The awards honor individuals, groups and businesses in the WSOC Channel 9 viewing area for extraordinary community service.
Betty Hurst, foster parents licensing director for the Chesterfield County Department of Social Services (DSS), nominated the group and lauded them for their selfless dedication.
Twenty-eight finalists emerged from the 100 applicants. Three of those finalists were from Chesterfield County. Hade E. Robinson, volunteer and board member for the Chesterfield County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs (CCBDSN), received an individual nomination for the second consecutive year.
The Chesterfield County Foster Parents Association and "C" Company South Carolina State Guard received group nominations, but the Foster Parents Association took the prize.
The Foster Parents Association is a non-profit organization made up of 24 single people or married couples who provide a safe home to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.
Co-president Frankie Powell, Lue Patterson, who was Foster Parent of the Year in 2004, and Hurst accepted the award for the group. Co-president Linda Abernathy, a Chesterfield County teacher, was unable to attend.
Powell said the group was very happy with the recognition. "I just wish we could have taken the whole group," she said.
Hosted by WSOC-TV Eyewitness News anchors Debi Faubion and Vince Coakley, the luncheon was presented by 9 Family Focus Partners at Lowes Motor Speedway.
Keynote speaker was Dell Curry, director of basketball relations for the Charlotte (N.C.) Bobcats.
Now in its 25th year, the Nine Who Care Awards program was recognized nationally as one of the "best and most innovative programs in the United States" as part of the President's Citation Program for Private Sector Initiatives in 1987.
Gale Baker may be reached at galebaker@thecherawchronicle.com.
Post a Comment
