Loading...Four Louisvillians, including Episcopal attorney-photographer Donald Vish, were recognized earlier this summer at the first Lillian Yeager Citizen/Community Service Awards luncheon.
The awards were established in honor of the late Lillian Yeager, whose name in the metropolitan Louisville area and The Episcopal Church could be considered synonymous with service and commitment. She died in May 2006 after a long struggle against cancer.
Those honored at a ceremony on June 28 were Denise Raine, who is actively involved in the Youth Alive and inner city programs; Arnita Gadson, executive director of the nonprofit, volunteer organization West Jefferson County Community Task Force; Jill Doimer, who coordinates the Lunch and Learns Education series to educate the Louisville community about ovarian cancer; and Donald Vish, a Louisville attorney who teaches an ongoing photography class at St. George's Community Center and volunteers his time, resources and skills on behalf of other nonprofit organizations, including the Diocese of Kentucky.
Click below to read a transcript of remarks about each recipient by Michelle Yeager, Lillian Yeager's daughter and a St. George's Community Center board member.
June 28, 2007Michelle Yeager:
I am honored to present the 1st Lillian Yeager Community Service Awards. The Nomination Committee was blessed to read the wonderful contributions of many citizens in our community. This year we have selected four wonderful recipients that have dedicated their lives to helping make Louisville a wonderful place.
Our first award winner is an active member of the community said to have a "contagious smile that positively affects anyone she happens to come into contact with." Female youth claim her to be their mother and male youth think of her as a big sister. She is a mentor, hard worker and parent of two children. She is actively involved with the Youth Alive program, where she has coordinated out of town retreats and college tours, cleaned up downtown after Thunder Over Louisville, and raised money for the inner city youth through bake sales and other ventures. She has motivated various youth (and adults) to move forward and accomplish goals in life and showed them how she overcame her own obstacles. "Her never-ending commitment to the society of young people today and her lovable spirit fills every room she enters". Please join me in honoring Ms. Denise Raine!
Our next recipient has worked tirelessly to identify environmental concerns and environmental health concerns in west and southwest Metro Louisville. She helped collect and analyze air quality data to determine whether air toxic pollution was present in concentrations harmful to community health. She wants to ensure that harmful effects of air, land, and water pollution are not disproportionately borne by the residents of these communities. She was nominated because the nominator felt she was very similar to Dr. Yeager. Both are dedicated to the health field and improving the lives of others. Both also find joy in their musical talents and their individual sororities. This recipient has been highlighted in numerous magazines and news articles as executive director of the non-profit, volunteer organization West Jefferson County Community Task Force. She is involved because she cares. Please join me in honoring Ms. Arnita Gadson!
Our next recipient helped to create a support/awareness group. Even after her mother lost her battle with the disease, she stayed involved. While she works full time, on her own time she coordinates Lunch and Learns Education series to educate the Louisville community about ovarian cancer. She has never wavered in her support of those who are living with this deadly disease. Her dedication and determination to Ovarian Awareness of KY are inspirations to all who know her and have the privilege to work with her. It is said, "She knows her strengths and draws on others for her weaknesses. Her passion has no limit and she uses every ounce of her time and talents to make a difference." If she saves just one life from this cruel disease or eases one survivor's pain she will feel her life's work complete. Please join me in honoring Ms. Jill Doimer!
Our next recipient is a Louisville attorney and photographer who generously shares his time, expertise and talent on behalf of several organizations including: Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, CASA (Court Assisted Special Advocates), Shakespeare Behind Bars and Interfaith Paths to Peace.... [and the Diocese of Kentucky]. Eighteen months ago, he established a photography program for young people at St. George's Community Center. It is said, "These youth are not only learning a skill, the craft of photography. They are also learning a way of seeing (learning that their lives and world are worth documenting) and a way of being (discerning philanthropists whose gifts are shared to benefit others). Watching him work with them makes it clear that he values young people and appreciates their potential." Please join me in honoring Mr. Donald Vish!
Four Louisvillians, including Episcopal attorney-photographer Donald Vish, were recognized earlier this summer at the first Lillian Yeager Citizen/Community Service Awards luncheon.
The awards were established in honor of the late Lillian Yeager, whose name in the metropolitan Louisville area and The Episcopal Church could be considered synonymous with service and commitment. She died in May 2006 after a long struggle against cancer.
Those honored at a ceremony on June 28 were Denise Raine, who is actively involved in the Youth Alive and inner city programs; Arnita Gadson, executive director of the nonprofit, volunteer organization West Jefferson County Community Task Force; Jill Doimer, who coordinates the Lunch and Learns Education series to educate the Louisville community about ovarian cancer; and Donald Vish, a Louisville attorney who teaches an ongoing photography class at St. George's Community Center and volunteers his time, resources and skills on behalf of other nonprofit organizations, including the Diocese of Kentucky.
To see photos from the luncheon, click here. And click below to read a transcript of remarks about each recipient by Michelle Yeager, Lillian Yeager's daughter and a St. George's Community Center board member.
