Hello. I'm Vicky George, and I'm Rick Van who's tonight? We're honored to introduce you to our 2020 Bell Award recipients. The pandemic prevented us from hosting a public awards banquet, but nothing has stopped the efforts of these amazing volunteers. 10 local adults were selected to receive the prestigious Bell Award Ah Bell cast in the likeness of the ship spell on the Belle of Louisville, which symbolizes answering the call to service. And thanks to the generosity of Republic Bank Foundation, each recipient was awarded a $500 grant to the charity of their choice. In addition to high school students received the Bell Awards Youth Service Honor as well as a $4000 scholarship Laurel Award. Compliments of our telecast sponsor Seal Master of Kentucky. Our first recipient channeled the pain of her daughter's bullying to bring hope and encouragement to other young girls. Meet Tish Frederick. What bay is doing today is we're creating a toolbox off things to help you get through difficult times in your life. My name is Tish Frederick. All right, I'm gonna get started. E had a daughter that suffered, and I don't want anybody else to go through what she went through, and that's why I do it. You all should have, um, no cards in your box. So there's a lot of girl groups out there, but nothing that would do what I wanted it to dio. And so I wrote down what I wanted in a girl's program, and I heard beautiful as you are, you're beautiful as you are, and I wrote that down, and I just start writing what I wanted for her. When do you feel depressed? What are some things you can do to make yourself feel better? Our program is developed for what they want and what they need. That's not me talking to them. But it's them talking through their issues, talking through depression, sadness, feelings of wanting to harm yourself or bully others. That's what it's all about, is we do it together, not just mean when you feel sad. What do you do to smile? Rosie says. She eats ice cream and she gets hugs. It hurts when I hear stories of kids in our community who have taken their life. It tugs on my heart because it's like, Gosh, I wish I had got to them in time where I wish they knew that we were here because there's so much not accepting for who you are. And there's so much pressure on what you need to look like. You have to be perfect and shaped like a cookie cutter. You have to be this color or have your hair this color. If somebody has your box and they want to smile, that card is for that. The mission is bigger than me. It's bigger than all of us. You know. It's to save as many of these kids as we can manage. Great guys, you're doing a great job. So we've grown just from families that say, Hey, this program saved my daughter and they come this way, All right, so I want to see you girls writing and I want to see you. Decorating your boxes is special to know that you're touching so many people and that they really, truly appreciate you. I love it. Good job. That is a great I hope you guys got that. When I hear the stories from the parents and say We came to bay and you changed your life or your program changed my daughter's life It's amazing to me and I'm humbled by it because you can't change who you are. People don't like. You move on. You find people that do love you just for who you are. And that's what we're all about. And it feels really, really good. Love it, right? That is. I never heard that. You've got to write that up on our chalkboard. That's good. First, I would like to thank W L K Y for honoring me with this prestigious Bell Award. I am humble by being chosen and forever grateful. I have to thank God for choosing me to serve the girls of Baia and their families. He could have chosen anyone, but he chose me to my wonderful husband. Thank you so much for believing in me and the idea to create Baia from day one. I couldn't do this without your support to my daughter and my business partner, Jasmine. Thank you so much for a long mommy to build this organization from a painful time in your life. I know it hasn't been easy to my boys, Manny and address. Thank you so much for sharing your mom with the world and for never complaining Toe My parents and my brother Thank you so much for being my biggest cheerleaders. Toe every bay. A family that trust me and my team with your daughters each week. Thank you for trusting and supporting me week after week. Lastly to the Bay of Board members, Every volunteer and donor. Thank you for helping me make Baia what it is today. We couldn't do this without you. Thank you so much. Beautiful as you are. Well received. Tisch is Republic Bank Foundation Charity Grant. Cassie Sodi is committed to helping couples achieve happy, healthy marriages. Listen to her story. E always assumed that our marriage would be there on our 20th anniversary that he said he was leaving me to marry. What then was my best friend is through that valley that this all came about. It was difficult, but I remember George saying to me, he said, You will live to see the day that you forgive me. It's like I just didn't want to give up. And I valued George and our marriage and our six kids. So out of that valley is what came? A ministry. We didn't know what we were doing. We were just helping people to not go through what we went through. That's me. I'm not a counselor. I'm a mentor, fax. You know, back E just can't keep straight. You have to keep straight with what they're telling you. So you have tow, write it down. We tell them what they could have. We don't tell people to divorce. We don't tell people to stay married. We tell people what they could have. Can you forgive? Absolutely. Is it hard? Yes. Is reconcile ing hard? Yes, and a lot of people bail with the reconcile ing because it's a lot of work. The volunteerism. I think it's because of the hours spent in coffee shops, lunches, dinners, their house, my house, people storming in, storming out, people falling in love again in our kitchen. And you know, it's like I'm here to help you, no matter what my kids put on here, Mom, because I couldn't keep track of everything. This is in 1993. It's just it's a joy to see how God uses way, said earlier. The worst case scenario for for the better case scenario. So I love what I do and I love my life. I have a purpose. I have a real purpose for living. My life is pretty rewarding because I have all these people. I'm proud of it. Button humbled. Did you get in award for Be nice to somebody. Thank you. It's only by the grace of God that I stand here before you today. Tonight, actually humbly accepting this prestigious Bell Award. I want first and foremost to thank W o K y and their sponsors for even thinking that I'd be among the many more deserving candidates than I am for this award. I want to sincerely thank my dear and lifelong friend Tana Harding for believing so strongly that I was worthy enough to be considered. I am forever grateful. I'm also thankful for all those who have written the caring and loving letters on my behalf. Yeah, I think my sweet husband George, who is in heaven with Jesus He was my helpmate. Through it all, and without him there would be no story. There would be no ministry, and there would never be a ministry without our strong faith in our loving precious Lord. Which leads me to the blessing of my six beautiful Children. and their spouses, who have always been so understanding, loving and supportive in our helping of others. And we cannot forget the 13 grandchildren, and I'll quickly hardly quickly say them. Meghan Clay Davis, Ethan Stewart, Sims, Marie Haley, Bryn Cameron, Erin Ryan Ashley had to say that they're the love of my life. Luke, 12 48 says Too much is given. Much is required. The beauty of life isn't in our circumstances, but it's in our soul. I am so forever thankful. And my heart thanks all of you for this wonderful award. I thank you, Theo Cherry beside You for Life will receive Kasi's Republic Bank Foundation Grant. Steve Bingley is devoted to the Special Olympics program in Clark and Floyd counties. Here's his story. It's been an interesting journey. Let me get your temperatures. John Gardner Want me Get yours, buddy. Most people don't understand that the Special Olympics is all about athletes that aren't normal athletes. You know, anybody have any questions on the rules? They want Thio be treated normal, but they're not normal. We're going off a white T so hit up our job is to get out there and make them feel like they are e gall have to have a lot of patients. At times you were set up like this, but you hit it way in here. So you wanna bring that club straight back like that? Well, when you get to know the athletes and see how much they care e. I mean, it really sends, uh, chill down your spine because, you know, they're so much different than regular athletes out there. You know, it's not all about a glory. I mean, they're out there to show everybody that they could compete. They're not somebody that you need to put away in the home somewhere. They they wanna be ableto be normal is what they wanted. You're ready, aren't you? Hit it far, all right? It means a lot because, like I said, e know what it's like to have a son that's special needs. So I can relate to that with other people that have special needs. Yeah, that was worse. That's wait for the right now. That was Oh, my son and I went in 2015 L a and golf. We got a silver medal out there year before that, he went to nationals in New Jersey. Andi in singles and I was a coach on. At that time, I was one of the coaches, all right, John. Good hit, buddy. It's just amazing to see how these athletes get along. You know, it's not all about a gold medal all the time. It's about I get to compete and I'm just like a regular person. Hey, E, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Bernie and Bev Biggane for their nomination for this award and the W L K y. For selecting me for the Bell Award. I want to thank our 250 plus athletes in our Clark Floyd County program for following me to coach and mentor them. I have learned more from them and their perseverance that I have ever given to them. We have over 18,000 athletes and unified partners and Special Olympics Indiana, and to be a small part of this is extremely gratifying. I would like to thank Jeff Mohler, president of Special Olympics Indiana, for guiding us in our local program and entrusted me to be county coordinator, finally a big thanks to my family, but for their support and participation with our events. My life. Bobby, my granddaughter Kennedy Grace, my daughter Kathy and son in law Kevin Able and our son, Stephen Jr Little did I know in 1980 when Steven was born, that it would be my initial catalyst to become involved in Special Olympics. Thank you very much. Steve Bingley's Republic Bank Grant will go to the Clark and Floyd County Special Olympics program. The Bell Awards program is governed by the spirit of Louisville Foundation, a nonprofit organization We like to take this time to think our border trustees for your leadership general intelligence, meet Judy Watson Gordon and see the passion she has for combating food insecurity and local schools on helping people really is the most positive thing you could dio. It's so basic, it's so basic and it's so it's a It's a complex problem with a really simple solution. It's so much more than just food, you know. It's like even the students reach out and help each other through all this, like we're actually showing them how to care. So it's very empowering, and I think that was something that my family and I needed way feel empowered by this with this Carol's kitchen, The spirit of it. We feel like we keep Caroline Meghan alive like I cannot let there memory and their legacy, Doc. We're serving others, which is the best way to heal yourself. When you turn that tragedy into something where you can help people, it's the best feeling in the world, and it's it's healing. It's really healing for all of us. You change one person's life, you change the world. Hello, Good morning. Thanks for coming. Thes don't have a note card so they can write a note to the students. Since we don't see them in person thinks is such a great turnout job. Good job. A volunteer. I just think that you're a person that steps up to the plate. When you when you identify a need and for everybody, it's different. You know, you can find a passion about just anything good. You sell a lot of chances, honey, but for me it's just finding your purpose and then stepping up to the plate and delivering. You all look beautiful in your care off kitchen T shirt. You look beautiful. I can feel her presence and Megan's presence every day, especially when I do stuff like this. How are you? So just that most basic human need food You can't think without it, you can't thrive without it. And it's just so important. So I hope this award Thio just shines a light on childhood hunger thing is my purpose Thio in childhood hunger and Louisville, Kentucky and branch it out. You know, as long as I'm alive assed far as I can. Good luck. Well, first of all, thank you so much to W l k y and two Republic Bank for allowing me to have a platform to speak about childhood hunger. I'd also like to thank my aunt's Elaine Landing and Katie Smith for the nomination. I share this with them and with everyone in my family, um, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, cousins, my Children, my sacred heart academy family who are, um, I've been friends with since I was 14 years old. Um, the Sacred heart alumni, the Senec alumni blessings in a backpack and, um, Kentucky Select properties. They all lift me up and support me. And, um, help me whenever I need it. Whether it's a food drive or a fundraiser, they're all there for me and a shout out to the darling society. Harry and Cameron. I love you all so much. Carol's Kitchen will receive Judy's Republic Bank charity grant again this year. Churchill Downs in the Spirit of Louisville Foundation, presented the John Asher Spirit Award. This year's recipient is Reverend Charles Elliott Jr The award was created to honor the legendary face of Churchill Downs, and it's presented to a community leader who personifies the same spirit of community. Is John did through business, civic and philanthropic efforts? Here's Reverend Elliott, but I promise myself, and I promise God that I won't gonna stop marching and stop walking and stop fighting until one day on when we get rid of property. When we get rid of Jealous and Henry when we get rid of poor on all of us have things together. Then we can sing the song in a two meanings. Free at last three. Atlanta Thank God I might A I'm 86 years old been passing right here, 15 There I have met with the governors and met with print. You know, I just think about so many things God allow me to do. But I'm concerned now about where we at. We've done a lot of talk, but we ain't doing a lot of doing. I'm here in it. I didn't move out of the West and I'm in the west and I live here. I passed it here for 59 years right here. So I know what I'm talking about. My job is to try to console them the best I can. Black lives matter, But my position is all lives matter. We got to become riel and start to looking at what Jesus said, because his way is the on leeway that work. If I do it just to get fame or get publicity, I'm wasting my time because eventually it don't come to know we as a family, white and black and police and ministers and community. We all continue to work together. I'm so glad that God let me live long enough to see White and Black John together. Our guest racism, I guess. Wrong. That's in 1968 as me and King, it soon be we have overcome. Dr. King said that one day way gonna all come together holding hands together, walking together white, black, rich and poor way today. We're doing it. So everybody said we've made no progress. I said, Well, y'all wouldn't living when When we were going through it, we made a lot of progress. John Asher was such a special man to our community. He always lifted others. He inspired others to be better. And that reminds me a lot of a man that is with us today, who I know John Asher would be so honored to see accept an award that bears his name. Reverend Elliot. You represent so many things that were important to John in his lifetime social justice, racial equity, giving people a second chance. I know particularly. He was a huge fan of your Jesus and a job program. And I know that he's with us here today in spirit. And I know that he is so grateful for the work you do for our community. And on behalf of the Churchill Downs family. I just want to say congratulations and thank you for everything you do for the city of Wool. I am so honored and so thankful to God for this great award. Especially John Ashton. I met him a few years ago and he was the first to give me a personal check for my Jesus on the job is the Reverend. I'll talk with the company, but I won't let you know. I appreciate what you've done. I want to set the child 32 the bell Kyi, how grateful I am for what you all are doing in this community. Bring me when I tell you. I know what I'm talking about. How you all keep the public aware. I remember when this station was when this station were built. I've been passed in 59 years, so I know what went on. But I wanna thank w l care why on all of my friends, I brought a friend with me who gave me the first seed brother Scott, who runs the guardhouse. I just thank God for all of us, and we will someday overcome. Thank you all. So much for the honor, Hannah. Rob is a strong voice for veterans and Children. This bellman student works are hard out with honor, flight, bluegrass and toys for tots. Let's meet Hannah. Volunteering is definitely being something greater. To bring yourself serving something greater than yourself. Every single day. I set out Thio. Recognize the veteran? Figure out how I could make their lives better, or even just step out and say Thank you so much for your service because it truly does in the world. Thank you for your service and welcome to your memorial. Enjoy your visit today on. That's truly what working with veterans is is a family. Every single one you meet has a story. They have something to share. They have a lesson to teach you. So working with these veterans is not something that I do because I have Thio or I feel like they need it. I'm gaining so much more than what I could ever give to these men and women. And I'm so thankful for their service to our country. E e. Don't ever walk into the toys for Tots warehouse or the airport on an honor flight Morning. And thank what can I do to stand out today? What can I do to serve someone better than the next person I set out and say, How can I make one kid stand out and make them feel special? How can I make one veteran make this the best day of their life? How can I make that happen? I never set out to make it about me. E feel like the work I'm doing is truly making a difference. If my work changes the attitude of one person, if it benefits the life of one child, I'm doing my job. If you're serving something greater than yourself crazy, that's volunteerism. It's a servants heart, and that's what I set out to do every single day. Everyone is passionate about something. Everyone is passionate about something. Once you find that something that makes you get up in the morning and you truly say This is the change that I want to see in the world, you're going to go make it. The honor of accepting this award is not what I could do on my own. I accept it for the men and women who have given me a reason to serve and who Valiant Leslie and fearlessly serve their community every single day. Even when nobody is watching. I accept this award with a promise of using it to broaden my audience and use its name to spread the awareness of quality of life in the veteran community. Whether that be across the Commonwealth or the nation. I must think several people who have made this all possible to my mom, Josh, Chris and Elissa. Thank you for believing in my ideas and allowing me to make them into reality. To Cletus Heather and Bill Brundage. You all look past my age and you put me to work. Two. D D. Cox. Without your nomination, I would have never been recognized. But I can guarantee you that my service would have continued. And lastly, Frank, Rob my dad and Wendell cash my grandfather. Thank you for raising me with the values of respect and love for our nation's veterans. As veterans, I thank you, and as family members, I love you. My work will continue with the same motto that it started. The willingness of future generations to serve is dependent on how we treat those who have already served. So join me and continue my work as it is not finished. Thank you On her flight. Bluegrass chapter will receive. Hannah Robs Republic Bank charity. Grant Bird of Weinberg is a powerhouse for the Cuban community. From advocate to educator, she does it all. Here's Bertha's story. The first part we need to do is to educate people about what is the purpose of the same thing. This is Spain back. Um, I came to Louisville, Kentucky, almost 25 years ago. So the Department of Commerce knows how many Cubans we have in the community. You are right way all these to the city. The city number one welcome us has given us more than what our homeland gave us. Anyway, Andi. Then we also the city way need in order to match the funds with the needs of the community. We need to know how many people in the community plenty of joy. Their long days occasionally sweat. You're tired. Uh, sometimes you're frustrated because you want some resources and you don't have it. But at the end, you go home tired, and you just have that sense of Joey that you can know describe you definitely can feel it. And then in the midst of that exact station, just just thinking about how can we do it next week? This is what I do. Things isn't an extension of my job. This is my job. I during the day help students to learn English and you get place in school and patterns to understand a big system like J. C. P s on and then after hours we do now is the sense s or during coming 19 with another organization we did 10 service off, drive through with food. So with food delivery and clothing, that's what you do do a community that did the same for you. So it's a payback, and I'm not the only one doing it. There is a lot of people doing this on, and then the new refugees are learning. This is what you do so way. Just going that American spirit off. We're givers. What were the evening? I'll add my gratitude to the city off level. I had never heard of the city of wiggle before I came in. I didn't know where Kentucky was located. I guess my knowledge off American geography was not as good as I thought I had it. But I'm in love with the city on, grateful for the City of Louisville on, of course, grateful for this country that gave me the freedom that I didn't have in my own homeland. So for that I'm great. Yeah. Good evening. Thank you. To Wook why develop your foundation and Republic Bank as well as to the B frog with Jewish family in career services for the nomination? I'm honored to be here tonight and extremely grateful for sharing this award with many extraordinary people. Thank you to my family and closest friends for supporting each project, even those that believe me. We're not as easy and sound a little crazy at the beginning. For the Cuban refugee like me, arriving to revoke Kentucky in 1986 with two small Children was like arriving toe a very big city. And then the magic happened. I met many new friends who helped me on the journey to learn a new culture and a new language serving. Others have given me the joy off meeting many families who opened their hearts and homes to make me part off their dreams. To those I have help and those who made a path for me, this award is yours. Thank you, Gracias. The Cuban American Association of Kentucky will receive Berta Weinberg's Republic Bank Charity Grant. As we mentioned at the start of the telecast, the Republic Bank Foundation is generously providing a $500 charity grant for each of our adult recipients. We have this message from Chairman and CEO Steve Trager. The Republic Bank Foundation is honored to sponsor tonight's presentation of the W. L. K Y Bell Awards were going to meet some of the communities finest humanitarians, people from all walks of life, with one common thread. The desire to help make life better for their fellow man. This event in the recipients being honored represent much of what is important to us here at Republic Bank. Giving back to the community is ingrained in our culture as a local bank, where only a strong is the communities we serve and tonight's honorees air helping to make our community strong. Republic Bank says thank you for your volunteer service and is pleased to provide each recipient ah, grant to their charity of choice. It's an evening to celebrate the spirit of servicing compassion that extends from every corner of our great community. Thank you for being here tonight and again. My congratulations to tonight's W L. K Y Bell Award recipients. Landry Feldmayer is our first youth honoree. She's one busy volunteer and even use the technology of Zoom to stay in touch with her mentees during this pandemic. Let's meet Landry. Hey, welcome in Kindness is kind of like a universal language. It can reach everyone no matter where they are in life. So it's either the Roman or the peanut butter because you can't really you can't serve without being kind. They go hand in hand. So over the two years I created Be bold Be kind, which is a movement completely centered around being kind, showing others kindness and doing randomize of kindness. Then Andrew can put in an apple sauce and a granola. I have a passion for kindness. It's something that I truly enjoy, but I understand that not everyone does. So we're talking with them or trying to share my passion with them. I feel is really important because, of course, everyone has different passion. Everyone is driven by something different, but I think community service and giving back to others can be in president. Everyone's talent, everyone ability no matter what it is. Whoa! When I talk with elementary students, I have a book called The Bucket Book, and the entire basis around it is talking about how everyone carries invisible bucket on when you're kind to others. Their bucket gets filled and your bucket gets filled. But when you're unkind, like bullying or saying I mean word, then you you might think that you can dip out of their bucket to put in yours. But both buckets go down. So that kind of shows, like a mental image of what kindness does because it goes to everyone that's involved the giver and the receiver, which I think is really cool. Step one. Getting your tortilla nice and centered on it For me, volunteering is using my passion and the abilities that the Lord has given me. Thio give back to others, so I think it changes for just about everyone. But finding that one thing that you love, finding that thing that puts the sparkle in your eye and using it, twisting it to give back to others is what volunteering needs to me. Lauren, you're getting close toe tying. Aren't you? Like being finished. I feel like people have this idea that you know there's not enough kindness. We need more kindness, which we always need more kindness. But if you open your eyes and you look around, I think there's always something to see, there's always someone smiling at someone or holding the door or paying for the cup behind them at the Starbucks drive through. If you look for it, I think kind of could be found everywhere. Thank you again for being here so good to see you guys. Kinda is really. It's seeing a need and filling a need. That's the entire basis of it. And it might not be the easiest thing every day, but I promise that it is always worth it 100% of the time. Quote. I'm on Lee one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I could do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can dio end quote Helen Keller. I am in complete ought to be standing here, and I'm deeply humbled to join such an elite group of beautiful souls who do this, something they could do to make a difference in this world. Thank you, W l K y, for seeking out these change makers and for inspiring me year after year. Thank you. Still master of Kentucky for your generous sponsorship of the scholarship I know it will definitely come in handy over the next few years to my DD who introduced me from a young age to so many beautiful organizations and people. Thank you for being right there, opening doors of opportunity and serving right along with me to everyone who wrote a letter of recommendation, my village and my partners and kindness. Your words blew me away. They will stick with me for years to come, and I will forever strive to be the girl you described to my family, who taught me from an early age how to show others tangible kindness and love no matter what, thank you for always being there and willing to lend a helping hand. Most importantly, I want to thank my God who made me who I am and gave me the opportunity to give back. I believe many people want to help, but they're not always sure how or where to put their efforts. Well, I want to encourage you to look within and see what gifts and talent you've been given and then look around and see how you can use those for the benefit of others. Be bold in your motives to make a change for good in this world and be kind and all things big and small. I am honored and humbled to accept this award. Thank you so much. Chloe Yates brings the joy of gymnastics to some very special youth. Here's our second youth honoree. Okay, all I follow me this way being involved in so many sports has inspired me to start my own Special Olympics gymnastics program. All right, Sara, go ahead, move that front foot out a little bit more. And I love being able to help people who are differently abled and get them involved in activity in a sport that they haven't been able to do previously. Yes, awesome. And back out. Yeah, just like that. Ella. It definitely is very special. And it's so much fun to teaching them something completely new and getting them out of their comfort zone. Let's head over to beam, showing them some new fun sports and doing different activities, like walking on the beam or swinging on the bars. It's just really fun to teach them how to do all of these new things. Don't want you to really swing your feet. It can't come back. All right, That's it. Nice. Awesome. I really love how special Olympics involves everyone and anyone. And to be inclusive of others, arms by your side and put 1 ft in front of the other and special extra Nah, sticks is just so inspiring to me because I'm able Thio, teach what I love to these athletes weighing and jump there. That's it. Awesome. I just find so much joy in the athletes. They are always so inspiring to me, and they're always working so hard. And they really inspired me to keep coaching because I want them to get better. I want them to continue to enjoy the sport and to continue to go to these meats and have fun with their team. You got it? You got it Nice. Those are really nice. Now flip your hands for me and to perfect That was it. Well, when they finish a skill or they do something, do they get so excited? And we all love to celebrate it. Yeah, just like that. That was it. Nice. It is such an amazing thing that they're so learn and try new things and maybe do something amazing that they've never done before, but you're feeling the edge. There you go. Can you reach the bar now? A lot of these skills, they may have thought they never would never be able to do them. And with us teaching them, they're able to try these new things and succeeded them. Nice. All right, well, I find so much joy in doing it. I find joy and seeing other people have fun and be happy, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love being able to help these athletes and have fun with them. Teach them new things, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am honored and humbled to receive this W L K Y Youth Bell Award as a founder of Special Olympics Gymnastics, Louisville along with my team of volunteers, I am so grateful and privileged to coach these athletes in the sport of gymnastics. I want to thank Angie Tyler, Theo nerve all about kids, for allowing us to use Champion gymnastics, the facility we were able to practice that I am so grateful to those who have believed in me and provided nominations and letters of recommendation for this award. I want to give a huge shout out to Trish Mazzone, CEO of special Olympics of Kentucky Jessica Summer Shine with the Special Olympics South East All Star cheerleaders. Jennifer Taylor, the director of Miss New Lew and Kelly Blevins, a teacher and a teacher for students with special needs at North Older Middle School. I can't thank each of them enough for the kind words and confidence they have placed in me. I also cannot think my family enough for the continuous support they have for me and everything I dio. I feel blessed and honored to be the recipient of this award. And among with so many who are passionate about all of their various philanthropies, I'm surely grateful. And thank you so much, Paul. Carmen E. Has volunteered with ST Vincent de Paul for nearly 21 years. He has a deep commitment to serve the homeless and disadvantaged. Listen to Paul's story. I see people up and down this alleyway here, uh, constantly day after day. A lot of them are military veterans on a lot of them. All they have at all in their position is what they have in their backpack. Hey, Mr Big. Okay? How you doing all right. It's just a place that it looks out for people in need. Quite honestly. I think the biggest point Waas Never. I decided when I retired from humanity. Okay, I've got time on my hands and I don't ever wanna look back on feel like that. I wasted the time that God has given. And that's and I had a friend that worked here at the time, and they asked me to come down. So it's okay. I will. So I've been here ever since. Just I start close out sized. Um uh, make sure there's, uh, no tears in them or anything like that on guy. Put a tag on him on the size and take them back to the clothes closet. I don't want to say I enjoy it, because I I do it because there is a need for it. I don't enjoy it because I see all these homeless people coming by all the time and so I don't enjoy that at all. It's just I when I helped him out as much as I can e certainly don't do this pretty kind of recognition or anything like that. People in need so if I can help them out in any way that I will. Thank you very much. She's certainly an honor to receive this award. And also would like to think my daughter Debbie and my son Scott her with me here today. And also, I would like Thio say thanks to ST Vincent de Paul where I I volunteer each day. Uh, they provide hundreds and hundreds every day off homeless people or people in need. They provide them with maybe meals. Uh um, a place to sleep close. Um, so it xcar certainly on honor, uh, to be apart of ST Vincent de Paul as a volunteer. That's, uh, one day as I was sorting donations. This gentleman comes by and then discussion with him. I found it. His only position with the clothes he is wearing. And it was a military veteran. So the best we can do we try to do for military veterans. And so, uh, such as providing him with a backpack, maybe. Ah, sweater and Cem. Personal care. Adams. And, uh, later on another day this lady comes by. She has a little girl with her. Probably 2.5 3 years old and I thought, What can a in the world can I do for a little girl to make her day? Ah, little bit happier. And then I got to thinking, have a stuffed animal. Uh, and, uh so I'm took the stuff down. I gave it to her and she hugged the stuffed animal. I said, thank you and walked away with a big grin on her face. And ladies and gentlemen, is important for me. Um, that I never looked back and feel like I have wasted the time that God has given me. And in my closing remarks, I will quote from former President John F. Kennedy, and he stated, as we express her gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them again. Thank you very much. ST. Vincent de Paul will receive Paul Carman Ease Republic Bank Charity grant. Dr. Barbara Mercer is committed to helping as many people as she possibly can through her volunteer work with Southwest Community Ministries. Meet Dr Mercer. Hello. It's far, but the Southwest Community Ministries I just like to volunteer. It brings me such joy because there's money available for you to be out and about meeting people, listening to their stories all you're welcome. Honey, I hope you feel better. And if I can help in some way, it just makes me happy to help people. Do you have any kind of income at all, right, Right now, this is my opportunity to be the middle person who helps you and tells you what you need to do. You know what paperwork you need to fill out in order to qualify? What you think your average LG and E Bill is way feel like we're just doing a wonderful mission for people. All right, so I'm gonna call until her. The good news makes me feel great. And And that z a feeling you just can't can't even describe To know that you've made someone's life better. You you've just been there so that they don't have to go to bed and worry themselves Sick hope you're feeling better since I talked to you last week and that you're able to be home from the hospital. I think it's just being available, you know, to meet other people's needs. That's what I mean by volunteering. It's like if there's something I can give or do that will help somebody else. That's what it means. It's like you don't really want compensation. You just want to know that you've done something good in this world. Okay, so ST Vincent de Paul was where we referred you before and they did. Help Way can't help everybody. But I'm one of those people who believes God brings people into your life for a reason. And if you can help them on the journey, great, do that. And sometimes it's reciprocal. They help you to. I am a giver away of a lot of things and my time because I think if I've got all this extra time, do I really want to sit around and watch daytime TV? I don't think so. So I can do a lot of volunteer work, and it just is much more fulfilling. So at the end of the day, I feel like I've done somebody some good in this world. I'll talk to you soon. Okay. Bye Bye. Thank you. Bell Ward Foundation for this great honor. And for the Ursuline Sisters, I thank you for teaching me that our gifts are to be shared generously. You continue to bless my life. Thank you. Also to Brenda Mattingly, for nominating me and for the hours of hard work you put into promoting my nomination To Sarah Karen, Sister Agnes, Wanda Ed Laurean, Harold. Thank you for your support of letters. It is a joy to serve with you and thanks to Republic Bank for your generous gift to Southwest Community Ministry and to my fellow recipients, I'm so honored to be among you. Let's continue to go in peace, toe love and serve our community. Thank you. Southwest Community Ministries will receive Doctor Mercer's Republic Bank Charity Grant Not willing to be hindered by the pandemic, Pat MEREDITH has raised $6000 to ST Jude's One mascot, a time Meet Pat. This is where I spend a lot of my time, So the first step is to cut it out. I have been a member of a non profit philanthropic sorority for 47 years. Then we sew it together. We do projects to support ST Jude, home of the innocents. Ronald McDonald. Spark Hope Water with blessings. Way. So these pieces together anybody that needs help, that would be the purpose of our sorority e don't like all the accolades. I don't like all the attention, but it is a good feeling to be able to help someone. I'm not sure how many mask I have made. Yeah, lots of strings to cut everybody, just you know, if you ask him to do anything, they'll do it for you. So again, it's not. It's not just me that does this work, you know, family and sorority sisters, neighbors. And then the next step I do is to reinforce it again. I'm going there and I feel a little bit of volunteer work. But I didn't think they thought that much of it. But apparently they did. So I don't think there's an end to anything that that way could do or we need to do to help others. Okay, I would like to thank my friends and family that have helped and supported me over the years. Thank you to my sister Betty, who has been in on every activity that I have done and thank you to all my essay sisters, which I have been a member for over 40 years. My mother was my role model growing up during the Depression, and being the youngest of nine. She told us to be giving, even though we had very little to give. There was a lady that lived next door to us, and Betty and uh would fix her dinner every evening and take her dinner to her. So, uh, mother also made dolls for the church picnic and anything she could do to help the church. E appreciate Joyce, Laura and Sherry for thinking of me and nominating me for this special award. This is such an honor to be recognized and to receive the W. L K Y Bell Award. Thank you again. Water with Blessings will receive Pats Republic Bank Charity Grant Ragen Rondo is our next Bell Award recipient. Ah, Louisville native, former University of Kentucky basketball star, an n b A champion. His best work off the court is assisting with youth. He started the Regime Rondo Foundation in 2011 with the goal of providing the kind of mentorship accountability and opportunities he received on his road to success. He purchased 157 jackets for the first class of young men attending the West in boys schools. In each jacket, he had a personalized insert sewn in into the jacket to remind these youth of their purpose and potential. But his commitment to the school did not end there. He has purchased athletic shoes and made numerous visits to the school. Sitting at the lunch table with students and discussing their progress, Raisins Foundation transformed the Shawnee Middle School Library into a state of the art facility that welcome and encourage students. I think she mentioned the things I've done far as on the court, but I think God put me here, too. Be in a position to be able to get back certain people making for certain reasons. I think my calling is to be able to touch as many kids as possible, starting right here in the Louisville, you know, in my hometown. Louisville, Kentucky. Again. Rajan made visits to the school during the renovation and donated a number of his own favorite books for the library. And this year, the region Rondo Foundation has joined forces with lineage, logistics and dare to care to provide food boxes during the pandemic. He spent three weeks in Louisville helping package and deliver the boxes. Lastly, Rajan is a treasured resource for the Metro United Way, who nominated him for this award, is an active member of the Black Male Achievement Roundtable, where he began his efforts for the West In boy school, we congratulate Ragen Rondo on this well deserved honor. His Republic Bank charity Grant will go to the Regime Rondo Foundation. There is another tremendous group of volunteers we want to recognize tonight our corporate honored volunteers. These individuals are being honored by their employers and volunteer agencies for their exemplary commitment to community service. We thank you for your service and now salute these honorees and their sponsoring organizations. Okay? Yeah. Okay. What do you say that e people? Thank you. Thanks for joining us for another fabulous W L K Y Bell Awards. Congratulations to all our honorees. And thank you for your dedicated community service. We leave you tonight with a look at this year's corporate sponsors. We greatly appreciate your support.