Volunteers of the Year Named for 2009
Euless relies upon the many hours that our supportive volunteers donate to make our programs, special events and facilities great! We are very fortunate to have a devoted group of citizens that continuously give back to our community. Volunteers assist the City in a variety of ways, often working long hours without pay or recognition, for the benefit of Euless. In turn, the City picks one person each year that embodies the very definition of a Volunteer to celebrate the dedication and service of these outstanding people and the difference they have made in the community.
Wes and Dianne Higdon and 6Stones Mission Network
were named the Volunteers of the Year for 2009 because of
their extensive involvement with the Euless Revitalization
program. The Higdons volunteered hundreds of hours of
their time and talent to organize and lead volunteers
during the past two years and have touched the lives of
dozens of Euless residents. 6Stones Mission Network was
the guiding force behind the ER Program. This local nonprofit
was formed after working with the ER program. They
work with a coalition of churches, non-profit agencies and
other entities to assist in meeting the needs of the
community. They both worked together to coordinate the
ER Blitz this past June when over 500 volunteers renovated
15 homes in just two days. Their dedication to Euless is
truly helping to make a better community.
The Volunteer Business of the Year was
awarded to Dallas Gold and Silver for
their efforts to help those less fortunate
in Euless. The staff adopted children
from a local apartment complex and
provided each of them with gifts during
Christmas. Owner Richard Haag was
nominated for his belief and dedication
in giving back to the community.
The 2009 Youth of the Year was given to
the Trinity Girls Awareness Program
(GAP) club for their considerable
support of the Euless Animal Shelter.
The Trinity GAP Club is an all-girl
community service club at Trinity High
School in Euless. Their devotion is to
the Euless Animal Shelter. These young
ladies have worked tirelessly to facilitate
over 200 adoptions, thereby reducing
the euthanasia rate significantly. They
also host fundraisers twice a year that
have raised over $5,000 to pay for over
100 dogs and cats vaccinations, spay and
neutering and other medical needs. In
addition, these teens foster the pets and
spend their free time in the shelter to
walk, groom and care for the pets that
reside there.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a person or persons in Euless that have given of their time and efforts to the City of Euless throughout their life. This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to two individuals: Joy Baldwin-Goodgame and Weldon Cannon.
Joy Baldwin-Goodgame has been a part of the Euless
community for years and is a "full-time" volunteer. She has
collected school supplies for several years through AARP in
Euless. She never hesitates to
volunteer for anything and
always does it with a genuine
heart. Joy volunteers for the
Trash Off, Easter events, Arbor
Daze, Euless Revitalization, and
the Christmas Parade. In
addition, she is involved in the
Library, Senior Center, the Parks
Department, the Women's Shelter and is active at First
Baptist Church Euless. Joy has also donated a photo album
from the turn of century and a typewriter in the Euless
history and genealogy room for display. She is a true asset for
our community.
Dr. Weldon Cannon is the grandson of one of the founding
families in Euless. His grandparents established the Euless
Nursery in 1897, which was recently designated a Texas
Historical Marker by the Texas Historical Commission.
Weldon was born in Euless and
graduated as salutatorian from
Euless high school in 1951.
Weldon, a professor emeritus at
Temple College, has been a
member of the Euless Historical
Committee since its inception. He
is devoted to the research and
preservation of Euless history.
Through three generations, the Cannon family has
contributed significantly to the development of Euless and
has had a special relationship with the city.
Our congratulations go out to all of this year's winners. The dedication of a volunteer's time and energy cannot be compared, and we appreciate their love and admiration for Euless. Thank you for your time and energy that you spend to help make Euless great!
