Tuesday, January 06, 2009
CARE-NET: CAREGIVER ADVOCACY
Caregiving Celebrated on a Grand Scale
In October of 2007, Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter fought back tears as she introduced her friend, Annie Johnson of Plains, and named her Georgia’s 2007 Family Caregiver of the Year. Mrs. Carter had only learned days before that Ms. Johnson had been nominated for the award by the West Central Georgia CARE-NET, and then selected as the state winner by the selection committee. Annie Johnson has served for 40 years as primary caregiver for her grandson Mark, who is profoundly disabled.
Over 250 people were on hand in 2007 to witness the presentation and enjoy a glamorous evening during the RCI Awards Banquet. The 2008 event will prove to be just as festive as devoted caregivers and leaders in the caregiving field are celebrated on a grand scale.
After last year’s emotional presentation to Annie Johnson, three other selfless individuals were presented with a gilded rose and $1,000 check from Mrs. Carter. Annelle Couch of Chatsworth was named Volunteer Caregiver of the Year, and Dollie Cleveland of Jenkinsburg, and Inez Moultrie of Albany tied for the title of Para-professional Caregiver of the Year. Cameras flashed as these four dedicated ladies enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience, posing for pictures with President and Mrs. Carter.
Later, Dr. Rick Birkel, Executive Director of the Rosalynn Carter Institute, described the innovative programs nominated for the Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award. Mrs. Carter presented a statuette and $20,000 cash prize to the winner - the Alabama REACH project.
You’re invited to celebrate caregiving with us at the 2008 RCI Awards Banquet, planned for Thursday, October 23 at 7 p.m. on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus.
Tickets for this elegant event are just $50 each. This event is being held in conjunction with the 2008 RCI National Conference. If you’re planning on attending the conference, don’t miss the Awards Banquet. Last year, many conference attendees described the Banquet as the highlight of their visit.
Not attending our conference? You’re still welcome to participate in the Awards Banquet. Purchase your tickets online from our conference web site. We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard and checks.