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For Immediate Release
July 3, 2001

Volunteers Honored at Annual DMHDD Luncheon

Nashville-TN--Some 30 top volunteers from across the state, providing services to the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, gathered in Nashville at the historic Union State Hotel on June 7^th for special recognition.

The occasion was the department's 12^th Annual Volunteer Luncheon which pays tribute to Tennesseans who contribute time, goods and services to make life better for people who receive services in state operated mental health institutes or developmental centers.

First Lady Martha Sundquist gave the principal address. She cited her own volunteer efforts and expressed appreciation for the input the volunteers made in the lives of people serviced by the department's facilities.

From the 30 nominees, five were chosen for top honors. Mrs. Sundquist and DMHDD Commissioner Elisabeth Rukeyser presented plaques for the Volunteer of the Year, Volunteen of the Year, Volunteer Group of the Year, Volunteer Spirit Award and the Commissioner's Award. Also honored were the facility volunteer service coordinators.

Bolivar--Chasity Parram, a volunteer from Western Mental Health Institute won the "Volunteen of the Year Award" for her many volunteer activities including work in the Geropsychiatric Unit (for people age 65 and older.) Parram was an honor student at Bolivar Central High school and has spent the past four summers volunteering at Western MHI.

Nashville--Woodlawn Funeral Home received the "Volunteer Group of the Year Award" for its 27 years of providing burial services to Clover Bottom Developmental Centers residents who pass away with no family or funds. During those years no one was turned away and services were carried out with the same dignity as they were for others.

Greene Valley--Barbara Shelton of Greene Valley Developmental Center was named "Volunteer of the Year." Although a high school students, since 1999 she has logged more than 800 hours assisting staff providing individual attention and social stimulation to people who are in Greene Valley's care. When registering for high school, she made sure the school bus would stop at Greene Valley on her way home, so she could volunteer in the afternoons. Shelton is willing to spend time where she can make a difference by just adding a smile on the faces of those that live and work there.

Knoxville--Carol and Richard LeBudde, two loyal friends of Lakeshore were honored with the "Volunteer Spirit Award." The LeBuddes volunteer for duty in Lakeshore's library, assisting the librarian to check in periodicals and organize various materials. Richard often plays handyman on equipment that needs repair. They come to the library twice each week and interact with both kids and adults.

Bolivar--The "Commissioner's Award" was presented to Western Mental Health Institute's Lillie Cavazos, who began volunteering shortly after retirement as the facility's procurement officer. She has done much to enrich the lives of patients and lighten the load of staff.

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