2013 Heart of the Community Awards: A Celebration of Volunteerism in Our Community

Watch the video of Terrance Harris, winner of last year’s Individual Volunteer Award at the Heart of the Community Awards, for a glimpse of inspiration-in-action.

Terrance Harris may not be a name you have heard of before, but his actions speak louder than words. When Harris’s newborn daughter became very sick with a disease called HLH, it drained his family’s finances and tested their spirits. He turned to the Volunteers of America (VOA) Family Relief Nursery for support and childcare assistance. Once his daughter made a full recovery, he felt compelled to help others facing similar hardships. Inspired by his grandmother and driven by his children, Harris became a dedicated volunteer and an active leader with VOA. Harris had very personal reasons for volunteering and recognized first-hand the importance of a strong community. He even linked his men’s church group with VOA programs, creating a stronger network of concerned citizens.

This month features the twelfth annual Portland Trail Blazers / Hands On Greater Portland Heart of the Community Awards, a collaboration between Hands On Greater Portland, a United Way program, and the Portland Trail Blazers. The event celebrates individuals in our community who possess the inspiring qualities of leadership, volunteerism and altruism.

This year’s event takes place on Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Governor Hotel’s Heritage Ballroom in downtown Portland from 11:30-1 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include a delicious catered lunch, a cozy atmosphere with outstanding community members and inspiration for how you can make a meaningful difference in our community.

The following honorees will be recognized for their service:

• Buzz and Joyce Nelson, Heart of the Community Award
• Holly Wilkalis, Hands On Greater Portland Volunteer Award
• Kathi Rodgers, Individual Volunteer Award
• Maddy Miller, Nathan Sibell Youth Leadership Award
• Returning Veterans Project, Volunteer Innovation Award
• Les Schwab,  Corporate Volunteer Award

Warm up from the winter’s chill by surrounding yourself with dedicated community members. Enjoy the opportunity to learn their stories of WHAT inspired them to volunteer, HOW they have positively impacted our community and WHY they believe giving back to the community is important.

It is our personal responsibility and in our best interest as citizens, neighbors and community members to maintain a vital and prospering community for all. Like Harris and other dedicated volunteers, we help for our own sake, but also for the sake of others. The two are intertwined, interconnected and irrevocably linked.

Questions? Contact Becky Blumer or call her at 503.200.3363. Ask about opportunities for table sponsorship! Don’t need to ask any questions? Go ahead and purchase tickets!