CINCINNATI OHIO – Volunteers of America Ohio River Valley hosted its Second Annual Booth Spirit Awards Luncheon, October 15, 2008 at the Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University. The event honored individuals and organizations that “perform outstanding service in building safe and healthy communities.” More than 300 guests attended the luncheon to honor the award recipients.
Loveland Magazine Publisher, David Miller won the Media Award for Internet, print, and broadcast outlets.
Jan Powell, Chairman of the VOAORV's Board of Trustees, said, “Each of the award recipients recognized, demonstrated continuing and unswerving dedication to making communities healthy and strong.”
“The awards come with our deepest gratitude for all they've done – and continue to do – for the safety and health of our Communities,” Powell said. “We received many nominations, and the Awards Committee did not take their work lightly in selecting the recipients.”
Dan Hurley, Director of Leadership Cincinnati at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce and producer/host of the Sunday morning broadcast “Newsmakers” emceed the luncheon. Cincinnati Police Chief Lt. Col. Tom Streicher was the keynote speaker.
The awards honor individuals, organizations, and businesses that work “diligently” to help make Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities a “safe and healthy place to live, work, and play.”
In presenting the award to Miller, Hurley said, “Loveland Magazine has grown into a premier local on-line news outlet. The on-line news source provides an invaluable link for community residents, connecting them with their local government, their schools, the wider community, and fellow neighbors.”
In accepting the award, Miller said that he was both honored to receive the award and humbled. He said, “I accept this award, not because I deserve it, but I accept it because now I have the challenge to live up to the spirit of the Booths.”
Hurley also mentioned some of Miller's past community service, highlighting his commitment to clean drinking water by closing a local landfill, and saving forested Loveland land.
Loveland Magazine has published more than 3,400 stories sine it was founded in 2004. The Award says in part, “Miller demonstrates that one person can make a difference in the safety and health of a community by providing communication and education that motivates citizens to act on issues that affect them.”
Also honored at the Luncheon were: The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, Capt. Howard Niemeier with the Newport Police Department, Cincinnati Police Department Citizens Police Academy for the Hearing and Deaf Impaired, New Beginnings Community Church of Dayton, KY, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati, Lt. Larry Powell and Officer Teri Windeler of the Cincinnati Citizens on Patrol Program, Capt. Kim Frey and Lt. Bruce Hoffbauer with the Cincinnati Police Department's Vortex Unit, and John “Satch” Coletta, Delhi Township Chief of Police.
Eddie Leonard received the Mayor’s Choice Award from Cincinnati Mayor, Mark Mallory. John "Tad" Lawrence and Susan Young received the 2008 Greater Cincinnati Volunteer Award
Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maude Booth. They envisioned a movement dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged to “go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.” That dedication has guided Volunteers of America’s outreach efforts ever since.
