Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Brought to tears, Executive Director of United Way of Eastern New Mexico Erinn Burch presents Toni Chavez with the Patricia Bazar Award on Tuesday.
Curry, Roosevelt, Quay and De Baca county residents and companies gave $455,000 to the United Way of Eastern New Mexico in the past year. They received thanks at the charity's annual banquet Tuesday.
Over 110 people attended the Safari-themed event at the Clovis Civic Center.
"The banquet is just our chance to celebrate the generosity of the community and tell the story of what is occurring at United Way," Executive Director Erinn Burch said.
For feeding nearly 300 people on a daily basis at the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico and volunteering her time at the Sacred Heart Church, Toni Chavez was awarded the Patricia Bazar Award.
Burch said Chavez dedicates her entire being in making sure the entire community is fed and taken care of.
"She is just an amazing volunteer and she's really devoted her time to these efforts in the last four years. She's really significantly focused on her volunteer efforts." Burch said.
Also recognized for their hard work was President Niki Madrid and Treasurer/Endowment Chair Jeff Gentry.
United Way board members Kaye Green and Sara Weist were honored for their six years of service. Board Member Paul Nelson was honored for his seven years of service to the charity.
According to the pamphlet handed out at the event, UWENM "envisions a community that comes together to encourage families that are working to become financially stable; reach out to and support young people at every educational stage; and encourage individuals to make healthy decisions while we reduce the barriers to healthy living."
Agencies that received grants from United Way were announced at the banquet as well:
• Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico - $27,500.
• Habitat for Humanity for Curry and Roosevelt County - $26,000.
• Arise Sexual Assault Services - $20,400.
• Curry Resident Senior Meals Association - $9,700.
• Hartley House for Curry and Roosevelt County - $19,700
• Special Olympics of Clovis - $4,700.
• Operation Warm Heart - $3,000.
• Clovis and Portales Meals on Wheels - $7,000.
• Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails - $2,330.
• In addition, over $61,000 goes to 25 other non-profits per donor wishes.
"It's our mission to support services and initiatives that are going to improve the lives of our residents. Our goal is to break down barriers for families so all can thrive," Burch said.
