Tennessee is the Volunteer State and has a long and proud tradition of volunteers investing their time and talent to the call to service. National Volunteer Week, April 16-21, is a way to honor this state tradition and recognize individuals who have lead by example, demonstrating commitment and inspiring other deeply committed leaders and volunteers to engage in volunteerism which impacts leading to positive change.
Rev. Dr. Roderick L. Ware, senior pastor of New Monumental Baptist Church will be leaving the city of Chattanooga on Sunday, April 22, and a Farewell Musical Tribute in his honor is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, at 6 p.m. at Greater Tucker’s Banquet Hall. During this Farewell Musical Tribute, Pastor Ware will receive the 2018 President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for Lifetime Achievement; the highest honor bestowed upon active citizens for their contribution to our nation and this award comes from the office of the President of the United States. Scheduled to appear during the Presidential Award Ceremony portion of the program will be Mayor Andy Berke, Commissioner Greg Beck, Councilman Russell Gilbert and a 2017 Presidential Award recipient, Bishop Kevin L. Adams, Sr., pastor of the Olivet Baptist Church.
This National Award, created from the White House, is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) established in 2003 to recognize, celebrate, and honor citizens as role Model Americans who have dedicated 4,000 or more hours of valuable volunteer service during a 12-month period or over the course of a lifetime and in the process, inspiring others to engage in volunteering. The review and award selection was made during the Trump Administration and therefore will be signed by President Donald J. Trump.
Jacqueline Carmon, CEO of Jaloore Enterprises, Inc. (JEI), is proud to be an official, registered certifying organization, approved, authorized and administered to review, verify and distribute one of the country’s highest honors – the presidential volunteer service award. She said, “Over the last 9 years, Pastor Ware showed us that volunteerism has a powerful impact on the community and through mentoring young boys, he embodied the spirit of serving, which snowballed and encouraged others to take action and serve. With gratitude, I am honored to present him with this prestigious award and join in with our nation’s President to thank him.”
Along with the honor of presidential recognition, Pastor Ware will receive a Lifetime Personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion or coin and the Lifetime congratulatory letter signed by the President.
Hosts for this Farewell Musical Tribute & Presidential Award Ceremony will be Greg Funderburg, WTVC News Channel 9 Reporter & Natalie Newbill, 2016 Miss Chattanooga International. For tickets or event details, contact Mrs. Dee Hatten, event coordinator at 423 629-6106. The deadline for tickets will be Sunday, April 15.