Pilgrim Place Honors Community Volunteers

At the 2nd annual "Catch the Spirit of Pilgrim Place" Dinner on June 10th - held to celebrate the countless number of people from the wider community who contribute time, talent and treasure on behalf of Pilgrim Place - five special people were recognized for their volunteer contributions. Receiving "Volunteer of the Year Awards" were: Myrna Elliott (governance) for her significantl role as a member of the Board and as chair of the Board Development Committee; Richard Raynard (Petterson Museum) for his commitment and loyal service for years as a docent each month; Myrna Wheeler (Health Services Center) for her visitionary ladership as Chair of Harps for the Spirit Advisory Board; and Steven Leyerly and Bill Shelton (Festival) for their years-long dedication to the Fine Arts Booth, helping to prepare and price paintings sold.

Following the presentations, President/CEO William Cunitz remarked:

"Much has changed since our corporation in 1915 as a home for furloughed missionaries and their children ... and I suspect that we'll continue to change in years to come.

What has not changed is the way in which extraordinary relationships have been forged between the residents of the Claremont Missionary Home ... eventually Pilgrim Place ... and the people of this region. Beginning with the college and church communities of this pioneer settlement, a unique bond, a mutuality of respect, was cultivated, drawing upon the rich diversity of need and support.

Tonight we've celebrated this symbiotic, mutually-nurturing partnership that speaks to the highest aspirations of people in the community.

Recall what we've heard this evening...

• How friendships were forged in service to a higher, more noble ideal
• The manner in which we've re-created ourselves and inanimate objects to a new life
• The notion that you're never too old to learn new tricks...
• A dedication to believing that together, we can change the world ... person by person

There's a mutuality of gratitude here as we "catch the Spirit" of something that transcends time and the rush of our days. And so, we say "thank you" again to the community outside our gates that makes us whole ... that sustains our mission ... that energizes our vision.

Pilgrim Place could not exist without your encouragement ... and we hope that in some small way, we have touched and influenced your lives for the better. May God be praised in the unfolding of all our days."

Photos below were taken at last year's inaugural dinner.