2008 MS Outstanding Volunteers - Columbia Area
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Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a University of South Carolina service sorority, joined the Movement this past fall when a group of sorority sisters volunteered for MS Service Day in Columbia. Lauren Blevins contacted the chapter to get more information about the projects we were doing and was fearless in her volunteer recruitment of fellow sorority sisters and the projects they would take on. Two of these young women hung curtain rods and curtains and cleaned out a freezer and storage shed for a woman living with MS. Three worked on a multi-room painting project, and one served as a rover visiting several of the projects to take pictures. It was an early morning start and a six hour commitment for young women who already have busy schedules! Pictured: Lauren Blevins, Katie Boland, Marla Womack. |
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Home Works is an ecumenical organization in Columbia that provides home repairs to homeowners in need. The organization does this through engaging youth and empowering communities to meet the needs of their members. When we met with Homework's Director, Hank Chardos, and explained what we were trying to accomplish through our MS Service Day, he was very willing to partner with us in this endeavor. Hank visited four of the nine homes we worked on in October to assess the projects. On the day of the event, he provided volunteers and coordinated 3 of the projects – performing tile repair, deck and ramp repair and cleaning out a garage. We couldn’t have accomplished all we did in Columbia without the assistance of Hank and the volunteers with Home Works. |
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Michelle French has been a volunteer for the National MS Society Mid-Atlantic Chapter for many years and is truly a valuable part of our team. She is a member of the SC Government Relations Task Force and serves as the SC Federal Ambassador where she monitors the activities of all the SC federal legislators and coordinates visits between people with MS and the legislators. Michelle is always the first person to help out when something needs to be done immediately. She has been indispensable to us as she tirelessly attends fairs & other educational opportunities to create awareness about MS. She supported our MS Service Day activities in Columbia, volunteers for our bike & walk events, and has assisted in our long term care program. |
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Prue Rodriguez began volunteering with the Mid-Atlantic Chapter at the Bike MS event in Myrtle Beach in 2007. A dear friend of hers had been diagnosed with MS and Prue decided she was going to do something about MS now! She not only volunteered for the chapter, but fundraised as well and has recruited other volunteers and participants for the bike event. Prue, along with her husband Ray and her son Mason have been with us at every event since – volunteering at the Walk MS in Aiken, and captaining excellent rest stops at the Savannah River Ride and the Challenge Walk MS. At the 2008 bike event in Greenville, Prue assisted with registration and other activities at the start site. Prue’s energy and passion for our cause is infectious. |
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Natalie Weston and The Perez Pedalers Bike MS team have been involved with the Mid-Atlantic Chapter for a long time. Last year the Perez Pedalers had two new captains – and they hit the ground running! They motivated and pushed the team to step up to the plate. They even hosted their own training ride in Columbia. For everything Bike MS in Columbia, Perez was there. They always exhibit sincerity and commitment and are dedicated to the mission of creating a world free of MS. |
