Five special volunteers were celebrated at the Hope for Family’s third annual Hope Through Service Awards Luncheon, held last Monday at the Bent Pine Golf and Country Club.
Chef Joe Faria, Dan Kross, Nicki Maslin, Liz Mayo and Melissa Medlock were each honored for their work on behalf of HFC as well as their continued spirit of volunteerism within the community.
“The idea was to recognize people who have gone above and beyond for not just for us but also recognizing those who have been actively working on behalf of the homeless,” said board president Tom Mackie.
Prior to the awards ceremony, Frank Fagan, one of the founders of the HFC, spoke about the growth of the 25-year-old organization, which provides emergency and transitional housing for homeless families.
As family members or colleagues presented the awards to the individual honorees, executive director Mary Ellen Maguire related their many accomplishments. Each has given of their time and has helped to collectively raise more than $1 million for the charity through their commitment and dedication.
Quail Valley Club’s executive chef Joe Faria was recognized for his numerous charitable efforts, particularly for enlisting the support of his colleagues to organize one of the HFC’s most profitable events, the Top Chef Challenge. This year’s qualifying event takes place Jan. 25, followed by Vero’s Top Chef Finale on Feb. 22.
“He is not only talented culinary-wise but he also has great passion for the community and that has been the most admirable aspect of working with him for twenty plus years,” said Kevin Given, Quail Valley partner and General Manager.
Saying she was humbled by the honor, Nicki Maslin said that helping homeless mothers and children made her realize how blessed she was, adding that she had become even more empathetic after she became a mother herself. “These are people just like you and me who have just fallen on hard times,” said Maslin.
“We are so proud,” said her mother Christy Lenz. “All the women in our family are very strong and have leadership abilities. We taught Nicki to stand on her own two feet and then get out there and do for other people.”
“If anyone has never taken a tour of the facility I encourage them to do so,” said honoree Dan Kross, who served among other roles as a board member and Top Chef co-chair. “I was brought on board after a little kid poked his head in our meeting room. It changes everything from conceptual to reality when you are looking at a 3-year-old living in their family’s car.”
Maguire introduced Liz Mayo as a person completely filled with positive energy and a spirit that moved mountains.
“No one should go homeless or hungry,” said Mayo. “I volunteer because it is the right thing to do. We are all a part of a web of existence; and everyone has the inherent right to live with dignity. It is the Hope for Families Center that helps the homeless do that.”
One honoree was not able to attend, but had the ultimate excuse. Melissa Medlock, who was having a baby at the time of the ceremony, will be given her award at a private presentation.
“I think the most important thing about these luncheons is getting the word out about the plight of the homeless and to thank the unsung heroes making a difference in our community,” said Maguire. “It acknowledges what they do for us, it brings awareness to the problem and it inspires others to help.”
