lori Shinton; Elizabeth Moss
Terry Key is the 2017 recipient of the Direct Service Volunteer Award, ages 21 to 49 category, for his efforts with the Edgehill Bike Club. Terry started the club as a way to show kids in his neighborhood life outside Edgehill. Edgehill Bike Club works to give children bikes, teach them basic maintenance and encourage children to take control of their futures. Since 2013, Terry has helped give more than 1,000 bikes to kids, and is working to establish new bike clubs in other Nashville communities.
Lillian Schklar; Stephen Francescon, community relations manager at Piedmont Natural Gas
Lillian Schklar received the 2017 Direct Service Volunteer Award in the ages 50-plus category for her tutoring work with FiftyForward’s Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) program. She is a fixture in the school where she tutors, having logged hundreds of service hours in more than a decade. She works not only to improve her students’ academic skills, but to develop loving friendships with them.
Lillian Schklar
For more information:
Jessica Moog, Hands On Nashville, (615) 298-1108, ext. 409, jessica@hon.org
Laura Huddleston, MP&F Public Relations, (615) 259-4000, lhuddleston@mpf.com
About the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards
The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards are named in memory of the late Mary Catherine Strobel, known for her extensive and charitable efforts toward improving the lives of Middle Tennessee’s homeless, impoverished and less fortunate populations. The annual awards ceremony celebrates her service and recognizes those who continue her legacy.
About Hands On Nashville
Hands On Nashville (HON) works to address critical issues facing the Middle Tennessee community through volunteer-centric programming. For more information, visit HON.org or call (615) 298-1108.
All 2017 Strobel Award Nominees
Congratulations to all of the amazing volunteers who were nominated for the 2017 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards! Finalists are noted with an asterisk (*).
Robert Brandt
Melanie Burnett
Jenny Charles
Elayne Crain
Ann Fundis*
Garry Gibson
Annie Goodhue
Sonya Mansfield Ross
Jennifer Hoffman
Josh Hubbard
Rick Jansen
Charlene Jones
Martha Lingley
Laura Little*
Dr. Ginny Moore*
Anne Morgan
John Noel
Rose Redus
Patrick Sims
Cris Whitlock
Civic Volunteer Group Award
Recognizes representatives of civic, membership, faith-based or non-corporate groups that volunteer together for a specific cause or issue.
Brentwood Baptist Church – Medical Dental Unit*
Crossroads Campus, Caring Connection*
Cheryl’s List – A Division of the 510 Foundation
Nashville Humane Society
NHA Silver Socializers
Sew & So
Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Trans Buddy Program*
Whites Creek
Corporate Volunteerism Award
Pays tribute to businesses that have robust employee volunteer programs with high levels of participation and impact.
AmecFoster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
CAT Financial Young Professionals
ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education
Dell Nashville*
FYKES Realty Group*
HCA (Nashville Adult Literacy Council)
HCA (Second Harvest)*
HCA (Special Kids)
Healthways
Jackson in Action
Public District 0323
Direct Service Volunteer Award (ages five to 20)
Recognizes individuals who have contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources to help an agency’s constituents.
David Charlton
Parkhurst Children
Sanjaly Geevarghese
Karen Goldsmith
Tim Kelly
Hannah Kimbro*
Jordyn Lesh*
Margot May
Madi & Lara Nunn
Celine Phaon
Soteria Reid
Abby Sparrow
Annaclaire Stipe
Sam Strang
Avery Taylor
Olivia Wright*
Direct Service Volunteer Award (Ages 21 to 49)
Recognizes individuals who have contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources to help an agency’s constituents.
John Adcock
Dilsia Alfaro
Lisa Avrit
Nick Gambill
Rodney Harris
Jessica Hill
Terry Key*
Laura Little
Deanna Loveland
Anna-Vija McClain
Megan McInnis
Anna Marie Nordgren*
Jami Oakey
Grace Oaks
Allison Plattsmier
Whitney Presley
Noah Raper*
Dr. Jaime Romero
Cristie Sanborn
Julia Shaeffer
Aria Stiles
Lauren Stone
Becky Sullivan
Katie Umberg
TiAndrea Watkins
Direct Service Volunteer Award (Ages 50 plus)
Recognizes individuals who have contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources to help an agency’s constituents.
Marilyn Bagford
Mack Barrett
Patricia Beard
Linda Bodfish*
Lisa Booker
Robert Brandt
Margaret Campbelle-Holman
Don Cornwell
Jennifer Cox
Charlie Cunningham
Deborah Edmondson
Joe First
Jerry Grant
Laurie Green*
Rachel Hallums
Diana Hiatt
Lori Hines
Glenna Hoke
Donice Kaufman-Stewart
Marlin Keel
Pam Kimbro
Carrol Kleinschmidt
Robert Light
Joseph Manners
Bettie Markham
Syd Mayberry
Edward McClarty
Sue Medcalf
Judi Medford
Pat Morris
Faye Parker
Bart Perkey
Lillian Schklar*
Mark and Karen Strakbein
Ellen Tighe
Lester Turner
Sue Varboncoeur
Pam Wegenka
Carol Whitcore
Robert Wilkins
Sherrie Williams
Faye Wyatt
Vicki Young
Vickie Young
A portion of bikes collected by Harpeth Pres.
Congregation members learning the ropes at a bike refurbishment project
