President Council on Service-Civic Participation to Deliver Presidential Volunteer Service Awards

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 15, 2009 – Nashville, TN – DCS Agency today announced it has teamed with the White House to become a Certifying Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Established in 2003, the award was created by President George W. Bush to give Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over 12-months.

DCS is one of thousands of organizations that have joined forces to deliver the President's Volunteer Service Award and honor the volunteers who strengthen our Nation. As a Certifying Organization , DCS is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering the award.

“We are extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award,” said the agency spokesperson. These volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a Nation. The award is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives.” This year several Nashville residents will receive the Lifetime award status along with several Gold awards being presented to younger volunteers who have outstanding volunteerism but less hours of service. Lifetime status recipients will include Rick Hendrix of the Rick Hendrix Company. For many years, Hendrix has divided his time between his radio promotions firm and volunteer service with Vanderbilt Hospital, a homeless outreach ministry, and a program that provides positive music to prisoners. Other local music industry personnel receiving the award are Judy Nelon, of The Judy Nelon Group who has been instrumental in supporting the rich heritage of Southern Gospel Music. She is the President of the Southern Gospel Music Guild. Lisa Abraham, has been a lifelong advocate for the Christian music industry and is recognized in the community as a mover and shaker in volunteerism. Bo Bice is the 2005 American Idol runner-up and since his Idol tour has volunteered his time doing benefit concerts for charities including Habitat, Katrina assistance, and two concert tours for the military troops in Iraq. Jacob Coleman, a 2008 Belmont University graduate will receive a Gold award for his many volunteer hours with under-privileged youth in the community. A ceremony and reception will take place in early summer to honor these outstanding volunteers who have made a tremendous impact that reaches far beyond the borders of the Nashville community.  

The award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group convened by President George W. Bush to help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering.

For more information about volunteering and more information on the award and to find out how to identify additional volunteer opportunities in this area, visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.