FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
March 8, 2010

Banquet Honors Town of Cary Volunteers
Banquet Fundraiser Nets $3,500 for Relief for Recreation

CARY, NC – From the athletic field to the streets of Downtown to Cary’s extensive greenway system, it’s hard to not interact with a Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources volunteer. On February 23, hundreds of Town of Cary volunteers were honored for their leadership. Ten volunteers received special recognition, including:

•   Rick Adamson, recipient of the Don Smith Award, which recognizes a volunteer in the Town’s athletics programs who demonstrates leadership as well as promotes skill development, sportsmanship, participation and fun;

•   David Buchanan, recipient of the Distinguished New Coach Award, which recognizes a person who has coached less than five years with the Town of Cary and demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with players, parents and staff, brings in new ideas and promotes the Athletics Division philosophy;

•   Christine Nacewicz, recipient of the Teen Award, awarded to a deserving member of Cary’s Teen Council who demonstrates leadership and a strong interest in community service;

•   Rafael Osuba, recipient of the Cultural Arts Award, which is presented to an individual who lends leadership and support to all aspects of the Town’s arts programs;

•   Bernie Kellog, recipient of the Seniors Impacting Seniors Award, presented to an individual involved with programs and activities that positively impact the lives of their fellow seniors;

•   Mandy Astor, recipient of the Parks & Trails Award, which recognizes leadership and effectiveness in advocating nature conservation and education, as well as the improvement and development of the Town’s greenways, trails and open spaces;

•   Robin Jones, recipient of the Events Volunteer Award, which is presented to an individual who has worked to provide support to one or more of the many special events produced by the Town of Cary’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department;

•   Paul Wasylkevych, recipient of the Herb Young Award, which is given to a volunteer with overall outstanding service, leadership and support for and of the staff and programs of the Town of Cary’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department; and,

•   Cary Teen Council, recipient of the Partner Organization of the Year Award, which is presented to a non-profit, civic, school, club or other organization that has partnered with the Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department to achieve its mission and goals and contributed to the enhancement of life in Cary and for Cary’s citizens.

“This is a chance to recognize our citizens who are contributing to the betterment of their town by assisting with programs, events and other activities presented by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department,” said Joy Ennis, Festivals Coordinator. “We congratulate each of these dedicated individuals for their exemplary service and hope it will inspire others to make a difference in the lives of others.”

This year’s banquet marked the first time a silent auction was held to benefit the Relief for Recreation Fund, a scholarship fund created to assist Cary residents with financial needs to participate in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources programs. Approximately 93 items were up for bid, and over $3,500 was raised. Bill Leslie, morning and noon news anchor for WRAL and Town of Cary resident, shared inspiring words with guests during the event.

The Town of Cary offers many opportunities for citizens to become involved in the community through the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. To become a volunteer, to view a complete list of volunteer opportunities or to nominate a current volunteer, visit Volunteers at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS: 
Joy Ennis, Festivals Coordinator, (919) 462-3864
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951