River Counties Red Cross community leaders
For their tireless efforts to help others in their communities, one citizen from each of the three counties served by the River Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross has been selected as a Community Leader for 2010.
“Dave Cryer of Middlesex County, Aime Jenkins of Richmond County, and Carroll Ashburn of Lancaster County are wonderful examples of folks who give time, energy, skills, knowledge and a helping hand to those in need,” said executive director Julie Dudley. “We welcome the opportunity to honor them and to give their communities a chance to express appreciation.”
Cryer has been active in Middlesex involved in the care and welfare of young children in need, as a foster parent inviting over 50 foster children into his home. He served as a court-appointed advocate (CASA), is a life-member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and member of the Central Virginia Food Bank, Kiwanis Club, Rotary, Habitat for Humanity and Hands Across Middlesex. The most visible example of his commitment is The Cryer Center, which was recently built on General Puller Highway, bringing together local non-profit organizations, including the American Red Cross, and housing the offices of Hands Across Middlesex and Habitat for Humanity Middlesex among others.
Jenkins has been active in Richmond as a substitute teacher in the Richmond County School System, serving on the PTA, as assistant leader of the local Brownie Troop, and at the YMCA where twice she has received the Volunteer of the Year Award and served on the board. Over time she has taken on the role of Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, children’s choir director and has been the American Red Cross blood coordinator for the past 10 years.
Ashburn has been active in Lancaster with the Kilmarnock Museum, Central Virginia Food Bank and Kilmarnock Chamber of Commerce. He was the founder of the Northern Neck Sports Wall of Fame, volunteered with Special Olympics and Senior Olympics, and was event coordinator for chamber events such as Kilmarnock Days and the Christmas Parade. He is well known in the world of sports for coaching the Texattes girls fast-pitch softball team, coach of the Lancaster Texacos fast-pitch softball team, and as a local basketball referee and Little League and high school umpire.
Combined, the three honorees have given more than 100 years to community service, said Dudley.
A dinner honoring these three community leaders will be held September 14 at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club near Kilmarnock. While recognizing these citizens, the Red Cross also will celebrate the 93rd year of service in this area.
In an effort to acknowledge today’s more stringent economic conditions ticket prices have been reduced to $50 per attendee. This reduction has been made possible by the generous contributions of banquet sponsors. The banquet will include a social period from 6:30 to 7 p.m. followed by dinner and comments.
Tickets will be distributed on a first-come basis and may be purchased by phone at 435-7669 or from Jim Tinney at 758-2666. Eight- or 10-seat table groupings may be arranged. Dress is business attire. To become a sponsor of the event, please phone 435-7669.
