The Children’s AdvocacyCenter for Denton County (CACDC) recently held its 2009 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Hubbard Hall on the Denton campus of Texas Woman’s University.  This year’s theme was Volunteers: An Essential Piece.  Volunteers are the lifeblood of any non-profit organization.  At CACDC, volunteers are an essential and final piece to completing the puzzle and mission of justice and healing for abused children.  Volunteers have invested thousands of hours into the agency this past year answering phones, greeting families and new clients, painting murals, stuffing envelopes, and assisting with special events.  While each and every volunteer brings heart and dedication to the agency, four volunteers were chosen to receive a special recognition award.

CACDC would like to congratulate the following 2009 recipients:

Tom Puckett - Volunteer of the Year Award.  Dan Leal, Executive Director states, “Tom Puckett is an amazing advocate for the Center in the community and volunteers for the Center as a way of life.”

Ron & Karen Bailey, Willie & Cody (therapy dogs) - Client Impact Award.  Lisa Sohel, Clinical Therapist, says, “Therapy dogs, Willie and Cody, teach the children about boundaries, safe touches, trust, friendship, acceptance, and most of all, integrity.  They have been volunteering at the agency since 2006.”

Convergint Technologies, LLC – Director’s Award.   “The people at Convergint Technologies have hearts of gold and without them, we could have never had such a smooth move into our new facility.” explains Dan Leal, Executive Director.

Elaine Emery – Jane Graham Award.  Receiving the center’s highest volunteer award, Dan Leal explains that, “Recruiting Elaine to serve on our Board as a volunteer is one of the best things this organization has ever done.  She is an amazing advocate for us from Lewisville to Austin to WashingtonD.C.”

Other luncheon events included a $20,000 check presentation from Barbara Walker with Verizon.  Dan Leal, Executive Director says, “With the wonderful support of Verizon, we can continue our mission of justice and healing for abused children through interagency collaboration.”  The center would also like to thank Texas Woman’s University and Aramark for graciously donating their event services.

The center’s first annual gala fundraiser, Champions for Children, will be held at Circle ‘R’ Ranch in Flower Mound on February 20, 2010 at 7pm.  Guests will be served exquisite cuisine by local renown chefs such as Morris Salerno, while taking pictures and receiving autographs from their favorite sports celebrities such as Tony Casillas, Dat Nguyen and Jose Guzman.   The Honorary Host Committee includes Senator Nelson, Dr. Gretchen Bataille, Josh & Katie Hamilton, George Dunham and many more.  For information or to sponsor this event, visit www.cacdc.org or call 972-317-2818.