NETWORK - NEWS
NETWORK CLOSES A PHENOMENAL YEAR
On January 21, 2010, NETWORK of Community Ministries hosted at the Canyon Creek Country Club its 25th Silver Anniversary Convocation for 72 corporate members and a host of Richardson elite to celebrate its 2009 achievements and the election of new board members. Network Board Chair Bill Cavanaugh highlighted the event with the highest volunteer recognition for Network’s Founder, Dr. Don Barnes, which was the White House’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Chairman Cavanaugh also announced that the Network Board approved on January 12, 2010 the motion to begin plans to establish the Don Barnes Endowment Fund in his honor for the future of Network in the years to come.
Receiving the "Crystal of Distinction"award for outstanding service on behalf of NETWORK were: Network Board members Linda Reed and Jean Sloan (St. Luke’s Lutheran Church) who premiered a remarkable 2009 Garden Tour fundraiser; Board member Sue Reed (First Baptist Church of Richardson)for her successful leadership of the Network volunteer program; Board member Tom Purcell (Spring Valley United Methodist Church) for his fundraising excellence, Board member Frankie Meripol (Lake Highlands United Methodist Church) for organizing the largest number of food drives to benefit Network; and Joette Lyles (First Baptist Church of Richardson) for the 2nd annual Songfest’s continued high revenue generation. For many, many hours of work on behalf of the Network Board, Dr. Victor Hegemann also received a special appreciation.
The City of Richardson was the recipient of the 2009 "Above and Beyond"award. Chairman Cavanaugh stated that this award "long overdue". Mayor Gary Slagel and City Councilmen, along with City Manager Bill Keffler were there to receive the award. Cavanaugh said, "we are truly supported all year by the City of Richardson and never more so than during December when the Richardson Parade is held for the sole benefit of the Network."All of the Parade entrance fees, toys, financial support, and food collected are donated to the Network, and this is the largest single event that closes the Network year. Joining Mayor Slagel and City Manager Keefler at the podium were Mayor Pro Tem Bob Townsend, Councilmen Mark Solomon, Bob Macy, and Amir Omar. Councilman Steve Mitchell was in attendance earlier.
E. A. McDowell’s devoted tenure as NETWORK’s Board President ended with the convocation and received the "Outstanding Service"award for his dedication and leadership. Former President McDowell joined outgoing board members Scott Belsley, Sue Reed and John Roark as new board alumni. New Network Board inductees are: Joy Anderson, Chris Barnes, Dan Bobst, Albert Egbuna, and Ken Williams. Also, special tribute was given to Network corporate members for major support of the Network mission: All Saints Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church of Richardson, First Baptist Church of Richardson, First Presbyterian Church of Richardson, King of Glory Lutheran, and St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church.
"2009 was an amazing year for Network,"stated incoming Board President Jack Lyles in his silver anniversary address, "a record 46,167 individuals and 9,747 families were impacted by temporary assistance from Network."Network’s 2009 outcomes were extraordinary: the Adolescent and Children’s Clinic handled the healthcare needs of 375 uninsured children referred from RISD; the Seniors’ Net was there for 3,635 elderly; and Emergency Services touched the lives of 42,157 with rent, temporary housing, food, clothing, utilities, prescriptions, bus fares, and counseling.
Board President Lyles spoke about the thousands who came hungry to Network during last year, and Network gave food only to 29,345. Children, youth, adults and seniors did not go hungry because of being food insecure. NETWORK fed them, distributing 490,845 pounds of food, with dollars directed to all clients at $1,431,730.53. President Lyles also spoke of the unique partnership with RISD that led to unprecedented benefits for children and youth: 1,184 children from 4 school districts--RISD, DISD, PISD and GISD--received school supplies to start the academic year and a record 2,793 received toys through the Network Santa Project. NETWORK attributes its 2009 success to the many volunteers who gave 51,998 hours of service currently valued at $20.25 an hour, saving the organization $1,052, 959.50.
"It’s clear that Network had an outstanding year, " remarked President Lyles, "but in many ways a banner year means our work for the impoverished has really just begun."
The NETWORK of Community Ministries, founded in 1985, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to caring, coaching and empowering neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life. NETWORK also offers help through the Adolescent and Children’s Clinic, Emergency Services, and the Seniors’ Net. NETWORK is located at 741 S. Sherman, Richardson, TX 75081.
